ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Empower, connect and grow small businesses in the Pensacola community
About The Spring
The Spring Entrepreneur Hub is a program of Studer Community Institute and exists to empower, connect and grow small businesses in the Pensacola area, serving as the front door to our community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Spring focuses on three key areas – mentorship, connection to resources, and scaling/acceleration – to bring unprecedented structure and aid to local small businesses in Escambia and Santa Rosa County.
Objectives of The Spring Pensacola
Triage entrepreneurs to resources within the ecosystem
Provide prestigious mentoring service
Provide space to build business
Help businesses grow and stay in the community
The Spring Team
MEET Kara Dieck
As Program Coordinator, Kara is the first face you see when entering The Spring co-work space! She serves as the go-to resource for our members and helps coordinate the various details and logistics of all entrepreneurial programs. She has passion for administrative work and being the light in everyone's day.
Kara was raised in Pensacola, but lived in Virginia for several years before returning home with her family in 2020. Prior to joining The Spring, she served as the Director of Administration for a local church.
Contact Kara: kdieck@studeri.org
MEET Gracie Price
In the role of Entrepreneurial Manager, Gracie Woodfin Price manages the day to day operations of The Spring programs and works to ensure local entrepreneurs receive the assistance and guidance they need to grow successful businesses. As a Pensacola native, she has great love for our community and is passionate about seeing it continue to prosper. Whether entrepreneurs are interested in receiving mentoring from one of The Spring's prestigious mentors, or they are looking for guidance within the ecosystem, Gracie is here to help and serve as their go-to resource when starting a business.
Prior to joining The Spring, Gracie was a Project Analyst with Studer Group | Huron Consulting Group where she worked with highly-experienced coach consultants to help healthcare organizations across the nation transform their culture. Gracie graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Marketing and Economics.
Contact Gracie: gprice@studeri.org
MEET Rachael Gillette
Rachael is the President of Studer Community Institute. She oversees the work, strategic planning, and financial stewardship for all of SCI. Rachael focuses on all core areas — early brain development, community building, leadership development, and entrepreneur support — to enable SCI to achieve its mission to improve the quality of life for all people in the diverse communities they serve.
Contact Rachael: rgillette@studeri.org
In Memoriam
Rodney Jackson
Rodney Jackson
Rodney Jackson, our dear friend and colleague, tragically passed away on August 9, 2022. As the Director of Business Engagement for The Spring / Studer Community Institute, Rodney helped 60+ local small business owners and entrepreneurs acquire capital and grow their business. He served as a trusted advisor and mentor to many in our community. Rodney came to SCI with more than 28 years of banking experience, which included leading retail and commercial teams. In addition, he held the role of SBA product manager. He was instrumental in serving on several boards to include the inaugural Board of Trustees for the Community Maritime Park, Escambia County Planning Board, Escambia Board of Adjustment, and the Pensacola CRA Advisory Board.
To learn more about Rodney's life and the legacy he leaves behind, click here.
Interested in Supporting The Spring Entrepreneur Hub?
Click the Button Below to Donate.
Your donation helps us continue providing resources and programs geared toward improving the quality of life for the people of our community.
CONTACT US
We are here to help!
Visit us at 220 W Garden St. #100, Pensacola, FL 32502.
Our offices hours are Monday - Friday from 8:30am-12:30pm
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the cost of the programs?
There is no cost to participate in The Spring Venture Mentoring Service and the triage process. Registration to attend a workshop is only $20. The rates for The Spring co-working space can be found here.
What is the time commitment for The Spring Venture Mentoring Service?
Mentees should expect to commit about 2 hours a month to the program. That includes a 90 minute session with mentors and any communication with The Spring VMS Staff. Mentoring sessions will not occur every month - the cadence of meetings is up to the mentee's discretion.
Mentors should expect to commit about 6 hours a month. This includes two-three 90 minute sessions with mentees (depending on how many companies the mentor works with), a 90 minute monthly mentor meeting that occur the first Thursday of each month from 12-1pm, and any communication with The Spring VMS Staff.