The Panama City Small Business Executive Program, operated by Florida State University’s Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, celebrated its first-ever graduating cohort on April 30. The achievement marks a significant milestone for small business leadership development in the Northwest Florida region.

The executive-level program equips small business owners with the tools, strategies and mindset needed to lead with confidence, strengthen business operations and turn challenges into opportunities for long-term growth. Participants of the program engaged in advanced leadership and business development training focused on helping entrepreneurs think differently, adapt strategically and build stronger, more resilient businesses.

“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by this inaugural class,” said Marina Lickson, director of the Northwest Florida program. “Their commitment to growth and leadership reflects the strength and potential of the small business community in Panama City and beyond.”

The program’s partnership with the Florida State University Panama City campus created a collaborative environment where local business leaders could learn, connect and grow together. The achievements of the initial graduating class highlight the potential influence these business owners will have on the Panama City community and the surrounding area.

Applications for the Tallahassee Small Business Executive Program fall cohort are open until August 14, 2026. More information can be found on the program’s website.

About the Small Business Executive Program (SBEP)

The Small Business Executive Program is an executive-level leadership and business development initiative created to support small business owners through strategic learning, leadership training and peer collaboration, designed to foster sustainable business growth.

About the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship

The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, housed in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University, cultivates, trains and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition and leading-edge research. The Jim Moran Institute comprises a dedicated team of entrepreneurship professionals, academic scholars and staff who foster the entrepreneurial spirit by helping to organize, expand and promote the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship to facilitate new business and further the goals of established businesses.

For more information, visit jmi.fsu.edu.

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A Florida State University professor at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship is among the select few to win a prestigious international award for outstanding sustainability leadership.

Eundeok Kim, a professor specializing in sustainability, social entrepreneurship and product management, is one of 10 faculty members globally to be chosen as a Sustainability Fellow by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The association serves a full range of higher education faculty, administrators, staff, and students who are change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation.

“I am very honored and humbled to be recognized as a 2026 AASHE Fellow,” Kim said. “This recognition encourages me to further incorporate sustainability and sustainable development into my teaching, research and service and strengthens my commitment to the urgent call for action. I am deeply thankful to the numerous colleagues, community partners and students who have collaborated with me for various teaching and research projects and services to the community, which allowed me to grow as a sustainability agent.”

“This recognition encourages me to further incorporate sustainability and sustainable development into my teaching, research and service and strengthens my commitment to the urgent call for action.”

– Eundeok Kim, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship Professor

Kim has contributed to her field in several ways: producing impactful refereed journal articles and books that highlight her important research into sustainability and social entrepreneurship. She teaches Sustainability and Human Rights in the Business World, developed with FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights Director Terry Coonan, to all majors at FSU. She was recognized with numerous awards, including the 2024-25 University Teaching Award for Community Engaged Teaching and the 2023 Social Entrepreneurship SIG Award for Social Entrepreneurship Teaching from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). Her research was also acknowledged with the 2024 Minority and Women Entrepreneurship SIG Scholar Award by USASBE.

“The 2026 AASHE Sustainability Award recipients reflect the momentum and innovation driving change across higher education,” added AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “Among their community, these individuals are true change makers — turning bold ideas into action and setting a powerful example of leadership and impact for the field.”

Kim is one of several FSU Faculty Senators who founded the Faculty Senate Sustainability Committee in 2020. She served as Chair of Education in 2024-25 and serves as deputy editor for the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education by Emerald.

Among her core research areas, Kim has investigated on sustainable business models and strategies, the role of social entrepreneurship in advancing sustainable development, and cross-and trans-disciplinary sustainability education. Her case study on Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit fair-trade organization, explored business models that empower marginalized groups.

Her most recent publication, “Using Artificial Intelligence in Sustainability Teaching and Learning,” examines how AI tools can be integrated into curricula to enhance sustainability education.

To learn more about AASHE, visit the association’s website at aashe.org.

More information about the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship can be found at jmc.fsu.edu.

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Student entrepreneurs from across Florida State University gathered at the Innovation Hub last week to pitch business ventures in the Student Innovators’ Shark Tank competition.

Hosted and sponsored by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, the competition challenged students to move beyond classroom theory into a startup environment. Participants competed for a $1,000 grand prize to help launch their ventures.

