Cenfluence is highlighting resources specifically for student-owned companies. There are a number of Central Florida resources for student-owned businesses including support, funding, accelerators, and more!
College Resources
University of Central Florida:
- Blackstone LaunchPad: Blackstone joins UCF to create a campus hub for innovation, where students cultivate entrepreneurial skills, receive guidance from a dedicated faculty director, and connect with like-minded peers.
- Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership: Helps UCF students, recent alumni, faculty and staff become successful entrepreneurial leaders. Check out their funding opportunities here.
- College of Engineering Maker Lab: Rapid prototyping is faster and easier than ever at UCF in this lab complex in the Engineering II Atrium. Opened in fall 2014, these Maker Spaces are strategically designed to turn creative ideas into marketable innovations, and available to all UCF students.
- UCF Business Incubator: The Business Incubation Program provides business development and operational support to early-stage, technology and innovation-driven businesses throughout Central Florida. Since 1999, this award-winning program has supported hundreds of companies, who have collectively generated more than $400 million in sales and over $100 million in outside funding.
University of South Florida:
- Nault Center for Entrepreneurship: The center is training future entrepreneurs, investing in startups, mentoring leaders, and holding competitions.
- Student Innovation Incubator: USF CONNECT’s Student Innovation Incubator (SII) can assist in any stage of business development. It offers more than just office space—it is the first step to becoming a successful entrepreneur while studying at USF.
University of Florida:
- Gator Hatchery – Student Business Incubator: Provides UF student entrepreneurs with co-working space, office support, mentors, and other resources necessary for early-stage growth.
- Warrington College of Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center: Created to teach, coach and inspire students to be entrepreneurial. Offers tools and experiences necessary for pursuing opportunities and innovations in various ventures.
Regional Community & State College Resources:
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Educates and connects entrepreneurs seeking to build high-value, high-growth companies, integrating aeronautics and business knowledge.
- Florida Polytechnic University – Entrepreneurship Program: Offers entrepreneurial training and resources through curricular and extracurricular programs.
- National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE): A leading organization transforming underserved communities through community college engagement, representing 330+ colleges and 4M+ students.
- Rollins College – Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship: Promotes successful entrepreneurship by offering practical experiences and connections for students and entrepreneurs.
Regional Resources in Central Florida:
- Florida FAST (SBIR/STTR Support): Helps small businesses access non-dilutive SBIR/STTR funding—the largest source of early-stage startup R&D funding in the U.S.
- VentureWell: Supports innovation and entrepreneurship education and provides opportunities for STEM students and researchers to bring ideas to life.
Getting Started in Undergraduate Research
- Energy Tech University Prize 2024: A U.S. DOE-sponsored competition where student teams develop business plans leveraging high-potential energy technologies. Cash prizes awarded for top commercialization strategies.
- University of Central Florida: Offers undergraduate research opportunities in many fields. Students work closely with faculty-led teams. See events and workshops here.
- University of South Florida: Undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty, engage in research jobs/internships, and access abundant opportunities throughout the university.
- University of Florida: Offers a rich research environment across its colleges and institutes. Undergraduates can deeply engage in hands-on learning beyond the classroom.
Did we miss a great resource for student-owned companies in Florida or beyond? Let us know and we’ll add them to the list!