Program Coordinator’s Message

Thank you for your interest in the Entrepreneurship Certificate program at Polk State College!

The Entrepreneurship Certificate program at Polk State College provides an additional option for students of any major who are seeking to enter the small business arena, as well as those entrepreneurs seeking to improve or enhance their skill sets.
The overarching goal of this certificate program is to increase students’ knowledge and skill subsets in business, allowing them to act on opportunities with a better understanding of the creativity and innovation required for their chosen business enterprises.

The program is directly aligned with the proposed 2017-2022 Polk State College Strategic Plan and its three areas of emphasis: innovation, engagement, and community impact. Additionally, it addresses Goal 1 of the State of Florida’s Strategic Plan for Economic Development (2018-2023) developed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity: Lead the nation in resilient and sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

The College was awarded the John E. Hughes Grant from the Coleman Foundation to establish an entrepreneurship certificate program, showing a broad base of support for this venture in the community. The Economic Development Organization of the State of Florida (2012) summarizes the importance of entrepreneurship to economic development as follows:
For years, Florida has been recognized as an excellent location for young businesses; most recently, it placed in the top five for both entrepreneurial activity and economic dynamism in the Kauffman Foundation’s 2017 New Economy States rankings. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council consistently ranks Florida as one of the leading states for favorable policy environment towards entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The Polk State College Entrepreneurship Certificate program has been designed to engage and encourage students to capitalize on the business-friendly policies and environment of the state. Through education and training, individuals can raise their own economic potential, thereby contributing to the success and development of the County and State.

Thank you again for your interest in our program.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Program Director Dr. LaTrice Moore at lmoore@polk.edu or 863.297.1010 ext. 6263.