The Entrepreneurship Workforce Development Center, which was unveiled during Small Business Week, will offer practical entrepreneurship education and career readiness support for Jacksonville residents. It will bring together local institutions, nonprofits, corporations, small businesses, and community partners to create a stable, sustainable workforce development hub.

Entrepreneurs will be able to access resources to start, grow, and expand their businesses, while job seekers can build skills to start, grow and advance their careers – all at no cost.

The Entrepreneurship Workforce Development Center, which is managed by Jacksonville’s Small & Emerging Business Division (JSEB), will host a wide range of activities, including:

• Workshops on business development, financial literacy, and technology skills
• Mentorship and consulting sessions
• Job placement assistance and networking events
• Industry certification programs
• Specialized workforce development training for upskilling and reskilling local talent

“This center is more than just a building,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “It is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering innovation, supporting small businesses, and creating pathways to economic opportunity for all Jacksonville residents.”

Regular hours will be Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Additional hours may include evening events from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm as needed, and occasional Saturday morning workshops.

Three additional Centers will open in the coming days. They are located at:

• Main Library: 303 N. Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
• Phoenix Arts + Innovation District: 2320 N. Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
• Cecil Commerce Center: 13541 Lake Newman St. Suite A, Jacksonville, FL 32221

“These Centers will be catalysts for uplifting our community, advancing workforce readiness, and expanding entrepreneurial opportunities across Jacksonville,” said Gregory Grant, JSEB Administrator, City of Jacksonville.
 
These Entrepreneurship Workforce Development Centers represent the mayor’s commitment to making Jacksonville the Small Business Capital of the Southeast by investing in local entrepreneurs and workforce development.
 
In addition to the Centers, the City has focused on supporting small businesses over the last 22 months in several other ways, including:

• Increasing the number of JSEBs by 30% and growing the number of City contracts awarded to them by $22 million year-over-year.

• Bringing JSEBs into the construction of the Stadium of the Future, which will create thousands of jobs and billions in economic impact.
• Bringing $2 million in micro grants and low interest loans for small businesses.

 For additional information, please visit: JSEB - Welcome