FSW and Collaboratory launch Fundamentals of Social Venturing Digital Badge

02/10/2026
The Frank G. Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) and Collaboratory (Southwest Florida Community Foundation) have partnered to launch the Fundamentals of Social Venturing Digital Badge. This program bridges the gap between academic training and the specialized skills required for social entrepreneurship.
The program features 11 interconnected block achievements integrated into three core FSW courses:
  • ENT 1501: Entrepreneurial Changemaking and Critical Thinking.
  • ENT 1021: Innovative Methods of Starting an Entrepreneurial Enterprise.
  • ENT 2000: Entrepreneurship Development.
Students can self-enroll into this digital badge course to master competencies ranging from Complex Problem Recognition to Value Generation and Customer Experience Design.
This partnership offers direct professional benefits to students and the regional workforce:
  • Guaranteed Interviews: Exceptional students who complete the program earn guaranteed interviews with leading social enterprises.
  • Industry Validation: Collaboratory provides certification oversight and subject matter expertise, ensuring students are job ready.
  • Talent Pipeline: Collaboratory and its partners gain access to a pre-screened, rigorously trained pool of social entrepreneurs.
To earn the certification, students must complete practical projects with a minimum grade of 80% (‘B’) and pass a comprehensive 30-question knowledge validation exam. The program culminates in a Capstone Final Presentation, which is evaluated by an expert panel from Collaboratory. Presentations are assessed on social problem analysis, solution feasibility, and business viability.