“The JMC Shark Tank offers students a hands-on opportunity to experience what it’s really like to pitch in front of real entrepreneurs and successful business owners,” said May Jingyan Wang, student engagement program coordinator for the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. “These students are learning how to communicate under pressure, respond to feedback and adapt their strategies in real time, building a level of professional confidence that sharpens their skills regardless of their major.”

Participants delivered a three-minute pitch followed by a five-minute Q&A session with local business owners and entrepreneurs. The judges evaluated each venture based on originality, strength of its value proposition and potential for market success.

“Applying what I’m learning in the classroom to real-world projects allows me to see my efforts come to life while building the confidence I need to be ready for my career.” 

—Samir Kanbar, Student Innovators’ Shark Tank participant

The Innovation Hub served as a natural setting for the cross-disciplinary competition.

“The Hub is a unique and central resource for students and faculty from across disciplines to meet and collaborate,” said Ken Baldauf, founding director of the Innovation Hub. “We provide access to emerging technologies and design thinking training that drive innovation for students in every major. We value our close relationship with the Jim Moran College.”

The competition helps students master the art of the elevator pitch while receiving direct feedback from industry professionals. By distilling complex business plans into concise presentations, the event bridges academic study and the practical execution required to launch a company.

A key highlight of this year’s event was the introduction of a virtual investment model. Each member of the judging panel was allocated $100,000 in virtual capital, creating a total pool of $500,000 to “invest” in student-led startups. This simulated venture fundraising environment mirrored real-world capital rounds, with the student securing the highest total investment declared the overall winner.

This year’s winner was Larry Harper, a senior pursuing his undergraduate degree in History. His venture, Chapter, integrates AI and traditional tools to improve student engagement and deliver actionable performance data to universities.

“The Shark Tank is one of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship’s most valuable initiatives,” Harper said. “Not only does it provide a space for students to socialize and hear other businesses, but it has proven to be the single most important way for students to pitch their ideas, come back again and again, becoming better each time.”

This year’s panel of “Sharks” included Rich Smith, director of Small Business Innovation for Florida Commerce; Tangela Lofton, regional director of the Florida Small Business Development Center; Lonna Peterson, former IT and operations executive; Robert Blacklidge, serial entrepreneur; and Ahmed Negm, Innovation Hub faculty member.

The Student Innovators’ Shark Tank is a signature initiative of the InNOLEvation® Center for Student Engagement, which provides resources and platforms for all FSU students to explore entrepreneurship.

“Competing against such talented and advanced startups at FSU was a blast, and I’m thankful to have been part of it,” said Samir Kanbar, a student majoring in computer science. “Applying what I’m learning in the classroom to real-world projects allows me to see my efforts come to life while building the confidence I need to be ready for my career.”

Through the collaboration of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and the Innovation Hub, FSU continues to support student-led innovation and economic development.

Visit the Innovation Hub and Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship websites for more information.

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The next wave of savvy student entrepreneurs was on display last Friday as five finalists competed in the final round of the 14th annual InNOLEvation Challenge hosted by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. 

Software startup Padly, founded by senior Jacob Tarantelli, was named the winner of the $10,000 first-place prize as well as the People’s Choice Award. Padly facilitates sublets in college towns by connecting students with available housing and leasing offices. 

Tarantelli, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in STEM entrepreneurship with a minor in computer science, appreciates how the event provides a platform for taking a passionate idea into a successful startup. 

“The feedback I got from judges and fellow students was immensely valuable,” Tarantelli said. “The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship has given me the environment and mentorship to turn a personal frustration with student subleasing into a real business, and I’m excited to show everyone what Padly will become because of it. Next up, we are onboarding and getting feedback to expand to more campuses across the Southeast.” 

The InNOLEvation Challenge provides students from all majors and grade levels the opportunity to gain valuable insight into innovation and entrepreneurship. This year’s judging panel heard pitches from five finalists during the new venture competition, which focused on identifying problems and potential solutions, building effective teams, defining the assumptions of a new venture and testing those assumptions in the field. 

Leading into Friday’s final round, the event took place over two semesters with students submitting parts of their business model during the academic year. The finals were held in front of a live audience, giving attendees a glimpse into some of the brightest entrepreneurial minds at FSU. 

Other prize winners in the competition included:  

• Second place: Gear Share by Fernando De Abreu Pires, Bruno del Nero and Gabriel Romanini de Barro. 

