StartUp FTL: Application
StartUp FTL Accelerated Grow Cohort Application
Program Dates: October 2025 - November 2025
Application Deadline Extended: September 12 at 11:59PM EST
Informational Session: August 20th at 12:00pm - View the Informational Session today!
Overview
Startup FTL is your go-to guide for emerging entrepreneurs, dedicated to kickstarting, nurturing, and sustaining your business journey! Teaming up with Kauffman FastTrac, Startup FTL brings you practical resources and guidance packed into a dynamic 6-week program led by local, experienced facilitators. This application is specifically intended for entrepreneurs and business owners in the startup and growing phase. The upcoming cohort will focus on how to successfully grow your business in the City of Fort Lauderdale, providing foundational knowledge and hands-on tools to support your growth.
The general StartUp FTL Cohort is 10 weeks. However, the City received a grant from the National League of Cities allowing us to conduct an accelerated course where 5 lucky participants are eligible to receive a grant upwards of $1,000. This application is specifically intended for entrepreneurs and business owners in the start-up or growing stage (being 1 to 5 years in business). The accelerated cohort will focus on how to successfully start a business in the City of Fort Lauderdale, providing foundational knowledge and hands-on tools to support your launch.
Course Timeline
This accelerated course program will run for 6-weeks in a hybrid schedule (in-person and online). Classes will be held twice weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Within the 6-week period, there will be a total of 12 classes. The program will begin in October 2025.
Completion Requirements
Participants are required to attend and be engaged. Participants must attend 80% (10 of 12) of the classes to (1) successfully obtain a certificate of completion and (2) be eligible to compete for grant funding upwards of $1,000 in a pitch competition at the end of the course.
Additional Information
This cohort of StartUp FTL is specifically designed for entrepreneurs start-up and growing stage. These are entrepreneurs/business owners that have been generating revenue for more than one year. Business must be active and in current standing. An EIN is not required but recommended to complete the application.
Applications from individuals outside of this phase will not be considered.
Applications will be scored based on elaboration of responses and detail.
Click here to view form.