FSCJ to Host 2026 Everyday Entrepreneur Program Pitch Competition
FSCJ 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.
Students complete Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship's (NFTE) nationally recognized entrepreneurship curriculum before presenting investor-ready business concepts during the competition. 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
Judges evaluate each venture based on the quality of the business opportunity, customer value proposition, presentation effectiveness and overall feasibility. The judging panel is composed primarily of entrepreneurs, investors, business executives, community leaders and Valley Bank representatives.
Event Details
When: Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 4–7 p.m.
Where: FSCJ Urban Resource Center, Room URC 103
601 West State StreetJacksonville, Florida 32202
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 including:
- 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 Cedrick Gibson, Associate Vice President, Continuing Workforce Education and Pamela Walker, Associate Vice President, Student Services, Stepping Stones Program.
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.
For more information, contact Gregory Grant, Ed.S. at Gregory.Grant@fscj.edu.