EIL Programs
Workshops
The EIL delivers a comprehensive lineup of hands-on workshops that guide participants through each stage of the entrepreneurial process. These sessions are taught by CFK faculty, industry experts, and local business leaders.
Core Workshop Topics
- Entrepreneurship 101: Idea to Opportunity
Identifying problems, validating ideas, and defining customer needs. - Branding & Marketing for Startups
Building a consistent brand identity, leveraging social media, and crafting effective messaging. - Business Model & Strategy Development
Using the Business Model Canvas, revenue stream planning, and competitive analysis. - Financial Literacy & Budget Planning
Start-up budgeting, projecting revenue, understanding costs, and break-even analysis. - Prototyping & MVP Creation
Transforming concepts into testable models and gathering user feedback. - Pitch Deck Development
Creating compelling slides, refining your story, and preparing for Pitch Night.
Workshops are designed to be practical, interactive, and immediately applicable to participants’ business ideas.
Colloquiums
The EIL hosts monthly Colloquiums that bring the community together for conversations on innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. These events create opportunities for learning, collaboration, and community building such as:
- Engaging discussions led by experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals
- Topics such as innovation, resilience, customer engagement, Florida Keys economic trends, and more
- Open to all community members and CFK students
- Opportunities to network and exchange ideas
Colloquiums serve as a bridge between education and the real entrepreneurial landscape of the Upper Keys and South Florida.
Speaker Series
The EIL Speaker Series features founders, executives, creators, and innovators from diverse industries. These sessions give participants direct insight into the journeys, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped successful careers and ventures. Participants gain:
- Real-world lessons and strategic thinking from active entrepreneurs
- Inspiration and motivation through personal stories
- Professional connections
- Q&A opportunities with speakers
Topics may include leadership, innovation, digital branding, small business growth, hospitality business models, financial readiness, and social entrepreneurship.
Pitch Night Showcase
Pitch Night is the signature capstone event of the Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab. During this high-energy showcase, workshop participants deliver their business pitches to a distinguished panel of judges, community partners, angel investors, and supporters from across the region. Pitch Night features:
- Live venture presentations from EIL participants
- Awards, recognition, and seed funding opportunities, including:
- $5,000 Pitch Night Winner
- $2,500 Runner-Up Award
- Networking reception with entrepreneurs, mentors, partners, and potential investors
Pitch Night celebrates innovation, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing the talent and vision driving the future of our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Program Timeline
- Workshop: Fall 2026
- Colloquiums: Monthly 2026
- Speaker Series: Scheduled throughout the year
- Pitch Night: Conclusion of workshop