Boosting Entrepreneur Wellness: Embarc Collective Strengthens Its Partnership With the Florida Blue Foundation

According to Startup Snapshot, 72% of startup founders say being an entrepreneur takes a toll on their mental health, and 81% say they are “not open about their stress, fears, and challenges.” This underscores that building a startup is not only difficult and lonely, but it can also impact an entrepreneur’s mental health.

That is why we are excited to announce a $20,000 grant from the Florida Blue Foundation to support Embarc Collective in helping Florida-based entrepreneurs invest in their mental wellness as they grow their startups.

“It’s no secret that building a startup is an endurance sport, requiring strong mental and physical preparedness to face multiple challenges, stressors, and obstacles day after day,” said Dan Holahan, Vice President of Membership at Embarc Collective. “With the Florida Blue Foundation’s support, we are excited to welcome our new Wellness & Development Coach, Marsha Prospere, to help startup builders win the endurance game.”

Marsha, a certified executive coach, brings a wealth of knowledge to condition resilient startup founders. She will be at the forefront of leading Embarc Collective’s CEO Peer Groups, Build Without Burnout Workshops, and Wellness & Development Coaching, all made possible through the support of the Florida Blue Foundation.

What are CEO Peer Groups?

Peer support is one of the most powerful resources for effective leadership development and burnout prevention. Embarc Collective’s CEO Peer Group program brings together startup founders of a similar stage to help them work sustainably, lead their teams effectively, and ambitiously build their companies without burnout.

What is the Build Without Burnout Program?

This program series is focused on what it means to be a great leader. Entrepreneurs participate in workshops on wellness and leadership topics, including giving and receiving feedback, co-founder relationships, stress management, and burnout prevention techniques.

What is Wellness & Development Coaching?

Startup entrepreneurs seek out private and confidential coaching that is individualized, timely, and consistent. Embarc Collective’s Wellness & Development Coach provides tailored 1:1 support to our startup members through a reflective inquiry process.

Tina James, Sr. Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Florida Blue Foundation, expressed the foundation’s commitment to supporting Embarc Collective’s mission. “Through our continued support of Embarc Collective’s efforts to serve the most driven and focused entrepreneurs, and by emphasizing the importance of mental and physical wellness, we are dedicated to fostering a healthy and sustainable startup ecosystem in Florida.”

About Embarc Collective

Embarc Collective is a world-class entrepreneurship hub and a central landing zone for Florida’s most driven and focused startup builders. Embarc Collective offers on-demand coaching and programming led by experienced startup operators, curated live and on-demand programming, and access to national customers and investors, all amongst a peer community of 125+ tech startups operating within an award-winning 32,000-square-foot startup hub in downtown Tampa, Florida. In 2023, UBI Global, a notable benchmarking study that evaluates startup support programs from across the world, ranked Embarc Collective as a Top Challenger Program in North America.

About Florida Blue Foundation

Florida Blue Foundation, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is committed to improve health equity by impacting food security, advancing mental well-being, growing healthy communities, and addressing health disparities. Learn more at https://www.floridablue.com/foundation