Photo provided by Frank G. Daveler
Florida Southwestern State University (FSW) has received a major boost in its commitment to entrepreneurship education through a generous $1.9 million gift from the Frank G. Daveler Foundation. This gift led to the establishment of the Frank G. Daveler Institute for Entrepreneurship within FSW’s School of Business & Technology. The institute aims to be an innovation hub that fosters interdisciplinary learning and fosters curiosity and opportunity for students and the community.
Entrepreneurs play a key role in job creation in the country, with 10.5 million jobs created in the past 20 years. Small businesses are a significant employment force in Florida, with 3 million small businesses employing more than 40% of the state’s workforce. The importance of entrepreneurship is also reflected in university students’ academic ambitions, with a significant proportion already running their own companies or planning to do so after graduation.
The Frank G. Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute will significantly enhance FSW’s entrepreneurship programs. We provide students with essential tools for entrepreneurship, experiential learning opportunities, community involvement, and mentorship. Key elements of the institute include funding for two full-time professors, course and faculty development, a program manager, community promotion, a training platform, student entrepreneurship events, a Shark Tank competition, seed funding for winners, Includes endowed scholarships.
This initiative aligns with FSW’s mission to serve as a catalyst for Southwest Florida’s next generation of entrepreneurs, inspiring learning and providing students with the skills they need to succeed. Frank and Ellen Daveller’s legacy of entrepreneurship and philanthropy continues through the institute, reflecting their lifelong commitment to education and entrepreneurship.
The Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute will be located in the newly renovated School of Business and Technology building on the FSW Fort Myers campus and is scheduled to reopen in fall 2024. This partnership between the Daveler Foundation and his FSW emphasizes their common commitment to education and the development of the future. We serve entrepreneurs and ensure they have a lasting impact on our Southwest Florida communities and beyond.
For more information about Florida Southwestern State University, visit www.FSW.edu. ｜
