The University of North Florida’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Swisher are continuing their partnership program with the Swisher Growth Cohort for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs to educate and support innovators and entrepreneurs.
The free eight-week program is designed for businesses operating for three to seven years or that have a minimum of $20,000 in annual revenue.
The top pitch winners are awarded cash prizes at the conclusion of the program: $5,000 for the first prize, $3,000, second prize, $2,000, third prize.
A news release said all participants will receive business knowledge and a growth plan for their present or future business.
“Swisher is very proud to continue this two-year partnership with UNF in support of our underrepresented business owners. This cohort closely aligns with our company’s core values as well as our unwavering commitment to our community,” Jacinta Carter, Swisher executive vice president for human resources, people and culture, said in the release.
“As a family-owned business of more than 160 years, we truly understand the importance of providing the necessary skills and experience to our business leaders. Those resources create a stronger and more sustainable economic future for all.”
Selected participants will work with the center and resources to improve their business knowledge and growth plans through workshops, speaker events and mentoring.
Business topics include growth management, distribution channels, market segmenting, financial forecasting, profit management, designing and implementing a growth plan, methods for raising growth capital and pitch preparation.
Applications close Aug. 7. An information session is scheduled at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 on Zoom and the in-person classes begin Aug. 22.
Visit https://www.unf.edu/coggin/CEI/Cohort_Information.aspx for the application and more information.