Northwest Florida State College
NICEVILLE, Fla. — Military veterans and eligible spouses in Northwest Florida will have a new opportunity this fall to explore entrepreneurship and get hands-on help launching or growing a business.
Northwest Florida State College, 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 participants 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 workshops in November and December 2026, followed by a six-month Entrepreneur Program cohort beginning Jan. 27, 2027. All sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The workshops are designed to 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 those topics, offering guidance and training as participants work toward launching or expanding a business.
The workshop schedule includes:
Nov. 4, 2026: Entrepreneurship 101: Entrepreneurial Mindset and Steps to Starting a Business
Nov. 18, 2026: Business Basics: Financing, Licensing and Classification
Dec. 2, 2026: Support for Small Business: Local Resources for Entrepreneurs
Dec. 16, 2026: Working Wisdom: Local Small Business Entrepreneur Panel
The six-month cohort begins Jan. 27, 2027, and will meet Feb. 10 and 24; March 10 and 24; April 7 and 21; May 5 and 19; and June 2 and 9.
Eligible participants may receive fully subsidized training through funding provided by the Florida Legislature and Veterans Florida. Veterans and eligible spouses interested in participating are encouraged to review the application for eligibility requirements.
People who are not eligible for subsidized participation may attend workshops for $25 per workshop or enroll in the Launch Entrepreneur Program cohort for $250.
More information and applications are available at www.nwfsc.edu/VFEP-Application. Additional information is available from Northwest Florida State College at 850-729-4994 or workforce@nwfsc.edu.
3
Sand In My Boots 2027 lineup announced5
Florida State fires Mike Norvell as head football coach3
Bras Across the CAUSEway 5K draws huge turnout at Battleship Park in Mobile3
SAVE THE DATE: Sand In My Boots 2027 May 21-23, 2027
