Florida State University’s Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI) celebrated the successful completion of its 2026 Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans and Families (EBV-F), held June 8-12 in Tallahassee.

The intensive five-day program brought together veterans, military spouses and family members from across the region to explore entrepreneurship as a pathway to business ownership and economic opportunity. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship and networking opportunities, participants gained practical tools and insights to help launch or grow successful ventures.

The EBV-F program is designed to empower veterans and their families by providing entrepreneurial education, business training and access to a network of experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and community partners. Participants engaged in sessions focused on business planning, marketing, financial management, leadership and strategic growth.

“Entrepreneurship is more than starting a business — it’s about creating opportunities, building communities and empowering individuals to recognize their own potential,” said Melissa Roberts, Director of Veterans Programs at the Jim Moran Institute. “It’s a privilege to support this year’s remarkable cohort of veteran spouses, caregivers and family members as they leverage their unique experiences, resilience and dedication to build businesses that drive meaningful change.”

Throughout the week, participants worked alongside fellow aspiring entrepreneurs while learning from faculty, business experts and successful entrepreneurs. The program emphasized collaboration, innovation and the unique strengths veterans and military families bring to the business community.

Since its inception, the EBV-F program has helped veterans and military families develop the knowledge, confidence and connections needed to pursue entrepreneurial success. Graduates join a growing network of alumni who continue to support one another as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of business ownership.

For more information about the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans and Families and other Jim Moran Institute programs, visit the Jim Moran Institute website.

About the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship

The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, housed in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University, cultivates, trains and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition and leading-edge research. The Jim Moran Institute comprises a dedicated team of entrepreneurship professionals, academic scholars and staff who foster the entrepreneurial spirit by helping to organize, expand and promote the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship to facilitate new business and further the goals of established businesses.

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Florida State University and the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship (JMC) will welcome entrepreneurship educators, center directors, researchers, startup ecosystem builders and innovation leaders from around the world for the 2026 Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) Conference Oct. 15-17 in Tallahassee.

The conference marks the 30th anniversary of the GCEC, the world’s premier organization supporting university-based entrepreneurship centers and programs. The event arrives during a historic period for FSU, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2026. It also follows the 30th anniversary celebration of the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI).

GCEC brings together more than 500 entrepreneurship leaders from across the globe to exchange ideas, share best practices and explore the future of entrepreneurship education, innovation and economic development. It’s where conversations go beyond theory and into what’s working right now — teaching entrepreneurship, how students are launching ventures and how universities are connecting more intentionally with the innovation ecosystems around them. Across keynotes, breakout sessions and a lot of hallway conversations, attendees swap ideas, co-create resources and explore new approaches for the future of entrepreneurship education.

This year’s theme is momentum, the forward motion that moves ideas into action, transforms challenges into opportunities and fuels the engine of innovation.

“I love entrepreneurship because it is one of society’s greatest force multipliers, helping to build momentum that transforms ideas into action and drives both economic and social impact,” said Eric Liguori, JMC professor and associate dean. “As we prepare to welcome this global group of entrepreneurship leaders to FSU to share best practices, build partnerships and shape the future of innovation and entrepreneurship education, I can’t think of a better theme to capture the essence of entrepreneurship at FSU and the possibilities GCEC 2026 is sure to present.”

“I love entrepreneurship because it is one of society’s greatest force multipliers, helping to build momentum that transforms ideas into action and drives both economic and social impact.”

– Eric Liguori, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship Professor

FSU is joining a strong lineup of institutions that have hosted the GCEC Conference over its 30-year history, including many of the most well-established entrepreneurship programs around the world. The group of host institutions has helped shape the conference into what it is today: a collaborative forum where relationships turn into partnerships, new program ideas and new ways of thinking about how to best support founders. It’s also one of the few gatherings that shows how quickly entrepreneurship education is evolving across different universities and regions.

“Our unique model of hosting the GCEC Conference on a different campus each year gives attendees a direct look at diverse universities and regional entrepreneurship ecosystems,” said Holly DeArmond, executive director of the GCEC. “Celebrating our 30th anniversary at FSU in 2026 is special. Not only are they home to the nation’s first college of entrepreneurship, but their Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship also recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Together, we represent three decades of leadership in entrepreneurship education and programming.”

