The InLab@HCC is Hillsborough Community College's Interdisciplinary Institute for innovation. One core service area provided by the InLab includes entrepreneurship services and programs for Veterans and their families interested in, or engaged with small business enterprising (Vetrepreneurs). Operation Startup is the InLab@HCC's center for Vetrepreneurs, and is located at Hillsborough County's Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. Through a robust offering of formal (college credit) and informal (non-credit) entrepreneurship education, workshops, mentoring, advising, co-working, and funding programs, Operation Startup and the InLab provides Vetrepreneurs with an opportunity to receive robust educational small business support from a nationally recognized community college. We specialize in educating Veterans who have a business or business idea with a social impact. We are an idea and innovation lab, and collaborative work space. We help you take action on your ideas, so that together we can transform our community.
*Veterans, active duty, Reserve/Guard, spouses, and civilian business partner
Learn more about the high impact services available to our members. College credit & non-credit structured programs, effectuation accelerator, business mentors and advisors, and much more.
support us
As we continue to grow by serving more clients and developing innovative programs and services, we need additional financial and volunteer support. Learn more about the various ways you can get involved with Operation Startup.
Community Partners
None of what we do is possible without the incredible support of our collaborating partners.
Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund
SMALL BUSINESS DATA
64% of businesses start with less than $10,000
More than 50% of workers are employed by small businesses
70% of U.S. entrepreneurs start their businesses at home
89% of businesses have less than 20 employees
The average age of a founder launching an entrepreneurial startup is 42 years old
Veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-Veterans
Sources: Small Business Administration, Kauffman Foundation, U.S. Census Bureau
OPERATION STARTUP DATA
Over 45 businesses launched by HCC students, Vetrepreneurs, and Social Entrepreneurs
$250,000 in seed capital secured **, and $57,000 of capital invested in Operation Startup clients
More than 300 workshops and events serving over 3,000 participants
100 plus community partners, business mentors, advisors, and subject matter experts
Recognized as a national leader in community college entrepreneurship education. Acknowledged by the Florida College System Chancellor as an example of innovative excellance
Over 2,700 Veterans , social entrepreneurs, college students, and community members served
** Must complete one of our college credit entrepreneurship certificates or degrees to qualify for the Everyday Entrepreneur $250,000 seed fund.