Ascend Brevard, Veterans Florida Launch First Cohort-Style Entrepreneurship Program for Veterans on Space Coast

New partnership expands economic opportunity for military-connected entrepreneurs

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Ascend Brevard, Inc., an initiative of Accelerate Brevard: Chamber of Innovation, in partnership with Veterans Florida, announced the launch of the Ascend Brevard: Space Coast Entrepreneur Program, the first cohort-based entrepreneurship program delivered in collaboration with Veterans Florida on Florida’s Space Coast.

Designed to equip veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, Reservists, and military spouses with the tools to launch and scale successful businesses, the program represents a strategic investment in Florida’s military-connected talent pipeline and the region’s growing innovation economy.

“As a veteran and business owner, I know firsthand how the right resources and aligned leadership can accelerate growth,” said Alexander Hall, CEO of Alliance Cyber.

“My journey from military service to building Alliance Cyber and earning the 2025 National Military Friendly® Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year is a direct reflection of the power of strong partnerships like Accelerate Brevard. I’m proud to help expand these opportunities for more veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs across Florida’s Space Coast through the Ascend Brevard: Space Coast Entrepreneur Program and Veterans Florida.”

Steve Bruch, Vice President of Ascend Brevard, emphasizes, “veterans and military spouses already understand leadership and execution. Our role at Ascend Brevard is to surround them with the mentorship, structure, and business strategy needed to turn that experience into sustainable companies that fuel our economy.”

The structured cohort model combines targeted business education, mentorship, capital readiness preparation, and peer accountability to accelerate participants from concept to growth-stage execution.

The initiative reflects Florida’s continued leadership in supporting its 1.5 million veterans and strengthening pathways to economic mobility through entrepreneurship.

“Florida is the most veteran-friendly state in the nation, and this partnership brings that commitment directly to the Space Coast,” said Jimmy Lane, President and CEO of Accelerate Brevard.

“By aligning Ascend Brevard’s innovation ecosystem with Veteran Florida’s statewide mission, we are building a sustainable pathway for military-connected entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale companies right here on Florida’s Space Coast.”

Veterans Florida’s entrepreneurship initiatives have supported veteran-owned businesses across the state through training, access to capital, and strategic partnerships with academic and economic development organizations.

The collaboration with Ascend Brevard expands that footprint into one of Florida’s most dynamic technology and aerospace corridors,” said Joe Marino, Executive Director of Veterans Florida.

“Our new partnership with Ascend Brevard expands our successful and popular Veterans Florida Entrepreneur Program to the Space Coast. Veterans and their spouses in the region will now have dedicated and specific training to support their desire to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams through the expertise, mentorship, and access to local resources provided by Ascend Brevard.”

A Regional Ecosystem Approach

The Ascend Brevard’s Space Coast Entrepreneur Program will operate in collaboration with Network Launch, a program of Project Solvers, which hosts monthly networking events connecting entrepreneurs, job seekers, and employers from both military and civilian communities.

This ecosystem-driven approach ensures participants gain not only education and mentorship, but also ongoing community integration and business development opportunities.

Through the Network Launch’s monthly convenings, participants will engage with local industry leaders, resource providers, investors, and fellow founders, strengthening cross-sector collaboration and accelerating market access.

Program Highlights Include:

• Cohort-based entrepreneurial training curriculum
• Business model development and validation
• Capital readiness and funding strategy preparation
• Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders
• Access to regional innovation resources and strategic partners
• Ongoing networking

As Florida continues to lead the nation in veteran population growth and economic expansion, programs like Ascend Brevard’s Space Coast Entrepreneur Program serve as a catalyst for long-term regional impact, retaining military talent, fostering innovation, and strengthening the state’s small business ecosystem.

Applications for the inaugural cohort are now open, with programming scheduled to begin in April. More information about Ascend Brevard: Space Coast Entrepreneur Program.

Ascend Brevard, Inc.

Ascend Brevard, Inc. is the 501(c)(3) foundation affiliate of Accelerate Brevard, created to deliver mission-driven programs that generate long-term economic and community impact.

Focused on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and strategic industry alignment, Ascend Brevard advances initiatives through its key councils and centers, including the Military Affairs Council, Space Council, Tech Council, and Small Business Service Center.

By convening leaders, leveraging public-private partnerships, and investing in innovation-driven programming, Ascend Brevard strengthens Brevard County’s economic resilience and opportunity pipeline.

Guided by its vision to “fuel our citizens to launch a full life,” the Foundation supports veterans, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders with the mentorship, education, and networks necessary to build businesses, grow industries, and shape the future of the Space Coast.

Learn more about Ascend Brevard and the Space Coast Entrepreneur Program.

Accelerate Brevard: Chamber of Innovation is the premier business leadership organization serving Brevard County, Florida. With a legacy spanning more than eight decades, the Chamber serves as a catalyst for economic growth, advocacy, and innovation across the Space Coast.

Through strategic convening, pro-business advocacy, investor development, and high-impact programming, Accelerate Brevard connects diverse thinkers, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and policymakers to strengthen the region’s competitive advantage.

In 2025, the organization refreshed its brand to reflect a forward-focused commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and measurable economic impact, positioning Brevard County as a community where businesses scale, talent thrives, and bold ideas move from concept to execution.

For more information, visit www.acceleratebrevard.org

About Veterans Florida

Veterans Florida is a state-created and funded organization. We provide free career, SkillBridge, and entrepreneurship training and opportunities for separating or retiring servicemembers, veterans, and their spouses residing in or moving to Florida. We also assist employers seeking to strengthen their workforce with military talent.

For more information, please visit Veteransflorida.org.

Similar Stories