Hosting the GCEC Conference provides FSU with a unique opportunity to showcase Tallahassee’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and the university’s leadership in innovation and economic development.

Entrepreneurship and innovation are key priorities within FSU’s strategic vision, reflected through investments in entrepreneurial education, research commercialization, student innovation and community engagement. Through the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, innovation-focused academic programs, startup support initiatives and partnerships across the region, FSU continues to serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth and economic opportunity.

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the collaborative network that supports entrepreneurs throughout North Florida, including university programs, startup support organizations, business leaders, investors and community partners working together to create an environment where innovation can thrive.

The conference is also expected to generate significant economic and community impact for Tallahassee by bringing visitors from around the world to Florida’s capital city and highlighting the region’s entrepreneurial momentum, research capabilities and commitment to innovation.

Call for session proposals

Entrepreneurship educators, researchers and practitioners are invited to contribute to the global conversation on entrepreneurship education and innovation by submitting session proposals for the 2026 conference.

Proposal Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026
Submit your session proposal

Registration information

Conference registration includes access to keynote presentations, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, hospitality suites, scheduled meals and official conference programming throughout the three-day event.

• Early bird registration: April 1-Aug. 3 ($650)
• Regular registration: Aug. 4-Aug. 31 ($825)
• Late registration: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 ($975)
• Guest dinner pass: $150 per guest, per dinner
• Register Today

The 2026 GCEC Conference will be held on FSU’s campus and at select venues throughout Tallahassee. Attendees will experience the university’s vibrant entrepreneurial community while connecting with peers from leading institutions around the world.

For more information about conference registration, sponsorship opportunities and proposal submissions, visit JMC’s website. If you have any questions, please contact the FSU GCEC committee at gcec@jmc.fsu.edu.

About the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers

The Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers is the premier international organization for university-based entrepreneurship centers. Through conferences, professional development opportunities and awards programs, GCEC supports the advancement of entrepreneurship education and innovation ecosystems around the world.

About the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship

The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University is dedicated to teaching, learning and practicing entrepreneurship. As one of the nation’s leading standalone colleges of entrepreneurship, JMC prepares students to become entrepreneurial leaders and innovators while supporting economic development and business creation throughout Florida and beyond.

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The Panama City Small Business Executive Program, operated by Florida State University’s Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, celebrated its first-ever graduating cohort on April 30. The achievement marks a significant milestone for small business leadership development in the Northwest Florida region.

The executive-level program equips small business owners with the tools, strategies and mindset needed to lead with confidence, strengthen business operations and turn challenges into opportunities for long-term growth. Participants of the program engaged in advanced leadership and business development training focused on helping entrepreneurs think differently, adapt strategically and build stronger, more resilient businesses.

“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by this inaugural class,” said Marina Lickson, director of the Northwest Florida program. “Their commitment to growth and leadership reflects the strength and potential of the small business community in Panama City and beyond.”

The program’s partnership with the Florida State University Panama City campus created a collaborative environment where local business leaders could learn, connect and grow together. The achievements of the initial graduating class highlight the potential influence these business owners will have on the Panama City community and the surrounding area.

Applications for the Tallahassee Small Business Executive Program fall cohort are open until August 14, 2026. More information can be found on the program’s website.

About the Small Business Executive Program (SBEP)

The Small Business Executive Program is an executive-level leadership and business development initiative created to support small business owners through strategic learning, leadership training and peer collaboration, designed to foster sustainable business growth.

About the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship

The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, housed in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University, cultivates, trains and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition and leading-edge research. The Jim Moran Institute comprises a dedicated team of entrepreneurship professionals, academic scholars and staff who foster the entrepreneurial spirit by helping to organize, expand and promote the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship to facilitate new business and further the goals of established businesses.

For more information, visit jmi.fsu.edu.

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An emerging entrepreneur in Tallahassee was recognized with a national award given to someone who has overcome adversity while demonstrating exceptional leadership, service and commitment to community. 

Lewis Thurston II received the Michael Boyce Award at the inaugural Leon Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (LEAP) Entrepreneur Spotlight Speaker Series on March 24, hosted by FSU’s Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship and Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. The award honors individuals who overcome adversity while demonstrating exceptional leadership, service, and community commitment. Thurston, a LEAP graduate, also served as the featured speaker. 