• Third place: Kloset Klick by Emma Leav and Katrina Etan. 

• Fourth place: Lithaos by Jephte Moise and Azure Smallwood. 

• Fifth place: OrthoLink by Evan Boudreau. 

To learn more about the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship InNOLEvation Challenge, visit their website. 

To learn more about Padly, visit rentpadly.com.  

Photos from the 14th annual InNOLEvation Challenge can be found here. 

To learn more about entrepreneurial resources at the Jim Moran College, visit their StartupTree page.

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A Florida State University student in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship is turning a lifelong health challenge into a purpose-driven business that serves families with food allergies while shaping her future as an entrepreneur.

Brooke Abbott, a junior majoring in commercial entrepreneurship, grew up in Texas with severe food allergies that often left her searching for answers. Years of discomfort and illness eventually led to a diagnosis that changed everything.

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A Florida State University student created a buzz by impressing a panel of judges at the Shark-Tank-style ACC InVenture Prize competition held at the University of Notre Dame.

Hugo Davies, majoring in STEM entrepreneurship with a concentration in computer science, earned the coveted People’s Choice Award at the competition. He received the most votes of any ACC competitor after delivering a dynamic pitch about his artificial intelligence startup called KeyRise. 

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An emerging entrepreneur in Tallahassee was recognized with a national award given to someone who has overcome adversity while demonstrating exceptional leadership, service and commitment to community. 

Lewis Thurston II received the Michael Boyce Award at the inaugural Leon Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (LEAP) Entrepreneur Spotlight Speaker Series on March 24, hosted by FSU’s Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship and Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. The award honors individuals who overcome adversity while demonstrating exceptional leadership, service, and community commitment. Thurston, a LEAP graduate, also served as the featured speaker. 

The LEAP program in Tallahassee is part of the national Urban Poverty and Business Initiative network, housed at the University of Notre Dame, which spans more than 60 cities across the country. Each year, one entrepreneur from each city is selected for the Michael Boyce Award, which honors a founder who exemplifies Col. Michael H. Boyce’s lifelong commitment to service, leadership and mentorship. 

Thurston’s Tallahassee-based company VEZ Productions provides music and entertainment services for a range of events, contributing to both the local business community and major initiatives such as FSU’s Dance Marathon.  

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From promoting the impact of cutting-edge research to celebrating student success, podcasts at Florida State University have become a staple for sharing information for the FSU community. They offer an accessible medium for digital storytelling, amplifying the voices of students, staff and faculty. 

FSU colleges and departments host a variety of podcasts pulling stories and experts from across the university. The diverse range of podcasts means that there is something for every listener to tune into, whether they are a student, staff member or alumni. Here are a few examples of the FSU podcasts available:

Nole Edge  

The College of Arts and Sciences produces “Nole Edge,” connecting listeners with the stories of students, faculty, alumni and researchers whose work is changing the way we view the world. 

Host Amy Walden, the college’s assistant director of visual and social media, has explored topics such as what happens in the human brain during sleep and how that protects against Alzheimer’s disease, the ethics of moral injury, FSU’s immersive language houses and more. Now in its fourth season, episodes are available on the college’s YouTube channel. 

“Nole Edge” has created a unique space to share the stories and perspectives of the outstanding researchers, faculty, students and world-renowned lecturers that make Florida State such a special place,” Walden said. “Because the FSU College of Arts and Sciences is home to the natural sciences and humanities, every topic and conversation on the podcast is a new adventure. We strive for our listeners, no matter their area of interest or level of expertise, to walk away from each episode with fresh knowledge.” 

InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast  

“The InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast” with host Mark McNees from the FSU Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship highlights student and alumni entrepreneurs and innovators from FSU. 

Guests include the next generation of young business leaders sharing what they’re learning as they build companies from the ground up, FSU faculty with key insights into entrepreneurship, and alumni making their mark. “InNOLEvation Mindset” can be found on the website for FSU’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and is also available on YouTube. 

 “InNOLEvation® Mindset started as a way to give FSU’s entrepreneurs a platform, but it has evolved into something bigger,” McNees said. “We’re now having conversations with energy finance leaders, sustainability innovators and business founders whose work is reshaping entire industries. The podcast gives the Jim Moran College a front-row seat to those conversations, and our listeners, whether they’re students, executives, or policymakers, walk away with insights they can actually use.” 

