Coggin College gets Blackstone LaunchPad

The University of North Florida Coggin College of Business received a grant in May from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation to provide entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial skill-building programs to help UNF students prepare for successful careers.  

The $500,000 gift will establish a new physical space for Blackstone LaunchPad, with programming and events that offer innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities for students across the UNF campus. Faculty members Diane Denslow and Martin Luytjes will be working with established entrepreneurs and business leaders to provide students with insight and advice.

Students will 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, dean, Coggin College of Business. “Blackstone’s commitment will provide a far-reaching entrepreneurial impact in this region and give our students a career advantage few institutions can offer.” 

To learn more, visit the Blackstone LaunchPad website.