The Center for Micro-Entrepreneurial Training

03/03/2026

That’s a wrap on our 6-Week In-Person Entrepreneur Business Accelerator (EBA)! 🚀

For six weeks — meeting two days a week — this cohort showed up, leaned in, refined their models, strengthened their strategy, and built with intention.

We closed out the program the right way… with a Pitch Contest! 🎤🔥

Huge congratulations to our Pitch Contest winners! 🏆 Your clarity, confidence, and ex*****on truly stood out. The growth from Week 1 to Final Pitch was powerful to witness.

To every participant: your commitment, collaboration, and courage to step forward matters. This is only the beginning.

A special thank you to our judges for investing your time, insight, and expertise into these entrepreneurs. Your feedback, questions, and real-world perspective added tremendous value to the experience.

The future of business is in rooms like this.
And this cohort proved they are ready. 💼✨



📸 Leslie Gray Photography

02/13/2026

Week 4 of our In-Person Entrepreneur Business Accelerator, and the growth is undeniable. We asked four participants to share their experience — and whether they’d recommend the program. Their responses were honest, real, and powerful.

This is what happens when entrepreneurs commit to the process and show up for themselves.

Joseph Simmons and the CMET team have built a great program! Watch the video and hear it directly from those in the room.




🎥 Leslie Gray Photography

01/22/2026

Last night was powerful! 💡

Lift Orlando hosted an impactful Speed Coaching Event, presented by Joseph Simmons and The Center for Micro-Entrepreneurial Training, at the West Lakes Financial Wellbeing Center, bringing together small business owners, several Business Coaches, and SMEs for real conversations and solutions.

Entrepreneurs connected one-on-one, tackled the questions holding them back, and left with fresh clarity, practical strategies, and renewed confidence to move their businesses forward.

An evening filled with insight, connection, and momentum—exactly what our small business community needs. 🚀



📸 Leslie Gray Photography

01/21/2026

🌟 Day 1 of the 6-Week In-Person Entrepreneur Business Accelerator (EBA) — What an incredible kickoff! 🌟

Yesterday marked the first session of the Entrepreneur Business Accelerator, presented by Joseph Simmons and The Center for Micro Entrepreneurial Training (CMET) in partnership with Lois Lasley Perry & SCORE Mentors — an exciting 6-week, 2 nights per week in-person program designed to transform entrepreneurial ideas into actionable business growth plans.

We had over 40 passionate entrepreneurs join us as we launched the journey toward stronger, more resilient businesses. The energy in the room was inspiring! 🚀

📌 Featured Presentation:

Business Planning, led by Michelle Chenault, captivated attendees with insights on structuring business ideas, setting achievable goals, and laying the foundation for sustainable growth. Her practical approach empowered participants to think strategically about the next steps for their ventures.

Thank you to everyone who showed up ready to learn, engage, and grow. Here's to Week 1 of sharpening skills, building connections, and turning vision into reality! 💡📈

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the EBA journey!



Thank you, Soul Dobo, for the delicious food!

📸 Leslie Gray Photography

11/19/2025

Entrepreneurship can be an exciting journey—but it’s even more powerful when you don’t have to build alone.

This January 2026, CMET is bringing together entrepreneurs from across Central Florida for our In-Person Entrepreneur Business Accelerator (EBA)—a hands-on, 6-Week, 2-Nights p/Week, learning experience designed to help you launch, strengthen, and scale your business with confidence.

Starting January 20, 2026, we’ll meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 PM EST, at the National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando, diving into real strategies, real tools, and real community support.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, this is your moment.

Limited seats — apply now.
👉 https://tcmet.org/inpersoneba



In Partnership with SCORE Mentors

10/18/2025

We’re so proud of everyone who participated in LIFT Orlando’s Fall 2025 Small Business Cohort Pitch Competition! 🎉

🏆 1st Place: Ice & Clean Environmental
🥈 2nd Place: Blooming Buds ABA

Every entrepreneur in this program showed heart, grit, and creativity — proving that small businesses truly make a big difference in our communities. 💪🏽

Huge thanks to our friends and partners at LIFT Orlando for your leadership and collaboration, and for trusting CMET to facilitate this powerful program. Together, we’re building stronger businesses and stronger neighborhoods! 🌱

📸 Leslie Gray Photography

10/18/2025

08/29/2025

A powerful kickoff to the Lift Orlando Small Business Institute!

In partnership with the Center for Micro Entrepreneurial Training (CMET), we welcomed a passionate group of entrepreneurs embarking on an 8-week journey of growth, strategy, and business impact.

From mission clarity to financial sustainability, this cohort is diving into tools and training designed to strengthen their businesses and expand their reach. We’re honored to support these changemakers as they build stronger communities and advance the greater good.

📷 Leslie Gray Photography

08/14/2025

This morning, and Jacksonville's Small and Emerging Business ( ) hosted an engaging “Is ETA Right for Me?” workshop at the Entrepreneurship Workforce Development Center in Jacksonville.

Attendees learned how Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) can be a smarter path to business ownership, skipping the start-up phase by acquiring established businesses. Our subject matter experts, Terri Stallworth and Alonzo Williams, shared insights on financing, legal considerations, business sales, and career transitions—sparking great questions and conversations.

A big thank-you to everyone who joined us to explore the possibilities of ETA!



📸 Leslie Gray Photography

08/11/2025

ONE WEEK AWAY!! SO, IT'S TIME TO REGISTER!!

Register for our next FREE 5-Day Entrepreneur Business Accelerator course! If you are an entrepreneur, we'll help you take your business to the next level. Participate in our FREE Cohort beginning Monday, August 18, 2025, 8:00 AM EST! 📈 📋 REGISTER HERE >>>>>>>>> https://tcmet.org/

Cendie Stanford, Founder & CEO of ACEs Matter, shares how CMET's 5-Day Entrepreneur Business Accelerator (EBA) helped her find connection, focus on strategy, and run her non-profit differently.