Entrepreneurship

Dive into an entrepreneurial environment.

True entrepreneurs don't just stand on the sidelines in business—they jump into the game. Here, you'll gain the tools to become an economic innovator, to think creatively, and to balance opportunity against risk.

As one of only eight of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation's campuses, we offer an environment in which you can hone your entrepreneurial instincts by watching, studying, and mastering the classical strategies of entrepreneurs—learning from your peers, seeking out best practices, collaborating with others, gathering resources and people, and understanding and managing risks.

Tap the resources of a center of excellence.

Our Eugenio Pino and Family Global Entrepreneurship Center, founded in 2003, promotes awareness of entrepreneurship across the entire university. Through the center, we foster new technology firms, strengthen existing family-owned and managed firms, research key issues, encourage new entrepreneurial community enterprises to improve the economic vitality of South Florida and the Americas, and develop entrepreneurial leaders in all areas.

Put your entrepreneurial and team skills to the test.

Our annual Howard J. Leonhardt New Venture Challenge in 2005 drew more than sixty competitive student teams. The teams develop business plans, then advance through rounds of oral competition judged by venture capitalists, lawyers, consultants, bankers, and community business leaders. In the final round, eight of our teams are pitted against eight international teams. With cash prizes totaling more than $46,000 as well as in-kind gifts, the stakes are high and the competition is intense.

Get close to ongoing entrepreneurial success.

More than 20 percent of our alumni work as entrepreneurs or in family-owned businesses in South Florida, throughout The Americas, and around the globe. Each year, by induction into our Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame, we recognize alumni who not only are successful entrepreneurs but who also have contributed significantly to the entrepreneurial business community. These successful alumni frequently participate in classroom and other student forums, enriching your education with their unique experiences.