From Tile Work to City Hall: Gregory Grant’s Mission to Empower Jacksonville Entrepreneurs

Welcome to Hometown Jax, the show where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with the business leaders, educators, and difference-makers shaping Jacksonville’s future. Every episode dives into the real stories of local entrepreneurs—what drives them, what they’ve learned, and how they’re helping our community grow stronger, smarter, and more connected.

In this episode, Jason sits down with Gregory Grant, a Jacksonville native, Army veteran, serial entrepreneur, and the appointed leader of the City of Jacksonville’s Equal Business Opportunity Division. Gregory shares his powerful story—from learning tile work as a teenager to building multiple companies, teaching entrepreneurship, and now creating access, equity, and education through the city’s JSB program. With a heart for local business and a deep understanding of policy, he’s helping small companies not just start—but scale and succeed. If you’ve ever wanted to understand how government, education, and grit come together to create real opportunity, this conversation is packed with insights, energy, and motivation.