Colossal Academy
Colossal Academy Jacksonville is a project-based, personalized learning micro high school. When Janet Fienemann was looking for a high school option that included what her children needed in order to be prepared for life – entrepreneurship, internships, life skills, hands-on learning and core subjects, there simply wasn’t one she wanted to send her kids to. Janet, having a doctorate degree in educational leadership, decided to put this experience and training to use and start a high school herself.
Janet sought to create a classroom for teenagers who could learn at their own pace on traditional curriculum AND real-life skills like budgeting, communication and even gardening. She faced numerous challenges when she started on this journey and finding guidance from existing schools was tough. She found the support and curriculum she was looking to provide in Colossal Academy, based in Fort Lauderdale. Colossal Academy founders were interested in franchising, so Janet saw her opportunity to create her vision for a better high school.
Janet knew she had a passion for the school but would need help with the business side of her dream. In late 2023 she heard about the SBDC at 老澳门资料 and set up an appointment. Through the assistance of her SBDC consultant, Janet was able to navigate the extensive compliance and inspection regulations to make sure her school was setup legally. Additionally, Janet received guidance on acquiring capital for the startup with several lending referrals, grant options and help with her pitch. She worked with the SBDC to develop her website and overall marketing strategy to attract new students. All these efforts resulted in Janet opening Colossal Academy Jacksonville’s doors and ready to receive students for the Fall 2024 school year! Janet and her team look forward to growing the school’s enrollment.
“SBDC was so helpful throughout the process from business planning to research to marketing to connecting with professionals. I recommend SBDC all the time. What an asset to have a mentor through the whole business startup process. We are very grateful for the support, expertise and encouragement!”
Janet Fienemann - Owner,