Daveler Foundation donates $1.9M for FSW Entrepreneurship

Frank G. Daveler COURTESY PHOTO

Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has received a significant boost for its entrepreneurial education efforts through a generous $1.9 million donation from the Frank G. Daveler Foundation. This donation has led to the establishment of the Frank G. Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute within FSW’s School of Business and Technology. The institute aims to become an innovation hub that promotes multidisciplinary learning and nurtures curiosity and opportunity for students and the community.

Entrepreneurs have played a vital role in job creation nationally, with 10.5 million jobs created in the past two decades. In Florida, small businesses are a significant employment force, with 3 million small businesses employing over 40% of the state’s workforce. The importance of entrepreneurship is also reflected in the academic ambitions of college students, with a significant percentage already running their own enterprises or planning to do so post-graduation.

The Frank G. Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute is set to enhance FSW’s entrepreneurship programming significantly. It will provide students with essential entrepreneurial tools, experiential learning opportunities, community engagement, and mentorship. Key elements of the institute include funding for two fulltime professors, course and faculty development, a program manager, community promotion, a training platform, student entrepreneurship events, a Shark Tank competition, seed funding for winners, and an endowed scholarship.

This initiative aligns with FSW’s mission to inspire learning and equip students with the necessary skills for success, acting as a catalyst for the next generation of entrepreneurs in Southwest Florida. Frank and Ellen Daveler’s legacy of entrepreneurship and philanthropy continues through this institute, reflecting their lifelong commitment to education and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute will be located on the FSW Fort Myers Campus in the newly renovated School of Business and Technology building, set to reopen in fall 2024. This partnership between the Daveler Foundation and FSW underscores a shared commitment to education and the development of future entrepreneurs, ensuring a lasting impact on the Southwest Florida community and beyond.

For more information about Florida SouthWestern State College, visit www.FSW.edu. ¦