Leon Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (LEAP)

For those in difficult circumstances who are trying to start or grow a business

Leon Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (LEAP) seeks to help those in the Big Bend region (Leon, Wakulla, and Gadsden counties) and other adjacent communities facing economic or other hardships to start and grow businesses of their own. The program lasts 10 months.

The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and the Jim Moran Institute at Florida State University manage the program in close partnership with local nonprofit groups, government offices, small businesses, and other university partners across Leon County.

About

Program participants will benefit immensely from the Community Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs - a hands-on exposure to the fundamentals of launching and growing a successful venture. Taught by seasoned faculty, subject matter experts and successful entrepreneurs, the program occurs on six consecutive Saturday mornings in the fall from 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m., followed by a networking lunch.

Topics covered in the Community Bootcamp address all facets of a successful venture, ranging from the development of a viable business concept to understanding your market, designing your profit model, setting up operations properly, marketing your venture, and understanding the basic numbers. Our underlying focus is how to think and act in entrepreneurial ways—including how to do more with less—and how to grow a venture when you have little in the way of resources. The approach will be interactive, so participants will be encouraged to bring business ideas and challenges into the weekly discussions.

Goals

We seek to:

Foster the creation of new, profitable ventures by those facing economic or other disadvantages

Assist existing small businesses owned by those with disadvantages in becoming sustainable and growing

Work with community members on the development of both the person as an entrepreneur and the business as a successful venture

Identify and share best practices in poverty alleviation through entrepreneurship

Measure and track the development and performance of entrepreneurs and their ventures based on program participation

Celebrate entrepreneurial achievements of those facing/overcoming adversity

Important Dates

Application Deadline: October 13, 2025

Session 1: October 18, 2025

Session 2: October 25, 2025

Session 3: November 1, 2025

Session 4: November 8, 2025

Session 5: November 15, 2025

Session 6: November 22, 2025

Mentoring: Begins November 2025

Consulting: Begins Spring 2026

FAQs

Who is eligible to participate?

Anyone in the community who suffers from adverse economic, physical, or related circumstances is eligible to participate in the program. We focus on supporting community members living in poverty who have a dream of starting and growing a venture, including those who have already started a venture but are struggling.

What is the cost?

The cost of the program is $500. However, scholarships of $475 are available for anyone with financial need. All applicants are considered for scholarship. The $25 fee is due at the time of acceptance into the program or on the first day of the program (if previously agreed with the Program Directors). Payment information will be made available upon program acceptance.

How can I support the program?

We welcome the involvement of community members as volunteers, mentors, and donors. Questions?Please contact program directors, Susana C. Santos and Marina Lickson

Partners

Testimonials

"Thank you to everyone involved for giving me an opportunity to grow my business. I learned so very much in the time we had together in the bootcamp. The speakers were a bonus - their experiences added needed knowledge to the journey!" - Shirley Bouie, owner of Senior Meals Culinarian, LEAP 2025 Delegate

"Truly enjoyed every minute of our 6-week classes and look forward to the next level of the mentor program" - Latasha Davis, owner of Wisdom Adult Day Care Services, LEAP 2025 Delegate

"Thank you both so much for a phenomenal program" - Shishandra Devlin, owner of Bougie With A Board, LEAP 2025 Delegate

"Thank you both for such an amazing experience these past 6 weeks. I have learned so much from my participation in LEAP and I have gained more confidence in my ability to be an entrepreneur." - Perlie M. Davis, owner of Simply Pearl Health & Wellness, LLC, LEAP 2025 Delegate

“The LEAP Community Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs was a great experience. It really helped change the way I think about my business and how I approach challenges. I learned a lot of useful skills and gained new perspectives that have made a big difference in how I run my business. I’d recommend it to any young entrepreneur looking to grow and improve." – Jason Tereska, Owner/CEO of It’s Your Move, LEAP 2024

“I recently completed the 6-week LEAP Community Bootcamp, and it was packed with positive, actionable information and resources for building a business like my company, There and Back Again Travels. I especially appreciated the emphasis on strategies like managing finances, growing a customer base and creating a lasting brand.” – Jacob Moreno, Founder of There and Back Again Travels, LEAP 2024 Delegate

“The 6-week program at the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship has been a transformative experience for both me and my business. The insights I’ve gained, the connections I’ve made and the strategies I’ve learned have inspired me to take Collins Cleaning Company to new heights. The program challenged me to think differently, helped me refine my business vision and connected me with an invaluable network of fellow entrepreneurs. This experience has truly been a game-changer, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it has opened for me and my business.” – Sherika Collins, Co-owner of Collins Cleaning Company, LEAP 2024 Delegate

"The LEAP Program was exactly what I needed, right when I needed it. I loved the bootcamp and how it connected with us each week, bringing in experienced individuals from different fields to share their experiences. I also loved that I was able to network and meet amazing entrepreneurs in the city and learn about their businesses as well." - Candace Johnson, owner / founder of Sunshine Hair Studio, LEAP 2024 Delegate