Jacksonville has taken a significant step towards nurturing its business community with the grand opening of its first Entrepreneurship Workforce Development Center. Located at 865 Golfair Blvd., Brentwood, Mayor Deegan, and city officials marked the event during Small Business Week, signaling a greater push toward economic development. The center offers various resources aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and job seekers, providing practical education and career readiness assistance, according to the City of Jacksonville's announcement.
The initiative comes under the purview of Jacksonville's Small & Emerging Business Division (JSEB) and features a range of services from workshops in business development to mentorship sessions. Gregory Grant, the JSEB Administrator, spoke on the potential impact of this venture, stating, "These Centers will be catalysts for uplifting our community, advancing workforce readiness, and expanding entrepreneurial opportunities across Jacksonville." The center operates with the accessible hours from Monday to Friday and plans for additional evening events and occasional Saturday workshops, as detailed by the city's description.
In addition to the hub in Brentwood, the city is set to launch three more centers at strategic locations. These include the Main Library at 303 N. Laura Street, the Phoenix Arts + Innovation District at 2320 N. Liberty St., and the Cecil Commerce Center at 13541 Lake Newman St. Suite A. Each site aims to replicate the Brentwood center's success and create a coherent network to foster entrepreneurial spirit throughout Jacksonville.
Mayor Donna Deegan expressed that the center embodies more than a physical space, it's a testament to Jacksonville's commitment to innovation and providing equitable economic opportunities for its residents. The past 22 months have seen vigorous support for small businesses in the city, achieving a 30% increase in JSEBs and a $22 million rise in city contracts awarded to these entities. The City has also been proactive with financial incentives, allocating $2 million in microgrants and loans to bolster the small business sector.
The opening of these centers indeed reflects the mayor’s vision of establishing Jacksonville as the Small Business Capital of the Southeast, a narrative strongly supported by strategic investments in local entrepreneurial talent and workforce development.
