FSU launches free Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program in Bay County
Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, in partnership with Veterans Florida, is launching a new Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program in Bay County, providing free, in-person entrepreneurship training for veterans, service members, and military-connected families in Northwest Florida.
The program will run May 9th and 16th from 9:00am-3:30pm at the FSU Panama City campus and space is limited. Building on the Veterans Florida Getting Started model, the program emphasizes practical startup fundamentals, including business registration, marketing, financial basics, and access to capital. The program is designed to help veteran entrepreneurs quickly move from idea to execution while building strong connections to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“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.”
FSU Panama City serves one of the state’s most veteran-dense regions, making Bay County a strategic location for expanding access to entrepreneurship education and small business support.
“FSU Panama City is proud to support programming that aligns education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship in service of our veteran community,” said Randy Hanna, dean of Florida State University Panama City. “This program strengthens regional opportunity while honoring the experience and potential veterans bring to our local economy.”
Program registration is now open. Register here: https://fsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_24cOh6P8Vpy9REq
Graduates will receive a certificate of completion from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and gain access to the Jim Moran Institute’s statewide alumni network of more than 2,700 Florida business owners.
For more information on this program, including sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please contact Dr. Eric Liguori at eliguori@fsu.edu.