Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship

Eagle Excel Day is an exciting opportunity to discover what the FGCU Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship is all about. During this engaging event, you’ll learn what to expect as a student, explore course offerings, connect with faculty and peers, and get a feel for the school's innovative and collaborative culture. From hands-on activities to insider insights about classes and campus resources, Eagle Excel Day helps you start your FGCU journey with confidence and inspiration.

Ever thought about launching your own business? Are you a thinker, a dreamer, an idea person? Let’s turn that 'what if' into 'what’s next.' Join us and bring your ideas to life—your entrepreneurship journey starts here.

Dates & Location: August 14 & 15 Lucas Hall 

Edwards Hall 112 Breakfast 8-9 Lunch 12-1

Program Fee: $50

Whats Included: 

• Breakfast & Lunch 
• T-Shirt
• Early Move-in 

Eagle Excel Day is an exciting opportunity to discover what the FGCU Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship is all about. During this engaging event, you’ll learn what to expect as a student, explore course offerings, connect with faculty and peers, and get a feel for the school's innovative and collaborative culture. From hands-on activities to insider insights about classes and campus resources, Eagle Excel Day helps you start your FGCU journey with confidence and inspiration.

Ever thought about launching your own business? Are you a thinker, a dreamer, an idea person? Let’s turn that 'what if' into 'what’s next.' Join us and bring your ideas to life—your entrepreneurship journey starts here.

Dates & Location: August 14 & 15 Lucas Hall 

Edwards Hall 112 Breakfast 8-9 Lunch 12-1

Program Fee: $50

Whats Included: 

• Breakfast & Lunch 
• T-Shirt
• Early Move-in 

Register here

🌴 DKSOE Beach Party – Welcome Back Bash!
📅 Friday, August 22, 2025
🕓 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Lucas Hall, FGCU

Join the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship and Digital Media Design (DMD) programs as we kick off the fall semester with an unforgettable beach-themed bash! This is your chance to reconnect, meet new classmates, and celebrate the start of an exciting academic year.

Enjoy a packed lineup of fun including:
🎯 Cornhole Tournament
🎯 Dunk Tank
📸 Photo Booth
🎲 Games & Giveaways
🍿 Popcorn & Refreshments
🎶 Music, vibes, and more surprises!

Whether you're a returning student or new to the program, come ready to relax, laugh, and dive into the DKSOE community spirit. See you there!

Voices of Impact: The Changemaker Speaker Series

Kristen Coury is the Founder, CEO, and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse, which she established in 2004. Starting with no staff and minimal funding, she quickly began producing professional theatre, driven by a bold vision for cultural excellence in Southwest Florida.

Under her leadership, Gulfshore Playhouse has grown into a thriving organization with more than 80 employees and an annual budget of $11.8 million—all achieved without debt. Kristen also spearheaded the creation of a transformative $72 million state-of-the-art Theatre and Education Center, located at the gateway to downtown Naples, which is set to open to the public in late 2024.

Kristen’s work has earned her widespread recognition. She was named one of Gulfshore Life Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2008, a “Star in the Arts” by the United Arts Council of Collier County in 2011, and one of Gulfshore Life’s Men and Women of the Year in both 2013 and 2024. In 2023, she received the prestigious Murray Hendel Award for Civic Achievement. Most recently, Kristen was appointed to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, continuing her commitment to advancing the arts across the state.

August 28, 2025 - The Home for Entrepreneurship: Lucas Hall - 5:30pm

Join the Veterans and Entrepreneurship, Small Business Alumni Network for an inside look at an alumni-owned business, Swamp Cat Brewery! Owner, Wes Sprecher '18, is sharing his story and how he plans to make an impact on SWFL. 

Register

August 26, 2025
Luca Principi

Luca Principi is the CEO and Co-Founder of Sidereus Space Dynamics, creator of EOS, the world’s first fully containerized single-stage orbital launch system. EOS enables rapid-response access for hypersonic testing and orbital missions without fixed infrastructure. Luca has been instrumental in driving Sidereus from concept to execution, securing partnerships across Europe, Japan, and the United States. Under his leadership, the company has signed multiple agreements spanning defense, nanosatellite deployment, and advanced testing.

