Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship

Join us for the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program Networking Event, where student entrepreneurs and veteran business owners come together to showcase their innovative ventures. This dynamic event provides a platform for participants to present their business ideas to a live audience, including investors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs, as they compete for Equity Seed Funding opportunities.

Attendees will have the chance to engage in high-impact networking, gain valuable insights from successful entrepreneurs, and explore collaboration opportunities. Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or supporter of veteran entrepreneurship, this event is the perfect place to connect, learn, and contribute to the growth of veteran-led businesses.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness groundbreaking ideas, support veteran entrepreneurs, and be part of a thriving business community!

Click here to RSVP today!

This six-week training session is designed exclusively for current Growth Cohort participants in the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program. Sessions will focus on refining business operations, scaling ventures, and setting long-term strategic goals. Topics covered include financial planning, stakeholder management, accessing capital, team growth, and pitching strategies.

This six-week training session is designed exclusively for current Growth Cohort participants in the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program. Sessions will focus on refining business operations, scaling ventures, and setting long-term strategic goals. Topics covered include financial planning, stakeholder management, accessing capital, team growth, and pitching strategies.

This six-week training session is designed exclusively for current Growth Cohort participants in the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program. Sessions will focus on refining business operations, scaling ventures, and setting long-term strategic goals. Topics covered include financial planning, stakeholder management, accessing capital, team growth, and pitching strategies.

Business Analytics & Data-Driven Decision-Making Workshop

Join us for an insightful and hands-on workshop designed to help veteran entrepreneurs harness the power of business analytics to make informed, strategic decisions. Hosted by the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program at FGCU, this session will provide practical tools and techniques to leverage data for business success.

Whether you’re new to analytics or looking to refine your approach, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and resources to enhance decision-making, optimize operations, and drive business growth.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and take your business to the next level with data-driven strategies!

Click here to RSVP today!

March 25: Trade Show & Elevator Pitch Competition (11 AM - 2 PM, Lucas Hall): Focusing on bold ideas that are ready to soar, Azul's Innovation Challenge celebrates the innovative potential of FGCU’s community. Whether you're launching a startup, scaling a business, or igniting your entrepreneurial mindset, this is where your journey begins.  Join us to turn your big idea into reality!

This six-week training session is designed exclusively for current Growth Cohort participants in the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program. Sessions will focus on refining business operations, scaling ventures, and setting long-term strategic goals. Topics covered include financial planning, stakeholder management, accessing capital, team growth, and pitching strategies.

Automation Tools for Small Business Efficiency Workshop

Join us for an engaging and hands-on workshop designed to help veteran entrepreneurs streamline operations, reduce manual workloads, and boost productivity through automation. Hosted by the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program at FGCU, this session will provide the essential tools and strategies needed to integrate automation seamlessly into daily business operations.

Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to refine existing processes, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge to work smarter, not harder.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and transform your business with cutting-edge automation tools!

Click here to RSVP today!

Clarence Wooten Event Location: Water School Event Time: 5:30 PM

Join us for an insightful discussion on AI and Entrepreneurship with Clarence Wooten, a visionary serial entrepreneur and investor. Learn about the intersection of artificial intelligence and startups, gain valuable insights on innovation, and connect with like-minded individuals in a premier networking opportunity. Event includes fireside chat with lecture and Q & A. Light refreshments, book signing and networking to follow. For more information email: engage@fgcu.edu

This six-week training session is designed exclusively for current Growth Cohort participants in the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program. Sessions will focus on refining business operations, scaling ventures, and setting long-term strategic goals. Topics covered include financial planning, stakeholder management, accessing capital, team growth, and pitching strategies.

Join us for an engaging and hands-on workshop designed to help veteran entrepreneurs streamline operations, reduce manual workloads, and boost productivity through automation. Hosted by the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program at FGCU, this session will provide the essential tools and strategies needed to integrate automation seamlessly into daily business operations.

Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to refine existing processes, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge to work smarter, not harder.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and transform your business with cutting-edge automation tools!

Click here to RSVP today!

Join Us for an Inspiring Evening at the Women in Entrepreneurship Panel

At CEO Club, we believe in the power of innovation, resilience, and leadership. That’s why we’re thrilled to invite you to an empowering panel discussion featuring accomplished women entrepreneurs who are shaping industries and redefining success.

This is more than just a conversation—it’s an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship from visionary leaders. Whether you're launching your own startup or looking to take your business to the next level, this panel will provide valuable lessons, strategies, and inspiration to help you navigate your journey.

