USF’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative: Where Ideas Become Action

Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs with Knowledge, Mentorship, and Opportunity

USF’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative: Less Talk, More Startups

I got my start at the University of San Francisco (USF). As the first in my generation to attend college in the U.S., I wasn’t just earning a degree—I was navigating a world without a map. I had the ambition but not the network, the drive but not the playbook.

Then, a USF benefactor—the school’s most prominent at the time—took a chance on me. It wasn’t just financial support. It was someone saying, I see something in you. They provided guidance, access to opportunities, and a belief in my potential that changed everything.

Now, USF is expanding that same opportunity to a new generation of entrepreneurs. With bold investments and the backing of top business leaders, the university’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation (E&I) Initiative isn’t just creating opportunities—it’s redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur in today’s world.

A Transformational Program

Led by Professor and E&I Faculty Director Johnathan Cromwell and Dean Shawn Calhoun, the program is shaping the future of entrepreneurship education at USF. It ensures students gain the knowledge, mentorship, and resources to turn ideas into action. Designed to work across all disciplines, it integrates entrepreneurial thinking into every field of study, collaborating with the School of Management, where students learn to apply these skills in business, leadership, and innovation.

Join us in making an impact.

Entrepreneurship for All

USF’s vision is straightforward: every undergraduate and graduate student should develop entrepreneurial skills, regardless of their major. Success today isn’t just about launching companies—it's about problem-solving, adaptability, and innovation. These skills fuel careers, power businesses, and drive real-world impact.

This initiative is deeply rooted in Jesuit principles, blending business strategy with critical thinking and ethical leadership. The goal? To ensure students don’t just graduate prepared for success but are empowered to build something that truly matters.

A Board of Industry Experts

An advisory board of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and executives is shaping the future of USF’s entrepreneurship program. Their mentorship, industry insights, and strategic guidance help students bridge the gap between theory and execution.

Advisory Board Members:

• Pete Slosberg – Founder of Pete’s Brewing Company and champion of business innovation.
• Trey Roldan ’03 – Investor, CEO + Founder of Entrada, and advocate for mentorship in entrepreneurship.
• Ronald Rose, USF MBA ’83 – Angel investor and emeritus USF trustee.
• Amy Huang?– Venture capitalist and Co-founder of Archina Capital.

These leaders are?critical in ensuring students have the guidance, resources, and real-world experience necessary to succeed.

The Foundation of Entrepreneurial Excellence

1. Hands-On Learning and Practical Application

USF is embedding entrepreneurship into its curriculum with:

• Elevator pitch training available to every USF student.
• Pitch competitions with structured mentorship.
• Partnerships with organizations like SCORE for professional coaching.

2. A Strong Support System

Beyond coursework, students have access to:

• A knowledge base of success stories and expert insights.
• Mentorship from experienced alumni and business leaders.
• Microgrants to fund student-driven projects.

3. Entrepreneurship Beyond Startups

USF prepares students for multiple entrepreneurial paths, including:

• Startups – Support for launching new ventures.
• Corporate Innovation – Training to drive change within established companies.
• Social Entrepreneurship – Tools to build businesses with social impact.
• Personal Development – Entrepreneurial thinking for career growth.

The Road Ahead

USF’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative is gaining momentum, with a clear goal: to become a premier destination for entrepreneurial education. With the guidance of its advisory board, outstanding USF faculty, and a growing network of mentors, the university is building an ecosystem where students can take risks, innovate, and create lasting impact.

Now is the time for those looking to give back—whether as a mentor, investor, or supporter. USF changed my life, shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs who will do the same for others.

Join us in making an impact.

xoxo,

Maximillian Diez

Board Chair, USF Entrepreneurship & Innovation Advisory Board

If nothing else, thanks for reading.

Johnathan Cromwell Shawn P. Calhoun, Ed.D, MLIS @Eileen Chia-Ching Fung Otgo Erhemjamts Patricia Ivancich Dassios Kelly Dyke John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J.

Trey Roldan Pete Slosberg @Ronald Rose Amy Huang