City of West Palm Beach Small Business Initiative Helps Local Entrepreneurs

Mayor Keith A. James’ Mayor Jumpstart Academy to Accept Applications

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (September 17, 2025) – The City of West Palm Beach’s highly successful Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy will begin accepting applications from local entrepreneurs and small businesses at noon on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Applications will close at noon on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Applications are open to West Palm Beach residents and business owners with a West Palm Beach business address.

Since its launch in 2022, the Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy has given business education and financial boosts to more than three dozen local entrepreneurs. In line with his vision of “Community and Opportunity for All,” Mayor Keith A. James created the program to give small business owners the tools to launch and grow a successful business in just 90 days. In partnership with Justine Peterson, the Co-Starters network, the Urban League of Palm Beach County, and the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, the 10-week program covers financial responsibility, business planning, marketing and promotion, and guidance on how to qualify for City contracts.

“Too many small businesses struggle because they lack access to the right tools, planning, and education,” Mayor James said. “The Jumpstart Academy changes that by equipping our entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed. In West Palm Beach, small businesses are not an afterthought—they are the heartbeat of our community, and we are committed to helping them thrive.”

Classes begin in October and will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, 401 North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Graduates qualify for grant funding to help grow their businesses. Alumni of the program include a honeybee removal company, jewelry makers, a pool cleaning service, and a florist.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and the Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy is giving entrepreneurs the education and resources they need to get started,” said Michael Zeff, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. “We are proud to support the City of West Palm Beach and Mayor Keith James with this transformative initiative.”

When the application period begins, applications can be found here and on the City’s Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy page at: www.wpb.org/MJA.