The small business program launched in 2014 as a part of the JAX Chamber Entrepreneurial Growth Division and has over 2,000 graduates
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (July 16, 2024)– Last week, JAX Bridges celebrated a decade of helping Jacksonville’s small business community expand their business.
With more than 2,000 alumni, the program provides entrepreneurial education at no cost for small and medium sized businesses to inspire strategic network growth and contract opportunities. The initiative started in 2014 by Dr. Carlton Robinson, Chief Innovation Officer of JAX Chamber.
“We had the programming concept prior to joining the Chamber. It was about validated learning”, said Dr. Robinson. “We created an opportunity for innovators to exchange with stakeholders, get funding, and work for each other. It is a vision that has worked out very well.”
During the qualification process, small businesses practice plans, pitches, and strategies among corporations through a series of traditional in-person, online, and hybrid activities. The three month course ensures participants are finishing the program with proven, professional knowledge on their industry.
“When I see that companies have gone through JAX Bridges, I know they’ve completed the right training, they know their business and they’re ready,” said Devin Reed, Chief Compliance Officer at Jacksonville Aviation Authority. “It’s such an incredible program for small businesses and really prepares them to expand and work with larger organizations.”
JAX Bridges runs two cohorts each year and now has 20 groups of small business leaders who have completed the program. Applications for Cohort 21 open August 12th.
About JAX Chamber
The JAX Chamber is the business membership organization dedicated to driving quality economic growth in Northeast Florida to make this region the best place to live, work and play. Membership provides the opportunity to connect with and buy from other Chamber members. The connections result in business growth and a more prosperous economy.
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