Come connect, learn, and be inspired. The future of entrepreneurship is bold, diverse, and limitless—just like the women leading it.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation. See you there!

Join us for an engaging and hands-on workshop designed to help veteran entrepreneurs build a strong, values-driven company culture that supports long-term success. Hosted by the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program at FGCU, this session will provide practical strategies to align culture with your mission, foster employee engagement, and promote collaboration across your team.

Whether you're building your team from the ground up or refining your current workplace culture, this workshop will equip you with the tools to create an environment where both people and business thrive.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and strengthen your leadership through culture!

Click here to RSVP today!

Engage in a dynamic networking experience led by Kena Yoke, who will guide attendees through an interactive exercise designed to build meaningful connections. Enjoy pizza, meet with a mentor, and sharpen your skills by practicing your pitch for the Runway Program in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Mark your calendars for April 17, 2025—the night where bold ideas take center stage in an electrifying Shark Tank-style showdown! Six powerhouse teams will battle it out, pitching groundbreaking innovations in a high-energy competition that could change everything. Azul's Innovation Challenge isn’t just an event—it’s a launchpad for visionaries, a celebration of unstoppable ambition, and the place where dreams turn into reality. Whether you’re building a startup, scaling a business, or fueling your entrepreneurial fire, this is where you take flight.

Meet the Innovators Behind the Next Big Ideas:

• Cooper Aiello – Founder of Bizzy, a cutting-edge savings app that connects students with exclusive deals and discounts at local businesses.

• Abraham Joseph – Creator of Boombox, an innovative app that seamlessly integrates Spotify, iTunes, and other streaming services, allowing users to create and share collaborative playlists.

• Ahren Reistad – Founder of Boats & Buyers, a premier online brokerage platform designed for listing and selling boats with ease.

• Dillon Rosenthal – Visionary behind Bounceback Pickle, a sustainable solution that recycles used pickleballs to produce high-quality, eco-friendly replacements.

• Ozzy Shank – Inventor of Table Pac, a portable and durable table designed for on-the-go entertainment, perfect for the beach and beyond.

• Jamie Mammarelli – Creator of The Barkyard & Tap, a unique bar concept featuring fenced-in dog parks, offering pet owners a space to unwind while their dogs socialize and play.

These entrepreneurs are redefining industries with their innovative solutions—get ready to witness the future of business!

Come celebrate the creative work of our graduating Digital Media Design students as they unveil their final projects.

This semester’s theme "Constellation of Creativity" is an immersive gallery experience, don’t miss it!

Light refreshments will be provided.

Wrap up the year with collaboration, and creativity with a Replit-powered hackathon! This event provides access to a Replit subscription and a platform to showcase innovation and coding skills.

The first 30 people who show up will get $25 credit towards Replit paid for them courtesy of CEO Club

Join us for an engaging and hands-on workshop designed to help veteran entrepreneurs craft compelling business pitches that leave a lasting impression. Hosted by the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program at FGCU, this session will provide practical tools and techniques to clearly communicate your value, tailor your message to different audiences, and confidently handle Q&A.

Whether you're preparing for an investor meeting, pitching a partnership, or networking with potential customers, this workshop will help you refine your pitch and deliver it with clarity and confidence.

Click here to RSVP today!

Join us for the Digital Media Design Senior Show, a vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation showcasing the capstone projects of our graduating seniors. This exhibition highlights cutting-edge work in digital art, interactive media, graphic design, and animation, reflecting the unique visions and technical expertise of our talented students. From immersive installations to dynamic web experiences, each project pushes the boundaries of digital storytelling and design.

Join us for the Veterans Florida Growth Program & FGCU Runway Program Spring 2025 Pitch Competition!

See the culmination of our Veteran + Runway Program business pitches. Witness innovative ideas take flight as participants showcase their ventures and compete for success!

This exciting event showcases the innovation and dedication of veteran entrepreneurs and FGCU students alike.

The evening will feature two pitch competitions, one for the Spring 2025 Veterans Florida Growth cohort and another for the FGCU Runway Program Spring cohort, highlighting the top business ideas developed in each program.

In addition, a poster-style trade show will spotlight other Runway Program participants who didn’t make the top 15, offering them the opportunity to promote their businesses and connect with the community.

It’s a unique chance to network with veterans, student entrepreneurs, local business leaders, and resource providers. Come celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit in a supportive environment open to all. Over $150,00 in prizes!

Click here to RSVP today!

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/

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