Coggin College establishes Blackstone LaunchPad
August 8, 2023
The University of North Florida Coggin College of Business will administer a grant this year from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation to provide entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial skill-building programs to help all UNF students prepare for successful careers.
The $500,000 gift established a new physical space for Blackstone LaunchPad within the building housing Coggin College, with programming and events that offer innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities for students across the UNF campus. Faculty, established entrepreneurs, and business leaders are available to students for insight and advice.
Students also have access to national programming to help them build their peer and professional network, access paid internships and other career exposure opportunities, and strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset.
“The 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 Coggin College of Business is the most influential business institution in Northeast Florida,” said Dr. Richard Buttimer, UNF Coggin College of Business dean. “Blackstone’s commitment will provide a far-reaching entrepreneurial impact in this region and give our students a career advantage few institutions can offer.”
Meanwhile, Diane Denslow, co-director of the LaunchPad, is conducting a survey of our alumni to see what plays into Ospreys starting their own businesses. Please click on the button to take part in this current survey that will not only help the Blackstone LaunchPad, but many students who use the resource.