The University of West Florida, College of Business in cooperation with successful Emerald Coast business leaders has launched a graduate level Certificate in Entrepreneurship. The program serves as a vehicle for the development of entrepreneurial ideas under the mentorship of successful entrepreneurs.

The active learning format of this program pairs College of Business faculty with successful entrepreneurs that engage participants in the processes necessary to convert business ideas into well structured plans for new business ventures. Participants will develop and present new venture ideas, develop a comprehensive new venture business plan, participate in a business plan competition for financial prizes, and consult with area small businesses to develop solutions to real business problems.

The certificate consists of 18 semester hours of graduate level courses divided into two segments: Business Foundations and New Venture Specialization. The Business Foundations segment is waived for participants with successful recent formal education in business (including MBA students). Courses include:

The certificate can be complete in conjunction with a degree program such as the MBA or as a stand-alone certificate program. The Business Foundations segment represents most of the courses necessary for entering the MBA program. Those qualified may also choose to complete only the New Ventures course and elect not to complete the entire certificate.

For additional information about the graduate level Certificate in Entrepreneurship, or to schedule an appointment to speak with someone in the MBA Department, please feel free to contact us by e-mail, or by phone (850.474.3124).