Rist Family Foundation Institute for Entrepreneurship

The Institute is leading the effort to create student-run businesses at FGCU. Students will be completely responsible for product development, marketing, and much more. We believe in learning by doing and this is the proof.

REEF facilitates sharing, creates collaborations, and formulates new ideas that can be implemented in Florida’s educational institutions. REEF supports the continued growth of entrepreneurship in the state of Florida and provides students the best possible entrepreneurship education and experiences.

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The INCubator Program is an entrepreneurship education program that Collier Count Public Schools have adopted. In order for their educators to stay current in the field, INCubator teachers are trained in Lean Startup during our three day workshop. 

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Engagement with our local community is what makes FGCU the impactful hub that it is. We strive to partner with the Estero Community, as this is where many of our current and potential mentors reside.

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The College Reach-Out Program was established by the Florida Legislature in 1983 in order to identify, motivate and prepare disadvantaged middle and high school students to complete post-secondary education. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of low-income, first-generation college graduates.

The Institute for Entrepreneurship works with the program in the Summer, focusing on students in grades 6-8. 

Students learn basic Lean Startup concepts, and compete to create an innovative business model canvas and prototype.

We support initiatives for this great organization that supports first generation students achieve post-high school education and career goals.

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The Southwest Florida High School Entrepreneurship Challenge is a program developed by the Institute for Entrepreneurship. Instructional materials are provided to community high schools, and students are given one month to develop a plan and pitch. 

2017-2018 Winners: 

• 1st Place: Aqua-Dri from Lely HS

• 2nd Place: Precisely from Riverdale HS

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 We strive to connect our students with the leaders and influencers of the Southwest Florida community! Our community mentors are the key drivers of success in all of our entrepreneurship programs. Our students receive team mentoring in the classroom and individual mentoring in our Runway Program, Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community, and Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program.

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 This amazing program mentors young men in low-income, high-risk areas to provide them opportunities that will raise their level of expectations for life, and increase their chance of success. Our faculty provide training in life skills and entrepreneurship.

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