CFK Launches Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab with Kickoff Session at the Upper Keys Center

First session on October 5th to feature AI and opportunity validation workshop; program made possible by Ocean Reef Community Foundation

WHAT: Media are invited to attend part or all of the kickoff session of The College of the Florida Keys' (CFK) Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab (EIL), an eight-week, hands-on program to help aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs in the Upper Keys to develop, launch, or grow a business venture. Participants will work through idea development, marketing, sales, financials, and operations alongside fellow entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on accountability, collaboration, and peer networking.

The opening session, “Entrepreneurial Mindset, Opportunity Validation, & Using AI to Help Build Your Business,” will introduce participants to the foundations of entrepreneurship, including how to evaluate whether a business idea addresses a meaningful customer need, identify assumptions that require validation, and explore how artificial intelligence tools can assist entrepreneurs in developing and evaluating their business ideas.

The EIL was made possible by a $25,220 grant from the Ocean Reef Community Foundation (ORCF) to cover program costs for the founding class so students can participate free of charge. The program culminates in a "Pitch Night Showcase," where participants will compete for $7,500 in awards.

WHO: The featured presenter for the kickoff is Dr. Marlene Kolodziej, Chief Technology Officer and Director of Information Technology at the Monroe County School District.

Introductions and discussion will be led by Dr. Jesus Vazquez, CFK Faculty, Supervision and Management and EIL program lead, with representatives from ORCF to speak briefly.

WHEN: Monday, October 5 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: CFK Upper Keys Center, 106040 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

For more information, email [email protected].