University of Florida
University of Florida
UF Innovate

Just Start Academy

UF Innovate | Accelerate’s Just Start Academy is a free program built to help innovators turn a raw idea into a clear, confident “go” or “no-go” decision.

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every startup begins
with a question

Just Start Academy helps innovators answer the question every entrepreneur faces:
Is this idea worth pursuing? UF Innovate | Accelerate’s free program is built to help innovators turn a raw idea into a clear, confident go or no-go decision.

logo for Just Start Academy at UF Innovate | Accelerate

Over nine self-guided, asynchronous modules spread across nine months, participants are walked step-by-step through the startup journey — from defining the problem and understanding the customer, to testing economic potential and building a compelling value proposition.

Along the way, you’ll complete a Business Model Canvas for each customer segment you explore, with support available through monthly open office hours, 1:1 meetings, and thought leadership webinars.

Whether you land on a green light (ready to move forward, with the Accelerate team on hand for next steps) or a red light (not going forward with this idea — but you’re always welcome back with a new one), you’ll walk away with clarity.

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FAQ

No. Just Start Academy is a fully remote program, so there’s no requirement to be part of the UF community to participate.

Just two things: a unique, tech-based idea and a few spare hours a week.

It’s completely free as long as you complete the modules. If the program is not completed, a $100 fee applies. There’s no fee or penalty if you decide not to move forward after finishing the program.

It’s entirely self-paced — you control the pace and the output, while we provide the structure and support along the way. Nine months is the target timeline, but go-getters don’t need the full nine to finish.

Starting a business without prior experience can feel overwhelming. Just Start Academy was built for the earliest-stage innovator — offering structure, feedback, and a supportive environment to develop your idea. Each module is paired with a 1:1 coaching session to keep your startup moving toward being pitch-ready.

Questions? Reach out anytime.

Lillian Withers,  Certified WKI Coach

Email Lillian
Headshot of Elliott Welker
Elliott Welker
Assistant Director, Sid Martin Bio
ewelker@ufl.edu
(386) 462-0880
Linkedin

Elliott Welker

Assistant Director, Sid Martin Bio

Elliott works on programs and progress for startup companies in UF Innovate | Accelerate at Sid Martin Biotech in Alachua.

Before joining UF Innovate, Elliott was a business development intern for ReliOx Corporation, a resident startup at Sid Martin Biotech; a legal assistant for Robert S. Griscti, Esq., assisting him in his practice of white-collar criminal law, criminal defense, federal and state litigation, professional licensing and appeals; and volunteered with the North Central Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.

He earned his BA in history with a minor in teaching English as a second language (2013) and MBA focusing on entrepreneurship and marketing (2017) from UF. He was a Bob Graham Center for Public Service Student Fellow and Poe Center for Business Ethics Education and Research MBA Fellow.

Printable version of Elliott’s bio sketch is available here.