Location:  The Home for Entrepreneurship: Lucas Hall - 4:00pm

September 3, 2025
Paige Nocera

What started as a creative outlet making charcuterie boards for family gatherings and girls' nights quickly transformed into a refined brand experience. Paige discovered not only a talent but a true passion for blending visual artistry with gourmet flavor. Her boards are more than food; they are curated moments that elevate every occasion.

Paige earned her degree in Business Administration with a minor in Event Management from the University of Florida. Her academic background laid the groundwork, but her entrepreneurial spirit and eye for detail turned a personal passion into a thriving business. Events with Paige was born from the desire to combine her love for entertaining with an elevated approach to food presentation.

At Events with Paige, every charcuterie board is designed with purpose and precision. Whether it is for an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration, each arrangement is customized to reflect the client’s preferences and the spirit of the event. Clients can request specific items, and each order is available for pickup at the Naples storefront or for delivery throughout the area.

Paige has quickly become a standout in Southwest Florida's culinary scene. She was named “The Face of Charcuterie” in Gulfshore Life’s Faces of Southwest Florida 2024 and won Judges' Favorite at the Naples Zoo’s Zoobilee event in February 2024. As she continues to expand her presence at community events, Paige is building a brand that blends hospitality, creativity, and community.

If you spot her at a local event, feel free to say hello. Her passion is connection, and that is what makes her boards unforgettable.

Location:  The Home for Entrepreneurship: Lucas Hall - 4:30pm

The Runway Program & Florida Veterans is officially starting, and we would be honored to have you join us for our kick-off event!

Date: Tuesday, September 9th

Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Location: Lucas Hall 104

This event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the new opportunities within the revamped program.

We look forward to seeing you and your students there.

Please RSVP by September 7, 2025, so we can get an accurate headcount for the event. You can RSVP here: https://forms.gle/KhCzdpVZPR24L5xA9

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

The FGCU Runway Program is a free business incubator open to both students and alumni. Participants meet regularly with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor to receive personalized feedback, track progress, and set achievable goals toward launching their ventures. Grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate real problems or opportunities, then design, test, and refine solutions with actual customers. By the end of the semester-long program, qualified participants have the opportunity to pitch for equity-free seed funding to help bring their businesses to life. https://www.fgcu.edu/school-of-entrepreneurship/ife/runway-program

https://collaboratory.org/event/futuremakers-coalition-shark-tank/

FutureMakers Shark Tank is designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within our community by providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and receive valuable feedback from industry experts.

Initiative Oerview:

The FutureMakers Shark Tank events will be held twice a year, with the goal of encouraging and supporting both social and venture entrepreneurs, as well as students studying business and entrepreneurship. These events will not only provide participants with the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts but also offer significant prizes to help them take their ventures to the next level.

Participant Eligibility

FutureMakers, with support from the Collaboratory, invites bold Southwest Florida founders to take the stage in our Shark Tank–style event on November 14, 2025. This event highlights startups built on earned income—businesses that generate revenue from customers and are positioned to grow.The event will feature two sessions:

• Social Entrepreneurs: Ventures pursuing social or environmental impact with a customer-funded (earned-income) model.

• Venture Entrepreneurs: High-growth ventures focused on scalability and market expansion through earned revenue.

Eligibility requirements (apply to both tracks):

• Location: Business is based in Southwest Florida.

• Stage: Early-stage, operating beyond the idea phase.

• Earned Revenue Validation: At least one paying customer demonstrating demand (customer dollars, not grants, are required).

• Founder Involvement: Founder or co-founder, active in day-to-day operations, working full time in the business.

• Commitment: Willing to present your story, model, and growth plan live before judges and a community audience.

Pitch Preparation Workshops (FSW):

• Oct 29, 2025, 5–7 PM

• Nov 5, 2025, 5–7 PM

  Participation in both is strongly recommended to sharpen your earned-revenue pitch and maximize impact

Why apply:

• Share your vision with community leaders, partners, and potential supporters.

• Pressure-test your revenue model and refine go-to-market strategy.

• Compete for recognition, resources, and support to accelerate growth.

Monday, September 8th, at 1:30 PM in the Incubator, we’re excited to host Dave and Joe Ahmad, https://youtu.be/rjMCB1FQABo . They’ll be sharing insights into entrepreneurship, pitching, and their journey through the Shark Tank experience.

Sustainable Future Challenge Application Deadline

Sustainable Future Challenge Trade Show / Expo Round

Sustainable Future Challenge Final Pitch Networking Event