The LEAP program in Tallahassee is part of the national Urban Poverty and Business Initiative network, housed at the University of Notre Dame, which spans more than 60 cities across the country. Each year, one entrepreneur from each city is selected for the Michael Boyce Award, which honors a founder who exemplifies Col. Michael H. Boyce’s lifelong commitment to service, leadership and mentorship. 

Thurston’s Tallahassee-based company VEZ Productions provides music and entertainment services for a range of events, contributing to both the local business community and major initiatives such as FSU’s Dance Marathon.  

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Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship is launching a new Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program in Leon County, offering free, hands-on entrepreneurship training for veterans, service members and military-connected families. The program is delivered in partnership with Veterans Florida and is based in Tallahassee.

The Tallahassee-based cohort will run for six weeks, and space is limited. The program will meet from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18; from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25; and will continue Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. April 29 through May 20.

The program will focus on business modeling, customer discovery and market validation. Participants will work through a structured curriculum designed to help them test ideas, refine business models and build a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

“Veterans bring discipline, leadership and problem-solving skills that translate naturally into entrepreneurship,” said Eric Liguori, associate dean for research and external relations in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. “This program is about meeting veterans where they are, providing practical tools and surrounding them with a community that helps turn ideas into viable businesses.”

“This program is about meeting veterans where they are, providing practical tools and surrounding them with a community that helps turn ideas into viable businesses.”

– Eric Liguori, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship

The Leon County program builds on FSU’s longstanding commitment to serving veterans and military-connected families. FSU is designated as a Florida Purple Star Campus and is consistently recognized among the nation’s most veteran-friendly universities.

“This partnership with Veterans Florida allows us to extend FSU’s impact beyond the classroom and directly into the Tallahassee community,” said Susan Fiorito, dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. “By combining high-quality entrepreneurship education with strong local partnerships, we are creating pathways for long-term economic opportunity for veterans and their families.”

Program registration is now open. Interested attendees may apply at the Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program application page.

Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and become eligible to join the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship’s statewide alumni network of more than 2,700 Florida business owners.

The Leon County program is part of a broader initiative that also includes a companion Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program in Bay County (Panama City). Additional details about the Bay County program are available at the program’s web page.

The program is delivered in partnership with Veterans Florida, whose mission is to help veterans transition successfully into civilian life through education, entrepreneurship and workforce training.

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The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at Florida State University (JMI) is expanding its statewide impact by launching its first-ever program in the Panama City area.

For more than two decades, JMI has served small business owners and nonprofit leaders across Tallahassee and the rest of Florida. The institute is now bringing its proven executive education model to Panama City in the spring 2026, launching its inaugural Panama City Small Business Executive Program (SBEP Class I).

Small Business Executive Program (SBEP) – Panama City

JMI will offer the Panama City Small Business Executive Program as part of its commitment to supporting Northwest Florida’s small business community. This no-cost program is designed for CEOs and presidents of small businesses seeking to sharpen their strategic thinking, enhance performance and develop sustainable growth plans.

Participants will gain:

• Tools to strengthen strategic decision-making.
• Guidance to enhance overall business performance.
• A long-term individualized growth plan.
• Access to a robust network of fellow business leaders, mentors and JMI alumni.

Panama City SBEP Class I (Spring 2026) Key Dates:

• Applications Due: March 11, 2026.
• Notice of Acceptance: March 18, 2026.
• Program Sessions: April 1–29, 2026 (five sessions).

For more information about the program curriculum, application process and schedule, please visit the SBEP Panama City website.

As JMI continues to expand its reach across Northwest Florida, the launch of the SBEP in Panama City marks a significant milestone, bringing world-class, no-cost entrepreneurial education to a new region while building on decades of service to business owners across the state.

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Florida State University recognized international and domestic participants of the Fulbright Program during a reception Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Longmire Building. 

Founded in 1946, the Fulbright Program is one of the most widely recognized international academic exchange programs. It aims to increase mutual understanding and support friendly and peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The U.S. government currently partners with more than 160 countries worldwide. 

FSU has participated in the Fulbright Program since 1951 and has been among the nation’s top producers of both faculty and student awards in recent years. The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recognized Florida State as a top-producing institution of U.S. Fulbright Scholars earlier this year.  

