Mayor's Jumpstart Academy
Mayor's Jumpstart Academy: Build Credit & Start Your Business!
The Application Period has Ended
We would like to thank all who submitted applications for the fall 2025 Mayor's Jumpstart Academy. The applications are being reviewed and those accepted for this elite business training will be notified shortly. The kickoff for the 10-session program will begin on October 22, 2025, with the first training session on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. Graduation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Jumpstart 2024
Lean more about the Mayor's Jumpstart Academy by viewing the video from the 2024 session.
Mayor Keith A. James developed the Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy (MJA) to provide underrepresented and under served communities with credit building and entrepreneurship training. Cohort members who successfully complete the program may access pathways to additional city services and supports. In partnership with the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Justine Petersen and the Co.Starters network, MJA will help starters go from an idea to a business in 90 days.
Every business, every corporation - large or small- started with a dream. The Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy combines credit building with the Co.Starters 10-week, cohort-based program that equips entrepreneurs of all backgrounds with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn dreams into reality. Participants enter into a facilitator-led, collaborative process with a small and supportive group of 10 like-minded peers. During the 10 (ten) 2.5-hour sessions, cohort members develop and fine-tune their ideas using the Co.Starters Canvas, by critically examining every component and determining next steps through real-time feedback from in class mentors, guest speakers, and coaches.
Participants will leave the program with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business, articulate their models, and repeat the process with the next great idea. Successful participants will receive up to $5,000 to start or grow their businesses.
Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and give your business a boost? Join our mailing list to learn about MJA and our next cohort.
MJA Graduate Teaches the Art of Cooking at GreenMarket
Tyrell Russell, MJA Graduate and owner of the Kookie Box,
Thrills Children in Cookie-making Class