Upcoming Events

Bookmark this page and stay up-to-date on events for veterans in Florida!

January

1/31 – 4/3

Facilitated Startup Program

Jacksonville – Duval County

Cohort-based, 10-week program for military veterans that provides the tools needed to successfully launch and operate a business. By UNF Entrepreneurship Programs for Veterans. Wednesdays, 6:00 – 8:30 PM ET.

February

2/8 – 3/28

FAU Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program (VFEP) Startup Cohort

Boca Raton – Palm Beach County

In this VFEP Startup Program, you will complete and produce a Business Model Canvas with the assistance of a mentor, and determine if your idea, business, or new product or service is or is not validated and marketable. Thursdays, 5:30 – 8:30 PM ET.

2/19 – 4/8

JULO CEO Mindset: Startup Cohort

Pensacola – Escambia County

Learn how to shift your mindset from an employee to a CEO! This eight-week cohort is suited for entrepreneurs dreaming about their business idea and wanting to turn their skills into a profitable business. Mondays, 6:00 – 9:00 PM CT.

2/21 – 3/27

JULO CEO Mindset: Growth Cohort

Pensacola – Escambia County

Learn how to shift your mindset from an employee to a CEO! This intense six-week cohort focuses on growing your current business. It is for the entrepreneur looking to maximize their time, grow their clients, and make more money. Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 PM CT.

March

3/20

FAVOB Greater Tampa Bay Monthly Breakfast Networking Event

Tampa – Hillsborough County

The Breakfast Networking Event will be hosted at La Segunda on Kennedy. Bring your business cards, tips, tricks, promotions, and collaboration methods! 8:30 – 10:00 AM ET.

3/20

SBA VOSB Federal Surplus Property Program Webinar

Statewide – Virtual

Join an upcoming webinar, where we’ll unlock the Small Business Administration federal surplus property programs available to 8(a) firms and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). This workshop will address eligibility criteria, regulatory guidance, and the role of district offices in monitoring these programs. 2:00 – 4:00 PM ET.

3/21 – 5/9

JULO CEO Mindset: Startup Cohort

Statewide – Virtual

Learn how to shift your mindset from an employee to a CEO! This eight-week cohort is suited for entrepreneurs dreaming about their business idea and wanting to turn their skills into a profitable business. Thursdays through 5/9.

3/23 – 4/20

VEI ScaleUp Cohort

Orlando – Orange County

Take advantage of the opportunity to work on your business! This cohort is for veteran led companies generating revenue and looking to scale. It will help you clarify your business concept(s) or models by walking through the steps of planning, adjusting and re-shaping the business model and/or growth plan. Saturdays 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM ET.

3/25 – 5/13

St. Petersburg College Startup Cohort

St. Petersburg – Pinellas County

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program works to provide participants with a comprehensive suite of training options designed to enhance their entrepreneurial skills wherever they may be in their entrepreneurial journey. Mondays, 6:00 – 8:00 PM ET at The Greenhouse.

3/27

FAU Business Pitch Competition

Boca Raton – Palm Beach County

The annual Florida Atlantic Business Pitch Competition is hosted by the College of Business, Adams Center for Entrepreneurship with support from local partners and sponsors. This year, the competition encourages 4 different tracks, including a track for veteran-owned businesses, to pitch their game-changing idea for a chance to fund their new ventures. Schmidt Family Complex, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET.

3/28

RecruitMilitary Job Fair

Jacksonville – Duval County

Join the Veterans Florida team at this RecruitMilitary job fair! Talk to our team as well as meet veteran-ready employers and exhibitors. Free to veterans and military spouses. Everbank Stadium, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM ET.

3/29 – 3/30

Tampa Bay AirFest

Tampa – Hillsborough County

Meet the Veterans Florida team at MacDill Air Force Base for the Tampa Bay AirFest! Talk to our team and witness some amazing military and civilian flight performances.

April

4/1 – 5/6

Veterans Growth Program

Ft. Lauderdale – Broward County

The Veterans Growth Program is for startups that are on the cusp of scaling. Ideal participants have demonstrated a market fit, might have received funding, and are generating revenue. This free, six-week program is designed to help entrepreneurs increase funding, customers, revenue streams, and build further brand recognition for their startups. Mondays 8:30 – 11:00 AM ET.

4/4

Business Pitch Fundamentals

Orlando – Orange County

Whether you’re seeking investment or aiming to impress stakeholders, mastering the art of pitching is essential for business success. Learn proven techniques for creating impactful pitch decks, captivating your audience with storytelling, and maximizing your persuasive abilities. 6:00 – 8:30 PM ET.

4/6 – 6/1

Activate: Action Zone Startup Cohort

Tampa – Hillsborough County

Activate and get moving in the right direction, whether your business is in pre-launch, pivot or no/slow- growth stage. Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET.

4/8 – 5/25

FGCU Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program Growth Cohort

Tampa – Hillsborough County

This program is an intensive, 6-week program featuring onsite entrepreneurship training for veterans who are currently operating their businesses. The goal is to help veterans grow, scale, and optimize their businesses. Monday and Wednesday evenings; 6:00 – 8:00 PM ET.

4/10

Launches, Lagers, & Vets

Melbourne – Brevard County

Hosted by the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC), Launches, Lagers & Vets aims to create a platform that facilitates networking and job opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses in an informal and welcoming atmosphere. Marker 99, 6:00 – 8:00 PM ET.

4/11

6 Steps to Franchise Ownership

Tampa – Hillsborough County

With so many franchise opportunities available, finding the right fit for you and your family’s lifestyle/financial goals is challenging! Are you a good candidate for a franchise? This workshop hosted by Action Zone can help you discover the answer. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET, this event is available both in-person and virtually over Zoom.

4/11

FAU Small Business Acquisition and Franchising Workshop

Boca Raton – Palm Beach County

This workshop aims to provide valuable insights and resources tailored to veteran entrepreneurs like yourself who are interested in exploring opportunities in small business acquisition and/or franchising. 5:30 – 8:30 PM ET.

4/18

Business Acquisition for Veterans

Boca Raton – Palm Beach County

In this power-packed session, you’ll gain insider insights on raising capital for your business and crafting a strategic exit plan for maximum returns. From seasoned veterans to aspiring entrepreneurs, this event is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the competitive business landscape. 3:00 – 5:00 PM ET.

4/24 – 6/12

JULO Strategy Global CEO Mindset Growth Cohort

Statewide – Virtual

Learn how to shift your mindset from an employee to a CEO! This intense six-week cohort focuses on growing your current business. It is for the entrepreneur looking to maximize their time, grow their clients, and make more money. Wednesdays, until 6/12.

4/25

FAU HR and Legal Issues Workshop

Boca Raton – Palm Beach County

Gain a deeper understanding of HR essentials, including hiring, employee management, and compliance; explore legal considerations crucial to protecting and growing your business; and connect with fellow veteran entrepreneurs and industry experts. 5:30 – 8:30 PM ET.

May

5/2 – 6/6

FAU Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program (VFEP) Growth Cohort

Boca Raton – Palm Beach County

Receive training designed to provide you with plans to grow and expand your business. You are not required to have any employees but should have a business generating revenue. You will create a Business Model Canvas with the assistance of a mentor and will determine if your business is validated/marketable and if it is scalable/expandable. Thursdays, 5:30 – 8:30 PM ET.

5/8

Launches, Lagers, & Vets

Melbourne – Brevard County

Hosted by the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC), Launches, Lagers & Vets aims to create a platform that facilitates networking and job opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses in an informal and welcoming atmosphere. Hell ‘n Blazes Brewing Company, 6:00 – 8:00 PM ET.