For the 2025-2026 cycle, three current and former FSU students earned scholarships through the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program to conduct research in the U.K., Colombia and Argentina. In addition, four FSU faculty members will travel to teach and conduct research abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program in Ireland, Taiwan, Hungary and India.  

On campus, 13 foreign students and scholars from places like Indonesia, Armenia and Uruguay are currently studying or conducting research at FSU through the Foreign Fulbright Program. Twelve students are here through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, and one researcher is here through the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program. 

Steve McDowell, FSU’s assistant provost for International Initiatives, presided over the event. FSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs James Clark delivered welcoming remarks.  

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Florida State University has announced its 2026 Seminole 100 list, honoring the fastest-growing businesses owned or led by FSU alumni. Representing some of the most dynamic companies in the nation, Seminole 100 celebrates alumni whose innovation and leadership are driving success across industries. 

“These honorees exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience that define Florida State University,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “Their accomplishments not only elevate their companies but also inspire the next generation of Florida State Seminoles to dream big and lead boldly.” 

Honorees and their companies will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee. During the event, the ranked list will be revealed, culminating with the announcement of the No. 1 alumni-owned or -led business. 

Global professional services firm EY verified submitted company data and ranked businesses based on their compound annual growth rate over the past three years. 

The 2026 Seminole 100 honorees, listed in alphabetical order, are:   

• 360 Advanced Inc. 

• Abyde 

• Academy Center of the Arts 

• Advanced Systems Design 

• A-LIGN Compliance and Security Inc. 

• Alluvionic Inc. 

• Ardent Eagle Solutions 

• Arris General Contractors Inc. 

• Autumn Beck Blackledge PLLC 

• Bedfellows 

• BenTek 

• Better Body Fitness of Montana Inc. 

• Big Fish Marketing 

• Blue Marlin Insurance 

• BNA Wealth 

• Canopy Management Consulting Group LLC 

• Canopy Road Café 

• Capital Speech and Language Therapy Services 

• Cayside Partners 

• Champions First Credit Union 

• Climate First Bank 

• Cloud Navigator Inc. 

• CND Trucking Inc. 

• Corporate Interiors of Orlando LLC 

• David Scott Lee Automotive 

• DFCU Financial 

• Distinction Agency 

• DKW Consulting LLC 

• Don’t Tell Comedy Inc. 

• Downs & St. Germain Research 

• DSF Promos 

• Earley’s Kitchen 

• eLuminate Marketing 

• Emergency Care Help Organization 

• Equiturn Holdings Inc. 

• ESPMedia Production Co. 

• Excellere IT Services 

• Game Changing Fuel 

• GCM Insurance and Risk Management Advisors LLC 

• Glauser Roofing Services LLC 

• GMF Steel Group 

• Goodwipes 

• Greater Orlando Family Law 

• Hale Law 

• Harvey Books LLC 

• HAWM Law 

• Impact Landscaping & Irrigation LLC 

• Imperial Fence Supply of TN LLC 

• Indelible Solutions 

• Independence Digital 

• Innovations Financial Credit Union 

• Insurance Services of Central Florida Inc. 

• Izquierdo Law Firm P.A. 

• Jets MRO 

• John Douglas Insurance & Financial Services 

• JSM & Associates LLC 

• Kerigan Marketing Associates Inc. 

• Knowli Data Science 

• Kupanda Capital LLC 

• La Luxe Dental PLLC 

• Lucas Bassin Insurance Agency 

• MillCreek Financial Consultants 

• Miller Visions Transportation Group LLC 

• Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo LLC 

• NL Vision Hockey Group Inc. 

• On Defend LLC 

• OneLife Health & Performance 

• OVID Solutions 

• PFS Signature Wealth 

• Pomeranz Law PLLC 

• Professional Building Services 

• Prosperitus Wealth Advisors 

• Rambana & Ricci PLLC 

• Rapid Business Plans 

• ReEmployAbility Inc. 

• RennWorks LLC 

• Revell Media 

• RF-SMART 

• Robert Nichols Insurance Group Inc. 

• RSA Consulting Group 

• Russell Rowland Inc. 

• Sanchez Fischer Levine LLP 

• Sharity Global 

• Silver Spoon Solutions 

• South Florida Law PLLC 

• Southeast Florida Institute Inc. 

• Southern Spear Properties LLC 

• Southern Wealth 

• SRI Management LLC 

• Tal Search Group Inc. 

