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, February 17, 5:30 PM and 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 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!
OTHER EVENTS:
Go to https://sbdc.uwf.edu/ for details!
Veteran’s Florida Entrepreneur Program – Starting a Business
Tuesday, February 24, – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Central Time
LOCATION: Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, 418 W Garden St, CO:LAB Bldg, 4th flr, Pensacola, FL, 32501, United States
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! In the Veterans Florida Entrepreneur Program, brought to you in partnership with the Florida SBDC at UWF & Veterans Florida, 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 Veteran Florida Entrepreneur Program will prepare you for success. Refreshments will be provided.
Food Truck and Restaurant Workshop
Thursday, February 26, 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm Eastern Time
LOCATION: Small Business Development Center @ Florida A&M, 625 East Tennessee Street Suite 200, Tallahassee, Florida 32308, United States
Have you ever wanted to open your own food truck? How about a restaurant? Well, come learn how!
We will take you step by step through the process from ideation to opening your doors. You will learn what licenses you need, learn about restaurant and food truck equipment, and learn the basics of building a business plan and business projections to get you ready for lending.
These experts will provide strategic insights and actionable advice to propel your dream to reality. Have a business partner in mind? Bring them along! But space is limited, so register here today. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
Ready to Start a Business? Webinar
Tuesday, March 10, 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm Eastern Time
Ready to turn your passion into a business? Join us to learn the basics of starting your own business, including generating ideas, creating a business plan, and marketing your product. Perfect for new entrepreneurs and those looking to improve an existing business. Register via the SBDC website.
