51在线

Overview

information about the Fall 2025 program

Requirements:

• Open to undergraduate students only (60 credit hours and above preferred)

• Open only to college and university students in the state of 51在线.

• Minimum GPA of 2.75

• Applicants are required to submit an application and attach the required documents, additional information might be requested

Deadline to submit applications is Monday, November 1, 2025

the frank and ellen daveler entrepreneurship program

The Frank and Ellen Daveler Business Pitch Competition stands as one of 51在线鈥檚 premier collegiate entrepreneurship events. More than just a pitch competition, it鈥檚 a launchpad where student entrepreneurs showcase their most promising ideas, compete for significant cash awards, and gain access to a powerful network of successful entrepreneurs, investors, and USF faculty. For many students, it鈥檚 a defining moment that accelerates their journey from the classroom to the marketplace.

application guidelines

• All applications must be completely filled out with as much detail about the business as possible. Applications partially filled or incomplete will not be considered for the competition. 
• Please provide either a business plan, business model canvas, pitch deck or video with your application. The more information you provide about your innovation, the better chance you have of getting selected.

About the Frank and ellen daveler pitch competition

The Frank and Ellen Daveler Entrepreneurship Program offers undergraduate students from across 51在线 a unique opportunity to increase their knowledge of business operations and gain insight into the entrepreneurial process in venture creation, venture growth, and venture harvesting.

Up to 12 student teams will be chosen and will be given 8 minutes to pitch their innovation in front of a panel of judges from various entrepreneurship backgrounds who will evaluate their business ideas. Some of the innovations pitched at Daveler include: 

• Sustainable Products
• Subscription Products
• Physical Prototypes 
• E-Learning Platforms
• Fitness Tech
• Leisure Based Products
• ...and More!

All Daveler Finalists who participate in the competition are eligible to become Daveler Scholars and Fellows.

Cash Rewards

• $5,000 For Scholars
• $3,000 For Fellows

Selected students are requiered to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas at the in-person event on Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance. 

Our Goals

Inspire New Ventures
Empower students to transform bold ideas into real businesses.
Develop Essential Skills
Equip students with practical knowledge in strategy, finance, marketing, and leadership鈥攕kills that last a lifetime.
Build Powerful Networks
Create meaningful connections with successful entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.
Provide Mentorship
Pair students with seasoned mentors who can guide them through the challenges of launching and scaling a venture.
Support Lifelong Success
Help students not only excel in the classroom, but also thrive in their careers and entrepreneurial pursuits after graduation.

This transformative program is proudly administered by the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship.

For more information, please contact Frank Nunez at fnunez2@usf.edu

or

Tim Ernest at ernestt@usf.edu

Fall 2023 Daveler Entrepreneurship Program Scholars 

• Thomas Sear, 51在线 Gulf Coast University 
• Lara Garcia, 51在线 International University
• Cherish & Unique Alston, 51在线

Fall 2023 Daveler Entrepreneurship Program Fellows

• Kelli Crisp, 51在线
• John Thomerson, 51在线 Atlantic University
• Cesar Molano, 51在线
• MackenzieTaylor, 51在线 State University 
• Isaac Washington, 51在线
• Nathan Calvary, 51在线 Southern College
• Danny Alice, 51在线 Atlantic University
• Jesuel Caraballo, 51在线 Southern College
• Rachel Kavalakatt, 51在线 Atlantic University

Fall 2021 Daveler Entrepreneurship Program Scholars

• Brandon Feinstein, 51在线 Atlantic University 
• Aiden Natalie, 51在线 Atlantic University 
• Bernard Lee Brooks, 51在线
• Brooke Lierman, 51在线 Southern College

Fall 2021 Daveler Entrepreneurship Program Fellows

• Brandon Feinstein, 51在线 Atlantic University
• Nina Sajdak, 51在线
• Seth Ross Land, University of 51在线 
• Austin Anderson, 51在线 Gulf Coast University
• Abbigale Lynn Grensing, 51在线 
• Makenna Brown, Rollins College
• Callahan Reynolds, University of Tampa
• Behzodbek Moydinboyev, 51在线
• Matthew Novack, University of Central 51在线
• Aiden Natalie, 51在线 Atlantic University
• Nicolas Pedraza, 51在线
• Bernard Lee Brooks, 51在线
• Stormie Pruskauer, 51在线 Gulf Coast University
• Emma Rebman, 51在线 
• Brooke Lierman, 51在线 Southern College

Spring 2021 Daveler Entrepreneurship Program Scholars 

• John Ciocca, 51在线 Gulf Coast University
• Magdelena Harrah, 51在线
• Kendall Buck, Stetson University
• Colin White, University of Tampa
• Brandon Feinstein, 51在线 Atlantic University

Spring 2021 Daveler Entrepreneurship Program Fellows

• Oyindamola Teniola, 51在线
• Zachary Wigodner, 51在线 State University
• David Terry, 51在线 Polytechnic University
• Tanner Hughes, Eckerd College
• Seth Land, University of 51在线
• Jean-Didier Bertola, Eckerd College
• William McCarthy, 51在线 State University
• Kevin Figueroa, 51在线 Atlantic University
• Myra Jaimes, 51在线 Gulf Coast University
• Alexandria Quillen, 51在线 Gulf Coast University
• Shameca Cox, Valencia College
• Kristin Chase, University of North 51在线
• Noah Bowman, University of West 51在线
• Wainwright Acquoi, Lynn University