#United States #Lakeland #Florida Southern College #Entrepreneurship Center #Justin Heacock

Florida Southern College's Outstanding Achievement

Florida Southern College's Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (CFEE) has received notable recognition as the 2025 Outstanding Emerging Entrepreneurship Center from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC). This honor highlights the innovative programs and rapid growth within the CFEE, under the strategic leadership of Executive Director Justin Heacock.

A Commitment to Innovation

Executive Director Heacock has led the CFEE to broaden its influence and establish itself firmly within the entrepreneurial landscape. One of the key milestones of the center is its Seed-to-Scale program, which this year has been acknowledged as Florida's largest incubation initiative. With over 400 students enrolled, constituting 11 percent of the college's student population, the CFEE aims to redefine the educational experience concerning entrepreneurship.

“Winning this award illustrates our mission to reimagine entrepreneurial education at scale,” comments Heacock. “We strive for every project-based class to incorporate entrepreneurship, thereby preparing students for the competitive future, especially with the ongoing technological evolution.”

The Seed-to-Scale program provides a hands-on experience where students can build and launch businesses while receiving essential support, education, and resources at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey. This approach emphasizes that entrepreneurship should be integral to the educational framework rather than viewed as a standalone discipline.

Rapid Growth and Support

The CFEE has experienced significant growth, expanding from just 30 students to over 420 in less than a year. This notable progress is largely attributed to a strategic partnership with Kanu, a platform focused on entrepreneurial learning. Kanu enables the CFEE to offer innovative micro-learning experiences and essential tools for business creation, making entrepreneurship education accessible to a broader range of students.

Florida Southern College's Legacy

Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College holds the title of the oldest private institution in Florida. It continues its legacy of academic excellence, offering over 70 undergraduate programs and distinctive graduate degrees in key areas such as business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. The college has earned acclaim from several national rankings, including U.S. News & World Report, recognizing its innovative approaches to education and engagement.

Despite these achievements, Florida Southern's ultimate goal transcends accolades—it's about fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs prepared to create impactful changes in the global economy. As emphasized by Heacock, the commitment to this cause is what drives the center forward.

“By continually empowering our students with practical skills and mentoring, we envision a wave of future leaders and innovators. Our approach to cultivating entrepreneurship will demonstrate that this field can indeed influence a greater portion of the student body than typically seen.”

As the CFEE continues to evolve and adapt, its mission remains clear: to serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial spirit at Florida Southern College and beyond, promoting a sustainable model of education that prioritizes engagement and real-world application.

With ongoing innovations and collaborative initiatives, the Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship is positioned as not only a state leader but also a national example in the ever-changing landscape of business education and entrepreneurship.

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For further updates and information, stay connected with Florida Southern College as it embarks on its journey to shape the future of entrepreneurship in education.