GAINESVILLE, Fla. – It is with the greatest sadness we share the loss of University of Florida Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center Founding Director and Professor Emeritus Arnold “Arnie” Heggestad. He was 77 years old. “We were all brought together as part of Arnie’s vision to create an entrepreneurship center that would challenge students to launch companies and change the world,” said Jamie Kraft, director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. “The Center has grown to do just that since its
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center Articles: page 1
Networking on purpose: How B corps are creating connections and building their community in the Southeast U.S.
“While B Corps are now a global network of more than 3,500 companies, they are still a relatively new concept in some regions of the United States and the world where people are less familiar with businesses operating as a force for good. To raise local awareness and build regional business networks, B Corp leaders across the U.S. and Canada are forming B Local organizations that tap into community strengths and establish a foundation for future growth,” writes Christopher Marquis
Virtual UF Women’s Entrepreneurship Summit highlights confident creators, collaborators and changemakers
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida Women’s Entrepreneurship Summit will connect the Gainesville community with local and national women entrepreneurs on Friday, November 6. The virtual event will feature storytelling organization Guts & Glory GNV creative director Taylor Williams as its keynote speaker. Held from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., the Women’s Entrepreneurship Summit is free for all UF students, faculty, staff and members of the local community. The event also includes presentations from other notable women entrepreneurs, including: Seyi
Top 5 benefits of participating in the Gainesville Entrepreneurship & Adversity Program
Whether you’re interested in turning your business dream into reality or your business has been negatively impacted by COVID-19, the Gainesville Entrepreneurship & Adversity Program (GEAP) from the University of Florida Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center is designed to empower those living through adverse circumstances to create and grow their businesses. The next GEAP class is starting September 26 and includes 12-months of instruction. Read on to see the top 5 benefits of participating in GEAP. 1. Hands-on learning with University
UF students use down time to create commerce
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center Director Jamie Kraft and marketing student Cheyenne Keating (BSBA ’22) are featured in this story about UF students who are using their free time to work on entrepreneurial projects. See what Kraft had to say about these student ventures and learn more about Keating’s illustration business in this story from The Gainesville Sun.
UF MBA alumnus has the ‘Midas touch’ when it comes to helping build successful companies
When Jeff Gold (MBA ’78) started his life after graduating from Northeastern University with his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, there were two factors he knew would influence his next steps. One, even after all his schooling, he wasn’t sure he would be a great engineer, and two, he was determined to live somewhere warmer than Boston. Luckily for the Brooklyn, New York-native, Gold was able to expand his engineering background into something more suitable for his skills and interests
Cocovana wins $25,000 in 2020 Big Idea Competition
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Cocovana won first place at the 2020 Big Idea Gator Business Plan Competition. Founded and led by Sheldon Barrett, Cocovana is a tropical lifestyle company currently focused on creating innovative tools for opening coconuts and other fruits, which promotes a healthier lifestyle and sustainability. Its first product, the Coconut Twist, allows anyone to safely open coconuts in seconds without creating a mess, much like a can opener, but for coconuts. “Winning the Big Idea Competition makes me
Weathering the COVID-19 storm: Tips for small business owners
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues across the globe, small businesses are struggling with its impact. According to a survey by Goldman Sachs, 75% of small business owners said their business has already been impacted by fewer sales, with 51% indicating they will only be able to continue to operate for 0-3 months. “COVID-19 and the variable of the unknown ending has created much upheaval,” said Seyi Falade, Vice President of Gainesville-based Cornerstone Barricades. “Confirmed contracts have been postponed. Current projects
Warrington entrepreneurs showcased at Gator100 event
The University of Florida recognized the 2020 Gator100 honorees on Friday, February 28 at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Presented by the UF Alumni Association and the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center at the Warrington College of Business, the Gator100 honors the 100 fastest-growing Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses in the world. The event serves not only as a setting where UF’s elite entrepreneurs can gather and share their talents and wisdom, but as an inspiration to fellow Gators to
Entrepreneurship students consult with local business owner to revamp marketing efforts and prepare for Guinness World Record attempt
Jill Davis (BSA ’09) has long been passionate about animals. You can see it across her business, non-profit organization and ideas for products that benefit our furry companions. But in the time since the University of Florida alumna and Gainesville Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program participant first started her pet daycare Dogs Rule and her non-profit Animals Helping Humans and Humans Helping Animals (AHHHHA), a lot has changed. Shifting technology has outdated her website and social media platforms have altered the