A new program launched in Brevard County on March 13, 2026, aims to support veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses in starting and growing businesses. The Ascend Brevard: Space Coast Entrepreneur Program, a partnership between Ascend Brevard, Inc., and Veterans Florida, offers business education, mentorship, and capital readiness training. The initiative is part of Accelerate Brevard: Chamber of Innovation and is designed for a cohort of participants.
The program combines structured business education with peer accountability and mentorship to help veterans move from idea to execution. Alexander Hall, CEO of Alliance Cyber and a 2025 National Military Friendly Vetrepreneur of the Year, said the program reflects the importance of partnerships like Accelerate Brevard. Hall, who transitioned from military service to building his own company, emphasized the role of aligned leadership in accelerating growth.
Steve Bruch, Vice President of Ascend Brevard, highlighted the initiative’s focus on veterans and military spouses. The program is part of Florida’s broader efforts to support its 1.5 million veterans, with Brevard County’s Space Coast serving as a hub for economic mobility through entrepreneurship. Participants will receive training tailored to their needs, including preparation for securing capital.
The cohort-based model includes monthly sessions and access to a network of mentors. Veterans Florida and Ascend Brevard said the program will expand opportunities for entrepreneurs across the region. Applications for the first cohort are now open, with a focus on helping participants scale businesses in tech, defense, and other industries.