Fort Myers, FL – Individuals thinking about starting their own business, but need some mentoring, are invited to apply to the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute. The next class is in Fort Myers from February 23 – April 2, 2026.

The MicroEnterprise Institute is a six-week training program to help emerging entrepreneurs start new ventures and grow small businesses. Graduates complete a comprehensive training course and prepare a solid plan to guide their start-up. They work with mentors who are successful businesspeople and hear from subject matter experts in areas of accounting, legal, marketing, insurance, and funding.

An easy-to-use workbook, used by organizations across America, assists in transforming vision into a plan for a successful business. Classes are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday and Thursday evenings at the SWFL Enterprise Center, 3903 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers.

“I learned so much through that program—it filled major gaps in my business knowledge,” said graduate, Nora Wallace of Wallace Custom Cabinetry. “I thought I knew what I was doing, but I realized there was so much I didn’t know.”

To apply, visit www.goodwillswfl.org/microenterprise, or call (239) 995-2106 ext. 2304. The session is $80; Volunteer hours can be substituted for the fee if income requirements are met. For more information, email Sandra Plazas at [email protected]. Attendance is limited, sign up now.

The nonprofit Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida administrates the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute. It is part of Goodwill’s mission of providing life-changing opportunities toward independence for those with disabilities and disadvantages. For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.