About the Grant
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) has received a $20,000 matching grant through the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) to expand entrepreneurship education and student venture development. The initiative includes $10,000 in funding from NACCE, matched by $10,000 from Valley Bank, creating new opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial skills, compete for seed funding, and connect with Jacksonville's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
About the Program
The Everyday Entrepreneur Program is coordinated by Gregory Grant, Ed.S., Entreprenologist and Adjunct Professor in FSCJ's Continuing Workforce Education (CWE) Department.
The program is delivered through a collaborative partnership involving:
- National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE)
- Valley Bank
- Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
- FSCJ Continuing Workforce Education (CWE)
- FSCJ Student Services
The Stepping Stones Program is directed by Maggy Dartiguenave and entrepreneurship instruction is provided by Deidra McNair-Pinkney. Administrative leadership and institutional support are provided by:
- Dr. Cedric Gibson, Associate Vice President, Workforce Development and Entrepreneurship
- Pamela Walker, Associate Vice President, Student Services, Stepping Stones Program
Students complete NFTE's nationally recognized entrepreneurship curriculum before presenting investor-ready business concepts during the competition.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: FSCJ Urban Resource Center Room URC 103
Breakout Judging: URC 212 & URC 213 601 West State Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Competition Format
Participants will present their business ventures before a panel of entrepreneurs, investors, bankers, and business leaders. The competition includes:
- Preliminary judging conducted simultaneously in two breakout rooms
- Top two participants from each room advance to the championship round
- Final presentations before a five-member judging panel
- Four student ventures receive cash awards
Prize Awards
- First Place — $1,500
- Second Place — $1,000
- Third Place — $500
- Fourth Place — $200
Judging Panel
The judging panel is composed primarily of:
- Entrepreneurs
- Investors
- Business executives
- Community leaders
- Valley Bank representatives
Judges evaluate each venture based on the quality of the business opportunity, customer value proposition, presentation effectiveness, and overall feasibility.
Why It Matters
The Everyday Entrepreneur Program provides students with practical entrepreneurial experience by combining classroom instruction, mentorship, and real-world business pitching. Through collaboration among NACCE, Valley Bank, NFTE, and FSCJ, students gain access to nationally recognized entrepreneurship education, professional feedback, networking opportunities, and seed funding to help launch future ventures. The program reflects FSCJ's commitment to workforce innovation while expanding pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs throughout Northeast Florida.
Partners
- National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE)
- Valley Bank
- Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- FSCJ Continuing Workforce Education
- FSCJ Student Services
Get Involved
- Attend the Pitch Competition
- Volunteer as a Judge or Mentor
- Support Student Entrepreneurs
- Learn More About Entrepreneurship Programs at FSCJ
Contact
Gregory Grant, Ed.S. Entreprenologist
Adjunct Professor, Continuing Workforce Education
Project Coordinator – NACCE Everyday Entrepreneur Program Gregory.Grant@fscj.edu