• Tampa Bay Wave 

• The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Inc. 

• The Oaks Apparel Company LLC 

• TriPoint Wealth 

• Trulight LLC 

• Trydent Consulting LLC 

• Tuscaloosa Academy 

• Who We Play For 

• Williams Private Wealth Advisory and Consulting LLC 

• Wise Property Management Inc. 

 The Florida State University Seminole 100 Celebration is presented by the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship in partnership with the FSU Alumni Association.  

To learn more about the Seminole 100 event, including sponsorship opportunities, visit seminole100.fsu.edu.  

 About the Division of University Advancement
The Division of University Advancement works to enhance Florida State University’s leadership, reputation and private financial support in academics, research, service and athletics. The division oversees the FSU Alumni Association and the FSU Foundation. Learn more at advancement.fsu.edu.   

Florida State University Alumni Association reserves the right to verify that the nominees meet the criteria and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any nominee for any reason. 

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Building on the success of its inaugural cohort in August, Florida State University’s Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI) is hosting the second community boot camp for the Accelerate Franklin Entrepreneurship Program (AFEP) in Eastpoint, Florida, this December.

AFEP seeks to help emerging entrepreneurs looking to take existing idea-stage, micro and small ventures into sustainable ventures in Franklin County and other adjacent communities.

“The AFEP Boot Camp was an invaluable experience,” said Tori Kilanowskiai, a graduate of the first cohort. “I got the chance to network with great people, hear incredible stories from entrepreneurs, and learned so much great information about starting a business. It was a massive boost of knowledge, encouragement and inspiration!”

The boot camps are scheduled for three consecutive Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve in Eastpoint. A networking lunch is provided at each boot camp.

Interested participants are encouraged to apply online by Nov. 28. More information can be found at jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu/oyster.

The AFEP Boot Camp offers hands-on exposure to the fundamentals of launching and growing a successful venture, taught by seasoned faculty from FSU as well as successful entrepreneurs.

Several topics will be covered during the three sessions, ranging from development of a viable business concept, understanding your market, designing your profit model, setting up operations properly, marketing your venture and understanding the basic numbers.

About the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship
The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, housed in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University, cultivates, trains and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition and leading-edge research. The Jim Moran Institute comprises a dedicated team of entrepreneurship professionals, academic scholars and staff who foster the entrepreneurial spirit by helping to organize, expand and promote the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship to facilitate new business and further the goals of established businesses.

For more information, visit jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University’s Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI) is accepting applications for the Leon Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (LEAP).  

LEAP provides participants with world-class training, coaching and networking opportunities. By equipping participants with the tools and resources needed to overcome adversity and build sustainable ventures, the program fosters economic opportunity and empowers individuals to change their lives through entrepreneurship. 

The program is designed to help individuals facing economic or personal hardship start or grow their own businesses in the Big Bend region, including Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla counties. 

The program is ideal for those: 

• Living in challenging economic circumstances. 

• Desiring to start or grow a business. 

• Committed to improving their lives and communities. 

The cost of the program is $500, however, scholarships of $475 are available for anyone with financial need. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until Sept. 27, 2025. Space is limited and interested individuals are encouraged to apply early. 

Apply today at jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu/leap. 

For more information, contact JMI at jmi@fsu.edu or call (850) 644-3372. 

About the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship
The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship cultivates, trains and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition and leading-edge research. 

Jim Moran was an automotive pioneer and an entrepreneur at heart, who at the age of seven, sold soda pop at sandlot baseball games in Chicago. With a career that spanned more than six decades, he built an amazing chronicle of achievements in the automobile industry.  

His vision for the Jim Moran Institute was to provide opportunities that would help others become more successful business owners. A 1995 contribution from Jim and Jan Moran and JM Family Enterprises established the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at the Florida State University College of Business. Since 2011, further enhancements to the Jim Moran Institute and its outreach have been made possible by Jan Moran and The Jim Moran Foundation. In 2023, the Jim Moran Institute transitioned to the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship.       

For more information, visit jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu. 

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The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI), housed in Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, is accepting applications for its upcoming programs extending across Florida.  

