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 support veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, Reservists, and military spouses in starting and growing businesses. Alexander Hall, CEO of Alliance Cyber, called the program a critical step for veterans seeking resources to build businesses. 'As a veteran and business owner, I know firsthand how the right resources and aligned leadership can accelerate growth,' Hall said.
The program offers training, mentorship, and networking opportunities tailored to military-connected entrepreneurs. It is designed to address gaps in access to capital, business planning, and market entry for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. Ascend Brevard, a local economic development initiative, partnered with Veterans Florida, a state agency that provides services to veterans, to create the program. The collaboration highlights Brevard County’s focus on leveraging its military population to fuel innovation and economic growth.
Participants will work through a structured curriculum over several months, with access to local business leaders and industry experts. The program’s launch comes as Brevard County seeks to expand opportunities for veterans, who make up a significant portion of the region’s workforce. 'This is about creating pathways for veterans to turn their skills into sustainable businesses,' said a spokesperson for Ascend Brevard. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the Space Coast’s economy, which has seen growth in aerospace, technology, and defense sectors.
Veterans Florida officials emphasized the program’s focus on practical skills, such as financial management and marketing, to help participants launch businesses successfully. The first cohort is expected to begin in late 2026, with applications open to residents of Brevard County and surrounding areas. Local business leaders have praised the initiative as a way to tap into the region’s large veteran population and foster entrepreneurship. 'This program fills a real need,' Hall said. 'It’s a bridge between military service and civilian success.'