The City of Jacksonville’s Disabled Services Division, in partnership with the Mayor’s Disability Council, the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business (JSEB) Program, and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), proudly announces the successful launch of the Entrepreneurship Program for Individuals with Disabilities—a transformative initiative designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities through education, mentorship, and access to vital business resources.
This innovative program recently celebrated the graduation of eight trailblazing individuals, each earning an Entrepreneurship Certificate of Completion and recognition at a formal ceremony honoring their achievements.
“We are well on our way to becoming the Small Business Capital of the Southeast, and this groundbreaking new program is another exciting step towards that goal,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “I’m grateful to all the partners that are making entrepreneurship possible for everyone in our inclusive community.”
“Entrepreneurship is an inclusive social science, and this program ensures that individuals with disabilities are empowered to be entrepreneurial leaders within the community,” said Gregory Grant, EBO/JSEB Administrator, City of Jacksonville.
“FSCJ is proud to serve as the academic host for this transformative initiative,” added Dr. Cedrick Gibson, Associate Vice President of Workforce Development and Entrepreneurship, FSCJ. “This program reflects FSCJ’s commitment to aiding in developing creative educational opportunities for the entrepreneurial community in Jacksonville.”
Program Highlights:
- Location & Accessibility: Hosted at FSCJ’s Downtown Campus, utilizing state-of-the-art classrooms, computer labs, and accessibility resources.
- Curriculum: Covers business planning, financial literacy, branding and marketing, government procurement pathways, and certification preparation.
- Support Structure: Includes one-on-one coaching, peer cohort networking, and direct access to local small-business financing partners.
- Outcome: Graduates receive a certificate that increases their job opportunities.
“The Entrepreneurship Program is about igniting potential and breaking down barriers,” said Kara Tucker, Chief of Disabled Services, City of Jacksonville. “With FSCJ’s hosting support and the strategic guidance of the Mayor’s Disability Council, we’re ensuring that entrepreneurial success is achievable for every resident—regardless of ability.”
The graduates completed the program just in time for National Disability Employment Month, which is celebrated annually during the month of October. This year’s theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” aligns well with the City’s new program.
Cheya Thousand, a program advocate, added, “Accessible entrepreneurship is the seed that unlocks opportunities and is essential for community economic development.”
This initiative is a testament to the City of Jacksonville’s ongoing commitment to inclusive economic development and the belief that entrepreneurship should be accessible to all. Earlier this year, City of Jacksonville launched the Professional Animal Workers (PAWS) Program in partnership with The Arc Jacksonville and FSCJ. It offers individuals with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD) the opportunity to gain both comprehensive education and real-world, hands-on experience in animal care.
For more information or to apply for future cohorts, visit: Jacksonville.gov – Entrepreneurship Program