Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC), in partnership with Veterans Florida, is offering the Veterans Florida Entrepreneur Program, a series of entrepreneurial workshops and a six-month cohort designed to help military veterans and eligible spouses turn their skills and experience into successful business ventures.
Veterans Florida is an economic and workforce development nonprofit created by the State of Florida to provide SkillBridge, career, and entrepreneur resources and training for separating or retiring U.S. military service members, veterans, members of the National Guard or Reserves, and their spouses who make or desire to make Florida their home.
The program begins with four entrepreneurial workshops in November and December 2026, followed by a six-month Entrepreneur Program cohort beginning January 27, 2027. All sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The workshops will introduce participants to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including developing an entrepreneurial mindset, understanding business financing and licensing, identifying local small business resources, and learning from experienced local entrepreneurs.
The six-month cohort will build on these foundational topics, providing participants with guidance and training as they work toward launching or growing a business.
The workshop schedule includes:
• November 4, 2026: Entrepreneurship 101: Entrepreneurial Mindset and Steps to Starting a Business
• November 18, 2026: Business Basics: Financing, Licensing and Classification
• December 2, 2026: Support for Small Business: Local Resources for Entrepreneurs
• December 16, 2026: Working Wisdom: Local Small Business Entrepreneur Panel
The six-month cohort will begin January 27, 2027, and meet on the following dates: February 10 and 24; March 10 and 24; April 7 and 21; May 5 and 19; and June 2 and 9.
The Veterans Florida Entrepreneur Program was created to help translate the skills military members develop through service into entrepreneurship. Through statewide partnerships, Veterans Florida connects aspiring veteran business owners with training and resources to help them navigate the process of starting a business.
Eligible participants may receive fully subsidized training through funding provided by the Florida Legislature and Veterans Florida. Veterans and eligible spouses interested in participating should review the application for eligibility requirements.
Individuals who are not eligible for subsidized participation may also attend workshops for $25 per workshop or enroll in the Launch Entrepreneur Program cohort for $250.
Individuals who are not eligible for subsidized participation may also attend workshops for $25 per workshop or enroll in the Launch Entrepreneur Program cohort for $250.
To learn more or apply, visit www.nwfsc.edu/VFEP-Application. For additional information, contact Northwest Florida State College at 850-729-4994 or workforce@nwfsc.edu.
NWFSC is grateful to Veterans Florida for its funding and support in making entrepreneurial education and training available to aspiring veteran business owners.
