Making entrepreneurship, small business growth and careers in tech accessible to everyone
[Community Open House – September 29, 2021 – 4-6 p.m.]
(Bradenton, Fla., September 21, 2021) — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) is proud to announce the opening of 26 West Center. Located at SCF Bradenton, the world-class, 40,000-square-foot building is home to a suite of innovative services dedicated to making entrepreneurship, small business growth and careers in technology accessible to students and residents of the Suncoast region.
“26 West Center is the intersection between our campus and the community,” said Kim Richmond, director, 26 West Entrepreneurship Center. “We offer entrepreneurs and small business owners resources to start and grow their businesses – from office space and training, to access to a network of mentors, investors and other entrepreneurs. This will be a catalyst for innovation and economic growth in the entire region.”
26 West Center offers the following services:
Business Growth Lab –The Business Growth Lab is a business incubator providing offices, conference rooms and workspaces leasable to entrepreneurs starting or expanding a business. Fiber-optic high-speed internet, locked storage, mail service, free parking and break room access are also included for tenants.
Entrepreneurship Academy – Entrepreneurs and small business owners can learn through experience at the Entrepreneurship Academy. Established, successful entrepreneurs will teach classes and workshops including “Entrepreneurship Essentials,” “Networking Made Easy” and “Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs.”
SCF Coding Academy – The Coding Academy teaches the skills needed to launch a career in a high-demand technology job in less than six months. Anyone can start to train for careers in coding, cloud computing, digital marketing and cybersecurity. All courses are non-credit and open to the public without requiring college admission or college prerequisites. Coding Academy courses are offered by experienced instructors, lead to industry-recognized training and certifications, and include support from career coaches for help with job placement.
“There are abundant career opportunities in the technology industry,” said Desh Bagley, director of SCF’s Coding Academy. “We provide the technical tools and career support that will help people gain the skills they need for the job they want.”
26 West Center also houses a creative studio with state-of-the art digital equipment for videos and podcasts as well as a personal branding lab and digital collective for marketing assistance. These elements will launch in the spring of 2022. The Center can facilitate community events of all sizes – from community galas and corporate retreats, to board meetings and social club gatherings, with a full-service kitchen to support catering.
Open House
An open house at SCF Bradenton, 26 West Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, Building 8, will take place on Wednesday, September 29, from 4-6 p.m. The public is invited to learn about everything 26 West Center has to offer. Attendees can tour the building, meet 26 West Center staff and network with other attendees.
For more information or to schedule a private tour, please visit 26West.SCF.edu or call 941-752-5449.
