Sample from a brag book created for CSNCFL Board Members to promote services
Board Priority: Entrepreneurship Training
Startup Quest® began as a pilot program in Gainesville, FL, and is now available in eight workforce regions across Florida, covering 17 counties. The pilot program was funded by a CareerSource Florida grant in 2011, and its success led to a $12-million grant funded evaluation study by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).
Startup Quest® is unique in that it pairs teams of participants with professional mentors, who are successful CEOs and entrepreneurs, to create a simulated business based on a technology from Florida universities and NASA. Last summer, two Gainesville graduates licensed a NASA technology they discovered in the program.
1,190 graduates across Florida
593 trainees employed statewide
165 trainees self-employed statewide
Because this an evaluation study, all Startup Quest® applicants go through a random selection process for acceptance into the program. Veterans receive priority of service. The training is offered at no cost to selected eligible participants.
Bradford County Incubator offers classroom education, one-on-one coaching and half- and full-day workshops on how to create a business plan. CSNCFL and Santa Fe CIED partnered to create this training program that gives participants the skills and knowledge required to create and grow a business and become self-employed. Training and support are created around each participant’s target business in a process-based approach. Participants learn about small business management, marketing 101, money management and accounting basics, HR management, branding, market research and more.
Tech Quest is a technology-based training seminar for in-school and out-of-school WIA Youth participants. Launched by CSNCFL, Santa Fe College CIED and Shadow Health CEO David Massias,the seminar focuses on technology’s role in entrepreneurship development. Successful entrepreneurs, CEOs and community leaders share personal stories of growth and success while discussing their individual invention and/or start-up companies. Upon completion of the program, students earn tablets to enhance their communication, research, writing, technology and financial literacy skills; complete the application process with Santa Fe College; and participate in internship opportunities with local businesses and start-ups.
The Family Business Mentoring Program (FBMP) is a collaborative effort of CSNCFL, Bradford County School District, Communities in Schools and the Santa Fe College Foundation focusing on entrepreneurship training as a way to increase hope through awareness of options and resources available in the community. During the 12-week program, participants create a real or simulated family business with the guidance of a professional mentor. FBMP teaches students about industries, career choices, financial literacy and entrepreneurship prior to choosing education tracks in high school.
Students and their families present business plans to a panel of judges, and the winning student receives a $4,000 Santa Fe College scholarship.