Coach Talk  

“Coach Talk” was created by Timothy Baghurst, director of the FSU Center for Athletic Coaching. Each episode connects the classroom with the field, featuring guests from the sports industry, including coaches, athletic directors, team owners and more. Episodes of “Coach Talk” can be found streaming online on platforms such as Spotify.   

 “Listeners gain a deeper understanding of coaching practices, decision-making and the realities of working in sports, drawing practical, evidence-based lessons from the show,” Baghurst said. “‘Coach Talk’ offers an inside perspective on the knowledge and experiences that shape sports today.” 

More FSU podcasts 

There is a podcast for every listener, each one exploring another facet of the FSU community. 

The College of Medicine produces “Faculty Forward” to provide insight, strategies and professional advice to medical school and health sciences faculty. Each episode features experts and educators from FSU, focusing on topics for faculty success in the classroom and the clinic. Episodes of “Faculty Forward” can be found on the website for FSU’s College of Medicine.   

“FSU COMMversation” is a student-run podcast highlighting students, professors and alumni from FSU’s School of Communication in the College of Communication and Information. Each episode highlights the accomplishments of its guests, which allows other students, professors, and alumni to stay informed and connected with the communications world. “FSU COMMversation” can be found on all streaming platforms online.   

“Seminole Sports” is hosted by Jeff Culhane, the director of broadcasting for the Seminole Sports Network. Culhane is joined by Seminole coaches and players as he breaks down current news and events in FSU sports. Listeners can tune into “Seminole Sports” from the Seminole Boosters website.  

“Connect with VP Amy Hecht” dives into new topics about programs and opportunities at FSU. Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht highlights a new guest in each episode and discusses frequently asked questions from students, parents and future Seminoles. Listeners can find episodes of “Connect with VP Amy Hecht” on FSU’s website for the Division of Student Affairs.

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Florida State University’s Susana Santos, the Jim Moran Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, has been inducted as a Justin G. Longenecker Fellow of the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) — one of the highest honors in the field of entrepreneurship.

Induction into the Longenecker Fellows recognizes individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence in entrepreneurship education, research and service, and whose careers have made a lasting impact on the discipline. Admission is highly competitive and by nomination only, with each fellow having made sustained contributions that advance both entrepreneurship scholarship and practice.

Santos was nominated by Michael Morris of the University of Notre Dame, who highlighted her record of leadership and service to USASBE, including roles as a board member, conference chair, editor and doctoral program leader. He also underscored her scholarly contributions, particularly her research examining how entrepreneurship can help uplift communities and combat poverty through sustainable economic development.

“Dr. Santos exemplifies the spirit of the Longenecker Fellows,” said Jeff Hornsby, chair of the Fellows and professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City. “Her scholarship advances a global dialogue on the role of entrepreneurship in addressing poverty, while her leadership within USASBE has strengthened our community and helped shape the next generation of entrepreneurship scholars. She has made a lasting and meaningful impact on our field.”

Santos’ research focuses on poverty alleviation, community-level entrepreneurship and inclusive innovation, contributing to a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurial activity can serve as a mechanism for social and economic mobility. Her work has been published in leading academic journals and informs both policy and practice across diverse global contexts.

“We are incredibly proud to see Dr. Santos recognized as a Longenecker Fellow, one of the highest honors in entrepreneurship education,” said Susan Fiorito, dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. “Her dedication to research, teaching and service exemplifies the excellence of our faculty and reflects the Jim Moran College’s commitment to advancing entrepreneurship that creates real and lasting impact.”

“We are incredibly proud to see Dr. Santos recognized as a Longenecker Fellow, one of the highest honors in entrepreneurship education. Her dedication to research, teaching and service exemplifies the excellence of our faculty and reflects the Jim Moran College’s commitment to advancing entrepreneurship that creates real and lasting impact.”

– Susan Fiorito, dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship

Morris reflected on Santos’ leadership within the USASBE and the impactful research she provides.

“Susana’s career has been defined by intellectual rigor and purposeful impact,” Morris added. “She is a thought leader whose work pushes us to rethink how entrepreneurship functions in contexts of poverty and disadvantage, and her leadership within USASBE has strengthened the infrastructure that supports entrepreneurship education worldwide. She is profoundly deserving of this honor.”

