The Home Watch Academy enthusiastically supports the entrepreneurial community through leadership, collaboration, and ongoing participation in events that create meaningful connections and real growth.

The Home Watch Academy actively supports entrepreneurs, business owners, and emerging leaders through ongoing involvement in events, education, and community initiatives.

From co-chairing regional events to mentoring and speaking, this is where I invest my time to support growth and opportunity.

Collaboration is a driving force behind this work. I connect with a wide range of business owners, subject matter experts, our graduates, and trusted colleagues who are committed to building something meaningful and contributing to the communities they serve.

A significant part of this work is my collaboration with JD Ribali. After relocating to Florida, JD completed the Home Watch Academy training and went on to build a successful business, while expanding his impact well beyond his own company.

JD is the founder of BizKidz USA, an initiative that introduces young people to entrepreneurship through hands-on learning, creativity, and real-world application. He also operates the GROW Business Network, a well-established community of business owners focused on connection, education, and growth.

Together, through SWFL Entrepreneur Connect and related initiatives, we are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs at different stages to come together, share ideas, and move their businesses forward.

Step in, get connected, and grow alongside other entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur Connect Power Lunch - Fort Myers

Thursday, May 12

Time:  11:30am - 1:00pm

Location:  Home-Tech Fort Myers

Tickets Per Person $25.00

Grow Business Network Members - FREE

Home Watch Academy Members - $10.00

All proceeds from this event directly support Young Entrepreneurs and Rising Stars, helping fund scholarships, training, markets, and hands-on business education for the next generation of leaders.



LIMITED SEATING - Don't Delay!

Event Info and Tickets

BizKidz Pitch Contest - Bonita Springs

Tuesday, May 13

5:00pm - 7:30pm

Venture Visionary Partners - Bonita Springs

If you are an entrepreneur at any stage, spending time with these dynamic, early-stage business owners is both inspiring and eye-opening. I have the distinct honor of serving as a judge, and I can already tell the decisions will not come easily.  ~Diane


🥇 1st Place: $1,500
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2nd Place: $1,000
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3rd Place: $500

$500 - People's Choice Award



Early Bird Discount Ends April 30

Event Info and Tickets

ABWA Imperial River Chapter - Estero

Date:  Wednesday, May 13

5:30pm

Embassy Suites Fort Myers - Estero

I’d love for my female friends and fellow business owners to attend this upcoming meeting of the American Business Women's Association. I’m proud to be the guest presenter and would be honored to see you there.

It’s a great opportunity to connect with other women in business, gain new perspectives, and be part of a supportive, engaging community.~Diane


Ticket Deadline:  Friday, May 8 at 5pm

Event Info and Tickets

Entrepreneur Connect Power Lunch - Naples

Thursday, May 14

11:30am - 1:00pm

First Congregational Church of Naples

Free to Grow Members - Must RSVP!

$25 for Guest

Home Watch Academy Members $10.00

Doors open at 11:00 am

All the proceeds are donated to the Young Entrepreneurs and Rising Stars Inc / Biz Kidz Hub Scholarship Fund.


LIMITED SEATING - Don't Delay!

Event Info and Tickets

Coming Soon!

Home Watch Meet-Up

June: TBD

Naples, Florida

Coming Soon