TAMPA — The USF Nault Center for Entrepreneurship is revolutionizing entrepreneurial education with the recent launch of its Every Student Entrepreneur (ESE) program.
Designed to empower students to transform ideas into viable businesses while still in school, the program is already showing remarkable success with an 85% participation rate from entrepreneurship students as of January.
The ESE program invites all University of South Florida undergraduate and graduate students, particularly those studying entrepreneurship, to start their own businesses while in school with personalized guidance from Nault Center consultants and advisors from the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at USF.
The process includes strategic consultations, business planning and assistance with company registration, ultimately leading to the self-paced launch of their businesses.
Allen Clary
“We are excited to see such a strong response to the ESE program. Our goal is to give students the tools and confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, regardless of business type or size — whether they aim to open a fitness training business, develop a new product, launch an e-commerce business, or become a marketing consultant,” said Allen Clary, executive director of the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship.
A standout feature of the program is that no startup capital is required, and entrepreneurship students are automatically enrolled, with an option to opt-out. This inclusive approach lowers barriers to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs. Students have already embraced the program, citing it as a transformative experience.
"Even though it launched just after my time at Nault, I've watched the ESE program grow into an incredible resource for aspiring entrepreneurs," said Nathaniel Willis, a graduate program alumnus.
Nathaniel Willis
"It opens doors to real-world opportunities, equipping students with the skills, mentorship and connections needed to turn their ideas into successful ventures. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to build something meaningful."
The program’s success underscores USF’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. With partnership and support from the Florida SBDC at USF, the ESE program exemplifies how mentorship can empower future business leaders.
For more information about the ESE program and other initiatives at the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship, visit usf.edu/entrepreneurship.