Posted on July 17, 2025
Inventors and entrepreneurs in Jacksonville, welcome.
I’m JD Houvener, founder and patent attorney here at Bold Patents. If you’re building something new, something you’re proud of, you might be wondering where to start. Maybe you feel like you’re figuring it all out alone.
You’re not.
Jacksonville has some incredible startup resources, but they’re not always easy to find. So, I made this video to walk you through five of the best places to plug into as a new inventor, startup founder, or business owner right here in town.
Let’s get into it.
1. Elevate Ventures (with an “8”)
This is a startup accelerator with serious support. You’ll find funding, mentorship, networking, and even tech support here. You do need to apply, but if accepted, you’ll be part of a group that’s built to grow fast.
They host events like Startup Weekend and Build Bold, right here in Jacksonville. One success story? SmartBox, they offer flexible storage and moving solutions, and they came out of Elevate.
2. PS27 Ventures
This group focuses on helping you validate your idea and build a business. There’s capital, mentoring, and pitch opportunities, plus a strong emphasis on supporting women founders and Black entrepreneurs through dedicated forums.
FinnAxar, a rising fintech company, just launched from PS27.
3. Beaver Street Enterprise Center (BSEC)
Think of this as a home base for startups. It’s an incubator, great for solo founders or small teams who want to work in person, meet others, and learn. There’s co-working space, mentoring, and tons of peer support.
HealthZen, a healthcare AI startup, came out of BSEC.
4. Florida SBDC at UNF
This one’s a gem. It’s free. And yes, it’s legit. Funded by the SBA, the SBDC connects you with experienced business mentors, retired CEOs and execs who want to help the next wave of founders.
Need help with hiring, financing, or building a plan? Start here. GreenTech Solutions, known for eco-friendly yard tools, got their start through the SBDC.
5. IStart Valley
A 16-week program designed to help you take your idea and turn it into a business. They offer a step-by-step curriculum, mentorship, and a chance to pitch your business at the end.
Revolution Consultants, an ad tech firm, got their launch here.
Before you apply to any of these programs, protect your idea.
Don’t pitch, publish, or share without first speaking with a patent attorney. We offer free discovery calls at Bold Patents to help you figure out what’s patentable, what’s not, and how to keep your invention safe, whether that’s with a provisional, non-provisional, or a trademark.
We’re here in Jacksonville, and we’re ready to help.
I’m JD Houvener, thanks for watching, and remember:
Go big. Go bold.
