Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

About CFEE CFEE Academics CFEE Education CFEE Initiatives CFEE Student Clubs and Stories

Applying Free Enterprise Principles Through the Power of Entrepreneurship

The Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship’s mission is to instill an entrepreneurial mindset and reinforce free enterprise principles for Florida Southern College and the Central Florida community, resulting in innovations for new and existing ventures.
Connect With Us

Startups Created

Capital Awarded

$134k

Jobs Created

Total Revenue Produced

$4M+

Launch Your Venture

through Florida Southern College's Incubator Program

Designed to equip students with the education and resources they need to transform their ideas into viable startups, the Center for Free Enterprise (CFFE) supports student entrepreneurs in setting value-driven milestones and working toward achieving them, ultimately taking their business ideas from seed to scale.

From FSC to Global Impact: Aaron Rorstrom’s Journey from Lakeland to Leadership

From student leader to Director of Enterprise Architecture, Aaron Rorstrom ’78 has built a...

Meet a Moc: Brooke Sommers '27

Brooke Sommers, a sophomore at Florida Southern College, is pursuing a double major in Business...

Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship announces new level of entrepreneurial partnership with Catapult Lakeland

The Center for Free Enterprise (CFEE) has increased its Catapult student membership count from...

George Tinsley with FSC's Women's Lacrosse Team

From Obstacles to Opportunities

George Tinsley inspires students and the community by showcasing how adversity can be turned into...

MBA Student’s Business Plan Could Make an Impact in Healthcare Industry

When Marissa Mengelkoch ’21 learned that 88 percent of human trafficking survivors were...

FSC's CEO100 Lecture Series hosts Publix CEO Todd Jones, Sr., as featured speaker

Lakeland-based Publix is the largest employee-owned supermarket chain in the United States.

Service Industry Executive Harvey E. Massey Speaks on Leadership

Harvey L. Massey was a special guest speaker at the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free...

Business Students Observe Amazon’s Inner Workings During Facility Tour

Tour provided up-close views of many facets of Amazon's operations.

Justin Heacock

Message from the Director:

Here at the CFEE, we pride ourselves on having a strong “Why” and “How” that form our foundation. Our “Why” is focused on Free Enterprise Principles and the benefits those create in our society. Our “How” is about translating those principles into an experiential opportunity for students through entrepreneurship. We invite you to experience Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship. Our unique offerings ensure the best chance for admission and financial aid.

Get Involved in Entrepreneurship

The Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship offers events and workshops to create a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation for the Florida Southern and Lakeland communities.

Entrepreneurship Minor & Courses

Gain practical experience and academic insight into entrepreneurship through this minor. Students learn from seasoned entrepreneurs and engage in various aspects of the entrepreneurial process, building a solid foundation for future success.

Entrepreneurship

Morning Grind

This dynamic learning lab lets students innovate and operate within an established venture. In this “sandbox environment,” an interdisciplinary team handles all aspects of the business, including accounting, product development, inventory, and marketing, gaining hands-on experience.

Club Activities

Join the CFEE’s Adam Smith Club for free enterprise students or ENACTUS for social entrepreneurship enthusiasts. ENACTUS recently earned $5,000 in the 2023 1Race4Oceancompetition for addressing invasive lionfish.

Innovation Challenges

Participate in weekly innovation challenges addressing real-world problems from industry, government, or nonprofits. These challenges are designed to sharpen students’ perspectives and foster a mindset that constantly seeks relevant opportunities.

Truist Bank Business Competition

Enter FSC’s prestigious business plan competition for a chance to launch your venture with $10,000 in prize money shared among winners. The event is open to all students interested in entrepreneurship and is held every spring.

Women in Entrepreneurship Week

The CFEE celebrates Women in Entrepreneurship Week every October by hosting community-building events focused on empowering female founders and fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial environment.

Leadership Workshops & Certificates

Enhance your leadership skills through workshops and certificate programs offered in partnership with Nyrka Riskin, a renowned entrepreneur and coach. These programs are designed to cultivate influential leaders and support business growth.

Leadership

Politics, Law, and Economics Lectures

This lecture series features distinguished speakers from across the country who explore the intersections of politics, law, and economics, providing insights into free enterprise principles and issues shaping contemporary society.

Scholarships

Robert R. and Peggy I. Sharp Fellowship

This fellowship offers qualified business majors the chance to gain real-world experience through internships, mentorships, and an $8,000 scholarship to support their career development mindset that constantly seeks relevant opportunities.

Learn More

Connect With Us

Stay informed and engaged with the latest updates from the Center for Free Enterprise. Follow us on Facebook or reach out directly to explore opportunities and join our vibrant community.

Questions? Contact

Justin Heacock, M.S.

Director of the Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

863.680.4291

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APPLYING FREE ENTERPRISE PRINCIPLES THROUGH THE POWER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

CFEE Mission Statement

The Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship’s mission is to instill an entrepreneurial mindset and reinforce free enterprise principles for Florida Southern College and the Central Florida community that result in the creation of new ventures and intrapreneurial innovation.

CFEE Services

We create the Entrepreneurial Mindset and reinforce Free Enterprise principles through Academic Programming, Interdisciplinary Experiential Learning, and Student Driven Engagement. Find out more through our Academic and Initiatives tabs above.

Message from CFEE Director

Here at the CFEE we pride ourselves in having a strong “Why” and “How” that forms our foundation as a center. Our “Why” is foundationally focused on Free Enterprise Principles and the benefits those create in our society. Our “How” is about translating those principles into an experiential opportunity for students through entrepreneurship. Come experience Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship through some of our unique programming in the center!

Startups Created

Capital Awarded

$134k

Jobs Created

Total Revenue Produced

$4M+

Leadership Workshops & Certificates

The Center for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship is proud to offer Leadership Workshops and Certificates in partnership with Nyrka Riskin, the facilitator of these workshops. Nyrka Riskin is recognized as an entrepreneur, visionary leader, speaker, and coach. Her passion for producing effective leaders and supporting businesses is what drives her consulting practice. Nyrka Riskin Professional Training and Coaching based in Central Florida and Miami. She is fluent in Spanish, has an MBA from Florida State University, and is a three-time award winner for her development of customized leadership programs.

Questions? Contact

Justin Heacock, M.S.

Director of the Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

863.680.4291