JMI’s regional reach includes offices and programs in Northeast Florida (Jacksonville), Northwest Florida (Tallahassee), Central Florida (Tampa) and South Florida (Fort Lauderdale). Each office has program deadlines approaching for either the fall 2025 or spring 2026 semester. JMI offers a variety of impactful programs in each region that equip the next generation of entrepreneurs with the skills needed for success. 

As the challenge of operating and growing a small business becomes increasingly complex, JMI remains a source of expertise and executive education. JMI focuses on assisting businesses with a minimum of three employees who have been in business for at least three years for little to no cost.  

Maintaining one of the most extensive small business outreach programs in the nation, JMI serves small business owners and nonprofit organizations throughout the state of Florida by offering the following programs: 

• The Small Business Executive Program (SBEP) is designed for CEOs, entrepreneurs, business owners and presidents of small businesses. Through learning the Business Model Canvas, graduates emerge as stronger leaders, who are ready to capitalize on business opportunities.  

• The Nonprofit Executive Program (NPEP) is for executive directors, presidents and CEOs of nonprofit organizations. Graduates emerge with the skills and training needed to turn challenges into strategic advantages, capitalize on business opportunities and implement best practice management. 

• The Leon Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (LEAP) seeks to help those in the Big Bend region (Leon, Wakulla and Gadsden counties) and other adjacent communities facing economic or other hardships to start and grow businesses of their own. The program lasts 10 months.

• The Accelerate Franklin Entrepreneurship Program (AFEP) seeks to help emerging entrepreneurs looking to take existing idea-stage, micro and small ventures into sustainable ventures in Franklin County and other adjacent communities.

• The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans Accelerate (EBV Accelerate) is a three-phase program that gives veterans with a successful business the tools and coaching to propel their businesses to the next phase: sustainable growth.

• The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans’ Families (EBV-F) is designed to take advantage of the skills, resources and infrastructure of higher education to offer cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management.

For more program and specific deadline information, visit jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu/deadlines.  

About the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship
The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship cultivates, trains and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition and leading-edge research.

Jim Moran was an automotive pioneer and an entrepreneur at heart, who at the age of seven, sold soda pop at sandlot baseball games in Chicago. With a career that spanned more than six decades, he built an amazing chronicle of achievements in the automobile industry. 

His vision for the Jim Moran Institute was to provide opportunities that would help others become more successful business owners. A 1995 contribution from Jim and Jan Moran and JM Family Enterprises established the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at the Florida State University College of Business. Since 2011, further enhancements to the Jim Moran Institute and its outreach have been made possible by Jan Moran and The Jim Moran Foundation. In 2023, the Jim Moran Institute transitioned to the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship.      

For more information, visit jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu. 

The post Jim Moran Institute accepting applications for upcoming programs appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University’s Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI) is hosting a community bootcamp in Franklin County this August.

The Accelerate Franklin Entrepreneurship Program (AFEP) seeks to help emerging entrepreneurs looking to take existing idea-stage, micro and small ventures into sustainable ventures in Franklin County and other adjacent communities.

The bootcamps are scheduled for three consecutive Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 8, 15 and 22 at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve in Eastpoint, Fla. A networking lunch is provided at each bootcamp.

Interested participants are encouraged to apply online by Aug. 1. More information can be found at jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu/oyster.

The AFEP Bootcamp offers hands-on exposure to the fundamentals of launching and growing a successful venture, taught by seasoned faculty from Florida State University as well as successful entrepreneurs.

Several topics will be covered during the three sessions, ranging from development of a viable business concept, understanding your market, designing your profit model, setting up operations properly, marketing your venture and understanding the basic numbers.

About the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship
The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, housed in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University, cultivates, trains and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition and leading-edge research. The Jim Moran Institute comprises a dedicated team of entrepreneurship professionals, academic scholars and staff who foster the entrepreneurial spirit by helping to organize, expand and promote the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship to facilitate new business and further the goals of established businesses.

For more information, visit jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu.

About the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
The revolutionary and highly experiential Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University (JMC) is dedicated to teaching those who wish to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. The Jim Moran College attracts students across disciplines and provides them with the education and skills they need to become entrepreneurs. JMC offers students three undergraduate majors, five graduate majors, 10 minors and a vast array of extracurricular opportunities to inspire innovation, instill compassion and ignite an entrepreneurial mindset in the next generation of leaders.

For more information, visit jimmorancollege.fsu.edu.

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