Pradip C Patel InLab at HC

We are excited to announce that the HCC Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition is officially set and applications are now being accepted!

Registration at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=lB8DbALEOkOS0i086FFto-6crxWC-UxNnzre_NqbtztUQlIwMjFSOTdFRTYzTlNHU0VRTUhaWU84SS4u&route=shorturl

This is your opportunity to showcase your business, share your vision, and compete for up to $5,000 in seed funding to help take your venture to the next level.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: HCC Pradip C. Patel InLab, Social Sciences Building (DSSC), Room 204, 4001 W Tampa Bay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33614

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements:
• Successfully complete the 12-credit Entrepreneurship • Certificate or any Business A.S./A.A. program; or
• Be a graduate of the STRIVE or Digital Entrepreneur Programs.

Complete registration here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=lB8DbALEOkOS0i086FFto-6crxWC-UxNnzre_NqbtztUQlIwMjFSOTdFRTYzTlNHU0VRTUhaWU84SS4u&route=shorturl

To be considered for funding, applicants must submit:

• A detailed cover letter outlining the funding request (up to $5,000), how the funds will be used, and links to at least three business social media accounts (including LinkedIn).

• A business plan, feasibility plan, or business canvas.
Proof of legal business formation (such as a Sunbiz filing).

Please note: Hillsborough College employees are not eligible for funding.

Whether you're launching a new business or growing an existing one, this is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure, receive valuable feedback, and secure funding to accelerate your success.

We encourage all eligible entrepreneurs to apply and take advantage of this exciting opportunity.

For questions, please contact [email protected]

We look forward to seeing your ideas come to life!

(Pitch competition brought to you in partnership with Hillsborough County, Florida, Economic Development Innovation Initiative, and Hillsborough College)

Ready to break into the fast-paced world of Financial Technology?

Join us for an exclusive session with Amy Z, a seasoned expert in FinTech, as she walks you through what it really takes to build a thriving career in this dynamic industry.

Whether you're a student exploring options, a career-changer eyeing tech, or a professional looking to level up, this event is packed with actionable insights.

Amy will cover:Key roles and growth opportunities in FinTechEmerging trends and in-demand skillsMust-have resources, certifications, and toolsReal-world advice from her own journey

This is your inside look at FinTech, don’t miss out.

Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fintech-career-path-overview-resource-with-amy-z-tickets-1987147106488?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Part 2 of our 3 part series is next week!

Register today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/resilient-by-design-thriving-through-transition-tickets-1987148961035?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Who This Is For:
• Professionals facing career transitions or uncertainty
• Veterans and civilians interested in resilience frameworks that actually work
• Leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals who want structure instead of stress spirals

- You don’t need to have everything figured out.
- You just need the right tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Come ready to rethink resilience, recalibrate your approach to change, and design a stronger version of yourself, on purpose.

Ready to break into the fast-paced world of Financial Technology?

Register today for next Tuesday's free virtual workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fintech-career-path-overview-resource-with-amy-z-tickets-1987147106488?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Join us for an exclusive session with Amy Z, a seasoned expert in FinTech, as she walks you through what it really takes to build a thriving career in this dynamic industry.

Whether you're a student exploring options, a career-changer eyeing tech, or a professional looking to level up, this event is packed with actionable insights.

Amy will cover:Key roles and growth opportunities in FinTechEmerging trends and in-demand skillsMust-have resources, certifications, and toolsReal-world advice from her own journey

This is your inside look at FinTech, don’t miss out: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fintech-career-path-overview-resource-with-amy-z-tickets-1987147106488?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

This Thursday: Financing Your Business - How to Ask for a Loan, Prepare for the Bank, and Find Funding

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/show-me-the-money-financing-your-business-tickets-1989401682987?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Securing funding can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start, what lenders are looking for, or how to position your business for approval. This workshop is designed to help entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners better understand the financing process and gain the confidence needed to seek funding successfully.

Whether you’re planning to launch, grow, expand operations, purchase equipment, or improve cash flow, understanding how business financing works can help you make smarter financial decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

During this session, attendees will learn:

• The basics of personal credit and how lenders evaluate loan applications
• Common lending criteria banks and financial institutions look for
• When it makes sense to seek financing for your business
• The role government programs and resources play in business funding
• How to prepare before applying for a loan or financing opportunity
• The steps involved in applying for funding
• Different financing options available for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs

This workshop is ideal for:
• New and aspiring entrepreneurs
• Existing small business owners
• Startups preparing for growth
• Anyone interested in learning more about business funding and financial readiness

Walk away with a better understanding of the financing landscape, practical preparation tips, and resources that can help position your business for future success.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/show-me-the-money-financing-your-business-tickets-1989401682987?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

There's still time to reserve your seat for this 2-part virtual Canva workshop.

Tuesday & Thursday at 11am (eastern)

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-basics-of-canva-part-1-tickets-1989683652365?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

On Memorial Day, we remember the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who served and never returned home.

May their legacy inspire us to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to the communities around us.

Free fintech workshops for entrepreneurs and business professionals covering AI, digital payments, funding, and innovation, in collaboration with the Pradip C. Patel InLab@HCC, County, Florida, and the Economic Development Innovation Initiative.

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/fintech-workshops-4841876

Fintech Workshops Free fintech workshops for entrepreneurs and business professionals covering AI, digital payments, funding, and innovation, in collaboration with the Pradip C. Patel InLab@HCC, Hillsborough County, and the Economic Development Innovation Initiative.

NEW WORKSHOP ADDED: The Basics of Canva

A two-part workshop series. Learn the basics of graphic designing and branding with Canva. This is a hands on workshop.

This is a hands-on workshop. Please have your account with Canva created in advance.

Canva changes fast, and keeping up with all the tools, features, and design options can feel overwhelming. This 2-part workshop series is designed to help beginners build confidence while learning how to actually use Canva for business, marketing, branding, and everyday content creation.

In this hands-on series, you'll learn the basics of Canva, explore the ever-changing landscape of the platform, and discover practical ways to create professional-looking content without needing a graphic design background.

Topics may include:
• Understanding the Canva dashboard and tools
• Brand kits, fonts, colors, and organization
• Tips for creating better visuals
• Exploring Canva’s newest features and AI tools
• Best practices for business and personal branding

Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, content creators, nonprofits, and anyone wanting to feel more comfortable using Canva.

About the facilitator: Kim is a social brand strategist and brand graphic designer, a recovering blogger, and a small business owner with a deep appreciation for smart technology, innovative tools, and the ever-changing social media landscape. She runs a boutique brand design & marketing company and is the Managing Director for The Comedy Forum

This workshop series is free to attend.

Register online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-basics-of-canva-part-1-tickets-1989683652365?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

The Basics of Canva | Part 1 A two-part workshop series. Learn the basics of graphic designing and branding with Canva. This is a hands on workshop.

Tomorrow at the InLab: Master the Room

A 1-hour intensive workshop that cuts “room” anxiety and installs a strategic, repeatable framework.

By the end of this session, participants will understand:

* The "Hook" Strategy: Develop a 30-second introduction that focuses on problem-solving rather than just job titles.

* Navigation Tactics: Master the "Stoplight" method for identifying which groups to approach and how to exit conversations gracefully.

* Virtual Presence: Optimize digital body language and chat etiquette to stand out in a remote environment.

* The 24-Hour Rule: Implement a systematic follow-up process that converts a business card (or LinkedIn connection) into a relationship.

Register online at

Master the Room: Virtual & In-Person Networking Excellence 1-hour intensive that cuts “room” anxiety and installs a strategic, repeatable framework.