Florida entrepreneurs have less than two weeks left to apply for Black Ambition’s 2026 Fundable Founders Learning Lab, a free 10-week virtual program designed to help business owners strengthen their companies, prepare for investment, and position themselves for long-term growth.
Applications are open through Aug. 4, with the program scheduled to run from Aug. 18 through Oct. 20. The initiative is open to Florida-based founders and is offered at no cost to those accepted.
Launched in Florida last year through a $1 million philanthropic investment from JPMorganChase, the Fundable Founders Learning Lab is focused on helping entrepreneurs, particularly founders from underrepresented communities, build investor-ready businesses through mentorship, strategic planning, and practical business development.
According to Black Ambition, participants in the 2025 cohort reported more than 500 measurable business milestones, secured more than $274,000 in capital, and created approximately 51 new jobs during the 10-week program. Participants also gave the program a 5-out-of-5 satisfaction rating.
“We are excited to enter our second year of the Fundable Founders Learning Labs, allowing us to expand the amount of support we can deliver to businesses across Florida,” Black Ambition CEO Felecia Hatcher said in a press statement. “This isn’t about chasing funding; it’s about helping to build a business ecosystem that is ready to receive it and make real impact. We look forward to continuing our work with JPMorganChase to make this program as beneficial and successful as possible.”
The 2026 program will feature weekly virtual sessions covering topics including capital readiness, marketing, customer development, partnerships, and AI-powered business growth. Founders will also receive practical tools they can immediately implement, opportunities to connect with investors, ongoing access to the Black Ambition alumni network, and guidance from JPMorganChase’s startup business banking team on business operations and funding best practices.
“JPMorganChase is thrilled to work alongside Black Ambition for the second year in a row to support, catalyze, and amplify South Florida’s small businesses,” Maria Escorcia, Southeast Region Executive and Executive Director of Global Philanthropy at JPMorganChase, said in a press statement. “Together, we are expanding access to training, mentorship, and strategic resources, and helping founders build stronger, more resilient businesses.”
Last year’s cohort included more than 380 entrepreneurs representing industries such as consumer products, technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, media, and entertainment.
Among them was Christopher Green, founder of GameDrive, who said the program helped sharpen his company’s direction.
“Before joining Fundable Founders Lab, I was navigating the startup journey mostly on instinct and grit,” Green said in a press statement. “The structured guidance, supportive community, and actionable content gave me clarity and confidence to refine GameDrive’s vision. One key win: we’re now actively engaging investors with a sharper pitch and a more focused growth strategy. This program helped turn momentum into measurable progress.”
The program will conclude with the Fundable Founders Forum, where entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders will gather for a conference focused on networking, implementation strategies, and supporting South Florida’s startup ecosystem.
Black Ambition is also hosting a virtual information session on July 24 for founders interested in learning more about the program before the application deadline.
Florida is home to more than 1.38 million minority-owned businesses, according to Black Ambition, but access to capital continues to be a significant hurdle for many entrepreneurs. The organization says the Learning Lab is designed to help founders strengthen their businesses before seeking investment rather than simply helping them pursue funding.
Applications for the 2026 Fundable Founders Learning Lab close on Aug. 4.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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Where can we find the application link
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