SunCoast Venture Forge envisions a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southwest Florida where innovation is nurtured, businesses are built on strong foundations, and community collaboration propels every idea forward. We aim to be the catalyst for change, empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to turn their ventures into cornerstones of economic resilience and regional prosperity.

SunCoast Venture Forge empowers entrepreneurs of venture and social enterprises in Southwest Florida through community-sourced and driven incubation, fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

The SunCoast Venture Forge team is a dynamic and diverse group of individuals united by a common goal: to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within the Southwest Florida region. This dedicated team is composed of seasoned professionals, each bringing their own unique expertise and passion for innovation and community development.

At the helm is Dr. Peter Ocsody, the Project Director, whose visionary leadership and extensive experience as a serial entrepreneur and educator shape the strategic direction of SCVF.

SunCoast Venture Forge offers a comprehensive suite of courses and workshops designed to empower entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. From ideation to execution, our curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of both venture and social entrepreneurs.

Pre-Incubator Courses: These foundational courses are perfect for individuals in the early stages of their entrepreneurial path. Covering topics such as ideation, market research, and basic business modeling, these courses are designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs validate their ideas and set the stage for success.

Incubator Program: Our flagship incubator program is an intensive, hands-on experience that guides participants through the process of building a growth-oriented or possibly scalable business. Entrepreneurs learn about customer segmentation, marketing strategies, operational planning, and financial projections, all while preparing to pitch to investors and enter the market.

Workshops: For those looking to dive deeper into specific areas, our workshops offer targeted learning on topics such as digital marketing, sales techniques, legal aspects of business, and advanced financial modeling. These workshops are led by industry experts and provide practical, actionable skills.

SunCoast Venture Forge is committed to providing unparalleled support and coaching to both participants in our programs and the broader community of entrepreneurs in Southwest Florida. Our approach is personalized, hands-on, and deeply invested in the success of each individual and venture.

Personalized Coaching: Participants in our programs receive one-on-one coaching from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts. These mentors work closely with entrepreneurs to refine their business strategies, overcome challenges, and accelerate growth. The coaching is tailored to the unique needs and development stage of each venture, ensuring relevant and impactful guidance.

Community Support: SunCoast Venture Forge fosters a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs through regular networking events, peer-to-peer learning sessions, and community forums. This supportive ecosystem encourages collaboration, exchange of ideas, and collective problem-solving among like-minded individuals.

Ongoing Development: Our support extends beyond the initial phases of starting a business. We offer continued guidance as companies grow and scale, providing resources and advice for long-term development and sustainability.

SunCoast Venture Forge (SCVF) is pioneering a collaborative approach to entrepreneurial development in Southwest Florida through its innovative partnership program. Recognizing the wealth of existing resources in the region, SCVF strategically aligns with various local organizations, educational institutions, and business development entities to create a cohesive and comprehensive support system for entrepreneurs.

SCVF's partnership program is designed to forge a synergistic ecosystem where every piece of training, workshop, or course acts as a building block in an entrepreneur's journey. This system not only streamlines the learning process but also maximizes the impact of each educational component, ensuring that entrepreneurs receive exactly what they need to flourish.

Leveraging Local Expertise: By partnering with organizations that already offer workshops and courses tailored to entrepreneurs, SCVF ensures that participants have access to a diverse range of expert-led training opportunities. These partnerships enable a rich tapestry of resources, knowledge, and support, readily available in each county and city within the region.

Customized Learning Journeys: At the heart of SCVF's mission is a commitment to personalized development. The program doesn't just offer a one-size-fits-all curriculum; instead, it assesses the specific needs of each entrepreneur and their enterprise. Based on this individualized assessment, SCVF curates a tailored set of courses and workshops, optimizing each entrepreneur's progress and addressing the unique challenges of their business.