UWF Business Academy
Startup, Marketing, Finances, HR, and Government Contracting
LOCATION: UWF Emerald Coast Campus, 1170 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Bldg 2, Rm 221, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547, United States
DATES: Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 5:30 PM to Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 7:30 PM CT
Join us for a special series, designed for small business owners, whether you’re just starting up or are looking to grow your business further!
You’ll get a step-by-step guide to ensure that your business has a solid foundation to grow upon, at no-cost to you! From all of the steps to starting your business, to marketing, financials, and beyond, the UWF Business Academy will prepare you for success. Read the descriptions of each session below!
(You can sign up for one or all of the sessions. Food will be provided at every session, courtesy of Truist Bank!)
TO REGISTER: https://floridasbdc.org/find/uwf/
Session 1 – Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Steps to Starting a Business (Only pre-venture attendees are required to attend this session.)
So you’ve got that business idea. You may not know the first steps, or you may want some guidance on if you’re taking the right steps. Let’s work with the ideas that have been forming in your head and see if we can make them into a tangible, feasible small business.
Session 2 – Tuesday, February 3, 2026 – 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Marketing Your Business
Marketing can get as complicated as you want (or rather don’t want!), but for most small business owners there simply isn’t enough time to do everything. This two-hour workshop will cover the basics and essentials of taking “easy wins”, that you can and should be doing. You’ll walk away from this class knowing how to avoid simple marketing mistakes and ensuring you don’t miss readily available opportunities.
Session 3 – Tuesday, February 10 – 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Budgeting and Financial Statements
Do you run a small business but feel unsure about your finances? Join us for a hands-on budgeting class designed specifically for small business owners like you! Learn how to build a practical, effective budget that helps you make smarter decisions and grow your business with confidence. Why Is Budgeting So Important for Small Businesses?
Session 4 – Tuesday, February 17 – 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Human Resources Management – Big Trouble for Small Business?
There is a lot more to being an employer than hiring staff. This seminar will provide an overview of the many aspects of Human Resources Management. Upon completion, attendees should have the tools needed to more effectively operate their business from an HR standpoint. Understand the Fair Labor Standards Act and learn how to recruit, interview, hire, compete for, motivate, discipline & retain employees.
Session 5 (Part 1) – Tuesday, February 24 – 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Connect to Capital – A Banker’s Perspective…Question and Answer Session
This panel discussion is a must-attend for small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the funding options available to drive business growth. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry experts, ask questions, and gain the knowledge needed to secure the financial support your business deserves. Join us for an engaging conversation on building bridges to opportunities in the world of small business financing.
Session 5 (Part 2) – Tuesday, February 24 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Government Contracting: Overview
This one-hour training session designed to help two groups of business: (1) those just exploring or brand new to government contracting and (2) those down the path a bit looking to backfill some gaps.
NOTE: After attending the UWF Business Academy, you’ll have access to a Florida SBDC Business Consultant to assist you at no cost as you create your business plan and move toward your goals!
