12th Annual Veterans Symposium

The 12th Annual Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Symposium is happening on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the HC Dale Mabry Campus. This event is designed for veterans, active-duty personnel, spouses, and civilian business partners who are launching or growing a business—and it’s open to the public!
 
🎯 What’s in Store:

• Inspiring keynote speaker
• Hands-on entrepreneurship training
• Breakout sessions, networking, and more
• A high-energy pitch competition (details and QR code below)

 
Criteria to Apply for Seed Funding
To be considered for funding from the HCC Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund, you must meet the following criteria. Please note: HCC employees are not eligible for funding.

Academic Requirements
You must meet one of the following:
• Successfully complete the 12-credit Entrepreneurship certificate or any Business A.S./A.A. program.
• Successfully completed (graduate of) the STRIVE or Digital Entrepreneur Programs.

Submission Requirements
In addition to the academic requirements, you must submit the following:
• Cover Letter: A detailed cover letter that explains your financial request (up to $5,000), specifically how the funds will be used, and the links to your business's social media accounts. You must provide a minimum of three accounts, with one being LinkedIn. Other options include Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, Tumblr, Pinterest, Reddit, and Clubhouse.
• Business Plan: Provide a valid business model, feasibility plan, or business canvas. (Choose 1 only)
• Legal Business Entity: Proof of legal business formation, such as a copy of your Sunbiz filing.
Funding Terms and Conditions
If an award recipient, you must agree to the following terms:
• Initial Funding: You will receive half of the approved funds within 30 days after the pitch competition via ACH or check.
• Workshop Attendance: You must attend a minimum of ten free virtual workshops hosted by the Pradip C Patel InLab@HC. All workshops must be completed by May 1, 2026.
• Social Media Commitment: You must create and publish a minimum of ten social media posts, tagging and mentioning Pradip C Patel InLab@HC in each. All posts must be completed by May 1, 2026.
• Reporting: You must provide a written status report to the Pradip C Patel Inlab@HC Officer once a quarter for 24 months after the funding. The InLab officer will initiate an email form with questions to be submitted electronically in the last month of each quarter.
• Final Funding: You will receive the remaining funds after all terms have been met on or before June 1, 2026.
 
📍 Location: DSSC Building, Room 204
🕤 Registration: Begins at 9:30 AM
🕙 Event Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
🔗 Reserve your spot now on Eventbrite
Feel free to share the flyer and registration link with students, colleagues, and members of your network. Let’s make this a powerful day of learning, connection, and opportunity.
 
Thank you for helping us spread the word—we look forward to seeing you there!