Santos becomes the third FSU faculty member inducted as a Longenecker Fellow. Eric Liguori, Jim Moran Professor and Associate Dean, was inducted in 2021, and Wendy Plant, retired executive director of the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, was inducted in 2024.

The honor further underscores FSU’s leadership in entrepreneurship education and scholarship, and the Jim Moran College’s growing influence in shaping the global conversation around entrepreneurship as a force for economic development and impact.

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Florida State University is shaping the future of teaching, learning and living with artificial intelligence (AI) through international initiatives, including a recent program in Thailand where an FSU faculty member explored how AI is transforming entrepreneurship, education and small business development across the Indo-Pacific region. 

Eric Liguori, Jim Moran Professor and associate dean for research and external relations in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at FSU, served as lead moderator and facilitator for “Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI,” a two-day forum held Dec. 9-10 in Phuket, Thailand, that brought together more than 40 educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs and innovation leaders from the U.S. and countries across Asia-Pacific. 

Participants explored how AI and emerging digital technologies are redefining entrepreneurship education, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to scale, and opening new pathways for U.S.-Indo-Pacific collaboration. The program also emphasized the role of education systems in preparing learners across disciplines to work effectively and responsibly alongside intelligent technologies. 

As lead moderator and facilitator, Liguori guided discussions on AI readiness, entrepreneurship education, workforce transformation and small business innovation. Sessions combined expert keynotes, policy roundtables and hands-on breakout groups focused on AI governance, talent development and access to capital. 

“Artificial intelligence is changing not just what entrepreneurs do, but how quickly they need to learn, adapt and make decisions,” Liguori said. “This program was designed to help educators and ecosystem leaders think beyond tools and focus on building entrepreneurial mindsets that allow individuals and organizations to navigate uncertainty responsibly and creatively.” 

Susan Fiorito, dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, said the program reflects Florida State’s growing global leadership at the intersection of entrepreneurship and emerging technologies. 

“FSU is uniquely positioned to contribute to these global conversations because of our deep expertise in entrepreneurship education and our commitment to real-world impact,” Fiorito said. “Eric’s leadership in this program highlights how our faculty are shaping international dialogue on innovation, workforce readiness and economic development.” 

The forum concluded with delegates outlining a confidential framework focused on AI education, subject matter expert (SME) innovation and cross-border digital collaboration between the U.S. and Indo-Pacific countries. The initiative aims to enhance geopolitical competitiveness while establishing practical pathways for shared and sustainable growth. 

The program was administered by World Learning, an international education institution delivering programs in more than 150 countries worldwide. It was funded by the U.S. Department of State as part of its broader efforts to strengthen international collaboration, workforce readiness and economic resilience through education and entrepreneurship. 

The initiative aligns with FSU’s broader engagement in global education, public-private partnerships and research-informed approaches to entrepreneurship and innovation. 

At FSU, AI efforts are faculty-led and driven by the university’s commitment to student success. Faculty and staff on multiple campus committees are charged with developing best practices, policies and guidelines to ensure FSU’s faculty, staff and students have access to the latest AI technologies and are equipped with the skills they need to use AI effectively and ethically in the classroom, on campus and beyond.  

For more information about the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at FSU, visit jimmorancollege.fsu.edu. To learn more information on AI initiatives at FSU, visit ai.fsu.edu. For more information about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu. 

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Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship (JMC) is celebrating a milestone as the first cohort of graduates completes its Master of Science in entrepreneurship with a major in creative arts entrepreneurship.

The innovative program represents a significant step forward in interdisciplinary arts education at FSU, bringing together resources from the College of Music, the College of Fine Arts and the College of Motion Picture Arts to support creators who want to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills.

The program is designed for experienced creatives who want to enhance their professional practice by adding entrepreneurial strategy and business insight. Students will complete online courses, providing flexibility for those already working in their field. Cohorts typically include individuals who specialize in fields such as music, film, visual and performing arts or creative writing.

“As someone who is working full time but wanted to continue their education, the Creative Arts master’s program allows me the flexibility to learn valuable skills in my current career and beyond,” says Evan Eisenstark, who works full time as a social media specialist at FSU. “Being a part of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship has also given me the opportunity to meet and learn from other entrepreneurs and take the steps to one day start my own venture.”

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