Local academy assists aspiring entrepreneurs with launching their business

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - In this week’s Tech Tuesday, our partners at UF Innovate and SCAD Media feature UF Innovate | Accelerate’s Just Start Academy, where certified coach Lillian Withers shares how the program helps aspiring entrepreneurs validate their ideas and build a strong foundation for launching successful startups. Open to all aspiring entrepreneurs, the program is free for accepted participants who complete the academy.

“How can you turn your idea into a successful business startup? Let’s learn more. Lillian, tell us a little bit more about who you are and what you do,” said Angela Martinez Aponte, host of UF Innovate.

Well, I’m a certified coach with the Just Start Academy under UF Innovate | Accelerate. Our goal is to help first-time founders strengthen and build their business ideas in the earliest stages of their ventures with a support system completely done through Wendy Kennedy’s online Institute,“ said Lillian Withers, certified coach at Just Start Academy.

“Who is this program for?” asked Aponte.

“The Just Start Academy is for inspired individuals who have an idea, and they think, “Is this viable, and where do I even start?” So, we can help them through that process. We want to create a space where potential founders can workshop their ideas and work through the tough questions and their own assumptions in a supportive environment. When founders [gain] clarity early, this means that they can [use] their time and energy for an opportunity that [truly suits] them. The Just Start Academy uses proven techniques to help first-time founders build and strengthen their ideas. Our goal is to start with a strong foundation to be able to help them in the earliest stages of their startup,“ said Withers.

“What can participants expect when joining Just Start Academy?” asked Aponte.

“The academy [focuses] on the very beginning stages of entrepreneurship, helping innovators become entrepreneurs. We help focus on the desirability, the viability, and the feasibility of their startup. The program is offered for free to accepted participants who complete the program under UF Innovate | Accelerate. We utilize Wendy Kennedy’s online curriculum to be able to help them poke holes through their plans, work through the tough questions, and then do the market research to make sure that they move forward with a viable startup that best benefits their opportunity,” said Withers.

“Where can interested participants learn more about Just Start Academy?” asked Aponte

“Interested applicants can contact us through our website and we’ll forward an application to you,” said Withers.

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