B-CU Launches CEED Venture Incubation Program

Daytona Beach, FL, April 22, 2015-   Bethune-Cookman University announces the launch of its new Venture Incubation Program through its Center for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (B-CU CEED).   The Venture Incubation Program will provide free services, such as marketing, financing, strategic planning, and business development to Daytona Beach startups and small businesses.  Business owners are encouraged to apply immediately due to limited space.

Recent research conducted by Bethune-Cookman University noted that economically and socially disadvantaged businesses in Central Florida generate statistically less revenue than other businesses in the same geographical footprint. Statistics show that African-American businesses are faring the worst.  This research also indicated that most successful small businesses, regardless of formal education levels, had taken small business courses.  In recognition of small businesses’ economic impact in the Central Florida region, and education’s potential role in supporting successful entrepreneurs, CEED is focused on impacting where it is most vital.

Dr. Aubrey E. Long, VP for the Division of Business & Community Development, has championed the importance of minority-owned small businesses to the Daytona Beach area, and is excited to invest the resources of B-CU to help foster the employment creation.  “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Central Florida.  We know that six out of ten jobs are created by small businesses.  We want to create those jobs here, in our own backyard,” says Long.

The Venture Incubation Program is designed to lower barriers to success for startups, and small businesses.  The first step with the new program is the uncharacteristically, short application process.  Interested entrepreneurs can fill out an application in under ten minutes. After selection, startups and small businesses will work with the Center for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (CEED) to select from a suite of support services to meet their growth goals.  The program will address topics such as business planning, marketing, social media, creating financial projections, and government contracting.  Small businesses will also receive no-cost business development advising, as well as, a support staff to help implement their plans.  Upon successful completion of this program, participants will receive a Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Small Business.

Interested small businesses are encouraged to apply immediately.  For more information, please contact Mr. Marc Vanja Mišanović at misanovicm@cookman.edu. There is no cost to participate in this program.  The application is available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1asT0qWoVIILOfCbsiA8OCIHc16nsXX9uP1uXnAhI1q0/viewform