The University of North Florida Coggin College of Business announced May 9 that the Blackstone Charitable Foundation provided a $500,000 grant to provide entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial skill-building programs.
UNF will use the grant to establish and open a space this fall for Blackstone LaunchPad. Programming and events will offer innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities for students across campus.
According to a news release, faculty, entrepreneurs and business leaders will be available to students for insight and advice.
Students will have access to national programming to build their peer and professional network and access paid internships and other career exposure opportunities.
“Today’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is more sophisticated than ever, and we are grateful to Blackstone for supporting and helping inspire students to become future innovators and business leaders,” said UNF President Moez Limayem.
The release said the grant builds on UNF’s existing entrepreneurial programming, broadening access to entrepreneurial skills that are applicable to all students, regardless of major and career path.
UNF offers students a minor in entrepreneurship as well as the Entrepreneurs, Creators and Innovators student club.
Early-stage entrepreneurs are supported by the UNF Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which helps business owners apply for startup and seed funding. The Florida Small Business Development Center at UNF provides management assistance and training to beginning or established small business owners in North Florida.
“Blackstone’s commitment will provide a far-reaching entrepreneurial impact in this region and give our students a career advantage few institutions can offer,” said UNF Coggin College of Business Dean Richard Buttimer.
Blackstone is a global alternative asset manager.