Future economic growth in Northwest Florida strongly depends on strengthening partnerships between UWF and the business community. UWF will work with the business community and civic leaders of Northwest Florida to enhance economic development efforts by establishing a Center for Entrepreneurship. The center will engage leading entrepreneurs, students and faculty in the study and practice of entrepreneurship. As a “working” center, this signature program will provide a key building block for Northwest Florida's future economic development.

Funding Priorities:

• Endowment funding to establish a Center for Entrepreneurship
• Scholarships to enable talented students to participate in internships with regional entrepreneurs and businesses
• Naming of the College of Business and/or units within the College

Impact of Support...by 2010:

• A Center for Entrepreneurship is established in downtown Pensacola and serves as the support and development hub of entrepreneurial activity along the Gulf Coast region.
• An undergraduate and graduate certificate in entrepreneurial development is offered through UWF.
• Each year, UWF students work with entrepreneurs as part of a summer or semester internship.
• The Center hosts the Northwest Florida Venture Forum and the High Growth Business Club (in partnership with the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce).
• A speaker series is established enabling local and national entrepreneurs of note to share their stories and expertise with students and the Northwest Florida community.
• Endowment gifts to name the college and its units will enhance the prestige of the college and provide student, faculty and programmatic support.