Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

About CFEE CFEE Academics Seed To Scale Program CFEE Initiatives Sharp Fellowship

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.

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Startups Created

207

Capital Awarded

$185K

Jobs Created

Total Revenue Produced

$5M+

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.

Seed to Scale Program

Florida Southern’s Brooke Sommers and Her Biotech Startup, Dermageneous, Awarded Catapult Launch Micro-Grant

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

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...

Florida Southern College Online MBA Program Ranked Top 30 in the Nation by Princeton Review

Florida Southern College is again named among the best by The Princeton Review, ranking the...

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...

Brewing a Legacy of Support

This senior's thriving business, not only satisfies coffee lovers' cravings but also...

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...

Florida Southern College Catapult Lakeland School of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Business College

FSC Sophomore Cooks Up Promising Future

When Jacqueline Martinez ’26 first pitched the idea of opening Taqueria del Angel in Dr....

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 1 Race 4 Ocean competition for addressing invasive lionfish.

Clubs at FSC

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.

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.

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

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.

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Questions? Contact

Justin Heacock, M.S.

Director of the Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

863.680.4291