Is Jacksonville a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Jacksonville has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Jacksonville gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Jacksonville

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Jacksonville offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Jacksonville's early-stage funding scene is developing, with local players like PS27 Ventures actively investing in seed-stage technology companies across various sectors, including Healthtech, E-commerce, Fintech, SaaS, and Sustainability. Angel networks such as Jax Angels are also significant, positioning themselves as the largest and most active in North Florida, focusing on early-stage, high-growth potential businesses. Government support is available through programs like the City of Jacksonville Economic Development Program and various state and federal grants, including SBIR/STTR for technology commercialization and grants for minority and women-owned businesses. Despite these resources, challenges persist, particularly a recognized funding gap at the seed stage and for underrepresented founders. Competition for investment is also a factor, common in growing tech ecosystems.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Jacksonville has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Jacksonville has a developing startup and innovation culture with a growing tech scene, particularly in fintech, software, and logistics. The ecosystem includes numerous coworking spaces across the city, facilitating collaboration and providing flexible workspaces. Tech events and networking opportunities, like Jax Tech and Tech on Tap, occur regularly, fostering community and knowledge sharing. Entrepreneurial activity is supported by organizations like the JAX Chamber, SCORE, and the UNF Small Business Development Center, offering counseling, workshops, and resources. While standardized programs exist, such as the JAX Bridges Entrepreneurship Program, there are also initiatives like ELEV8 and PS27 Ventures that provide mentorship, resources, and funding, indicating personalized support for early-stage founders alongside programs for more mature startups. The Phoenix Arts & Innovation District also aims to support small business incubation.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Jacksonville can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Jacksonville, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Jacksonville is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Jacksonville has a growing talent pool supported by several educational institutions like the University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville, which offer programs aligned with regional job demands in areas such as technology, logistics, and healthcare. The city's workforce development initiatives, like Earn Up, connect education with business needs, fostering a skilled talent pipeline. Key industry-specific skills in demand include full stack development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a growing tech scene, a supportive ecosystem with resources like the JAX Chamber's Entrepreneurial Growth Division, and new initiatives such as the Entrepreneurship Workforce Development Centers. While attracting and retaining talent can be a focus, the collaboration between educational institutions and businesses is actively working to meet the needs of startups and growing companies.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Jacksonville can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Jacksonville boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Jacksonville offers a growing ecosystem for startups, supported by various resources and government initiatives. Key infrastructure includes the Downtown Innovation District, providing co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerators. The Beaver Street Enterprise Center is a prominent business incubator offering office space, mentorship, and technical assistance. Support systems are robust, with organizations like the JAX Chamber's Entrepreneurial Growth Division offering mentorship, education, and networking. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UNF provides free consulting and workshops. SCORE Jacksonville also offers free mentoring from experienced professionals. Government initiatives play a vital role. The City of Jacksonville's Office of Economic Development assists with financing through local, state, and federal programs and partners with small business organizations. The city has allocated funds for small business development, including micro-grants and low-interest loans through the Small Business Capital Access Programs. These resources collectively help startups access funding, gain expertise, and connect within the business community to foster growth.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Jacksonville. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Jacksonville Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Jacksonville provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

While Jacksonville's startup scene is growing, entrepreneurs may face challenges. Competition exists, particularly within established sectors like fintech and logistics, and from larger, more mature tech hubs. Although Jacksonville boasts a lower cost of living compared to major tech cities, which can attract talent, securing significant venture capital funding can be more difficult than in those larger ecosystems. Navigating regulatory issues, including business registration, licensing, zoning, and understanding state and federal tax requirements, also presents hurdles for new businesses. However, resources like the JAX Chamber and local accelerators aim to help address some of these challenges.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Jacksonville or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Jacksonville offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash