FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is an Entrepreneur?
  According to the Small Business Administration, an entrepreneur is: “A Person who organizes and manages a business undertaking, assuming the risk for the sake of profit. An entrepreneur: Sees an opportunity. Makes a plan. Starts the business. Manages the business. Receives the profits.”
• What is the Entrepreneurial Academy®?
  The Entrepreneurial Academy® (EA) is a 10-week long training program designed to teach what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur.
• When does the Entrepreneurial Academy® take place?
  Entrepreneurial Academy® is held twice a year – once in the spring and again in the fall. The Spring 2021 session of the Entrepreneurial Academy® starts on March 15th and runs for 10 weeks, ending May 17th. Classes are every Monday from 6pm until 9pm via Zoom.
• How long has the Entrepreneurial Academy® been around?
  The Entrepreneurial Academy® has been around since 1995, helping entrepreneurs in and around St. Petersburg start and run successful businesses.
• What information is covered in the Academy?
  A wide range of information is presented over the course of 10 weeks, including: Business Plans, Marketing, Finance, Law, and Community Resources – to name a few.
• What kind of experience do I need to apply? Do I need to have a business plan?
  No experience is needed to apply. In fact, the Entrepreneurial Academy® is a great way to learn if you have what it takes to start your own business.
• ​Where is the Entrepreneurial Academy® held?
  Classes will be held virtually through online platforms.
• Where can I park?
  Limited parking is available in The Greenhouse Guest parking spots on the far east side of the parking lot across the street from the Greenhouse (closest to the Church, towards 4th Street). Otherwise, we suggest parking in the metered lot across the street from the Greenhouse, or in available on-street spaces. Meters in the lot are $0.25 per hour and on-street is $1.00 per hour. Parking is ​​allowed in the lot across the street after 6pm. If you plan to arrive early for dinner and networking though, you will need to park in a Guest spot or use metered parking.
• How many classes must I attend in order to graduate?
  You must attend a minimum of 7 out of the 9 educational classes (graduation during week 10 is optional) to be eligible to graduate and receive a free Chamber membership.
• What about the free Chamber Membership? How does that work?
  • Eligibility
    Participants who successfully graduate from the Entrepreneurial Academy® are eligible for a free, 1-year Startup-level membership (regularly $350) to the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. In order to be eligible, you must attend a minimum of 7 out of the 9 educational classes (graduation during week 10 is optional, though encouraged).
• Terms
  Eligible Entrepreneurial Academy® graduates will receive a 1-year, Startup-level membership ($350 value). The free membership begins on the date of EA graduation and lasts for 1 year. Existing Chamber members who successfully complete the Entrepreneurial Academy® will receive a free 1-year extension on top of their existing membership. Any eligible Entrepreneurial Academy® graduate who wishes to join at a higher membership level will receive a $350 credit towards their Chamber membership fee.

Learn more about Membership Levels here.
Learn more about Chamber Membership Benefits here.

1. Are scholarships available?
   No. Unfortunately, we do not have any scholarships available for Entrepreneurial Academy at this time.
2. Where can I learn more about the Chamber? The Greenhouse?
   You can learn more about the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce at StPete.com. The Greenhouse is a collaboration of the Chamber and the City of St. Petersburg, which offers business education, resources, mentoring, and assistance for entrepreneurs and small businesses. You can learn more about The Greenhouse at StPeteGreenhouse.com.
3. Whom do I contact for more information?
   If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Brittany Cagle at BCagle@stpete.com or 727-401-2162.