Ascend Brevard, Inc. and Veterans Florida announced the launch of the Ascend Brevard: Space Coast Entrepreneur Program on March 21, 2026. The initiative, the first cohort-based entrepreneurship program on Florida’s Space Coast, aims to help veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, Reservists, and military spouses start and grow businesses. The program is part of a partnership between Ascend Brevard, an initiative of Accelerate Brevard: Chamber of Innovation, and Veterans Florida, a statewide nonprofit focused on veteran economic empowerment.
Alexander Hall, CEO of Alliance Cyber and a veteran, said the program addresses a critical gap. 'As a veteran and business owner, I know firsthand how the right resources and aligned leadership can accelerate growth,' Hall said. The program provides training, mentorship, and networking opportunities tailored to military-connected entrepreneurs. It includes workshops on business planning, funding strategies, and market analysis, with a focus on the Space Coast’s innovation economy.
The initiative is designed to tap into Brevard County’s large military population, which includes over 100,000 active-duty service members and veterans. By pairing local expertise with Veterans Florida’s statewide resources, the program seeks to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship for military-connected individuals. 'This is about creating pathways to economic stability and opportunity,' said a spokesperson for Ascend Brevard.
The first cohort will begin in April 2026, with participants selected through an application process. The program runs for 12 weeks, culminating in a pitch event with local investors and business leaders. Veterans Florida will provide curriculum and support, while Ascend Brevard will coordinate local partnerships and resources. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Brevard’s innovation economy, which has seen rapid growth in aerospace, cybersecurity, and tech sectors.