EnterCircle Entrepreneurship Week returns to connect, ignite, inspire

Inspiration meets innovation at the region’s most dynamic incubator for entrepreneurship. The 4th Annual EnterCircle Entrepreneurship Week, presented by the Sapna Foundation, features sessions with North Florida’s top industry professionals and motivators, challenges, women-led and -focused programs, youth mentorship, career-building and more. It takes place Nov. 12-16 at the link, 425 Town Plaza Ave. in Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach.

“EnterCircle consistently engages entrepreneurial minds, from young innovators to seasoned pros, fostering idea exchange that helps businesses grow,” said Gurpreet Misra, co-founder of Sapna Foundation and the link. “This year, we’re spotlighting social enterprises that strengthen communities and benefit the business landscape. Celebrating the enterprising spirit is the essence of EnterCircle!”

This year’s theme, “Unlocking Serendipity: Connecting the Dots,” highlights how key life moments can drive growth through proactive decisions and new connections. Building on past themes — “Innovation” (2021), “Resilient Leadership” (2022) and “Thrive with Purpose” (2023) — it reflects the link’s mission and the Sapna Foundation’s goal of sparking serendipitous events to boost the local economy.

Featured speakers include Mari Kuraishi, president of The Jessie Ball DuPont Fund; Sriram Bharatam, founder of Kuza Biashara (a world-renowned social enterprise); Krista Joseph, commissioner for St. Johns County; Karen Bowling, chief administrative officer for the City of Jacksonville; Dawn Lockart, CEO of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida; and Marcia Connor, executive advisor and best-selling author, among others.

• Nov. 12: The week kicks off with the Youth Innovation Challenge, where local high school students work to develop solutions for real-world challenges, and the Inaugural Best of Best Awards Night, celebrating winners of the Best of Best Awards of The Ponte Vedra Recorder.

• Nov. 13: Social Enterprise Day empowers small businesses and nonprofit organizations with the tools, insights and connections to thrive. Featuring a business EXPO where local businesses can showcase their products and services.

• Nov. 14: The Youth Symposium is all about the next generation. Top leaders share their experiences and help high school students explore their entrepreneurial potential.

• Nov. 15: Women’s Day is a transformative event designed to create a supportive and inspiring dialogue for all women. In direct conjunction with International Women Entrepreneurship Day, the tone is set to be celebratory in addition to a learning environment.

• Nov. 16: Kidpreneurs Day features an expo and a show-and-tell where young creatives can showcase their creations and gain real-world experience in the business world.

Registration is currently open. Because each day is uniquely different, a ticket or RSVP for each day is required. To register, go to entercircle.zone. Businesses looking to connect can inquire about partnerships by emailing sales@thelink.zone.

“Diversification of capital is a critical strategy for all nonprofit organizations to ensure they are resilient and able to sustain their impact,” said Dawn Lockhart, CEO of The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida. “With so many experts in the room, attendees will learn about new forms of capital available to be leveraged in today’s challenging environment. The Nonprofit Center is thrilled to partner with the Sapna Foundation and the link and to accelerate sector impact through entrepreneurial forms of capital.”

The week is supported by St. Johns County, the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, Hyundai of St. Augustine, St. Johns County School District, Unlockt, Hirelocal.org and other organizations.