Community Briefs Jan. 3

Business Incubator scheduled for Northwest Florida 

Shark Tanks Across America — NW Florida Incubators will provide start-up grant funding, affordable retail space for budding entrepreneurs, and a high profile venue for the general public to (1) gather, research, brainstorm and pitch business ideas, (2) showcase, introduce, launch and sell new products and services, and (3) introduce and recognize regional entrepreneurs for their accomplishments. 

The center will be open to the general public and will service the citizens of Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa, Escambia, and Bay counties.

Shark Tanks Across America, LLC (STAA) is a training and development company that teaches everyday people how to pitch and fund business ideas for profit and for fun. 

Contact Nancy.Gaskins@operationHSH.com. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast awarded grant

Southface, the Southeast’s nonprofit leader in promoting sustainable homes, workplaces and communities, has selected Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast to receive more than $38,000 and participate in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Energy & Water Efficiency Program Pilot (BGCA EWEP). The Club’s participation will demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of high-impact energy and water efficiency improvements in Club facilities.

Supported by funding from The JPB Foundation, the program will provide funding to perform energy and water assessments at the Fort Walton Beach Youth Boys & Girls Club at 923 Denton Blvd. NW. The ultimate goal of the program is to reduce Club utility expenses by 20 percent, so those savings may be better used in support of its mission.