"For an entrepreneur, good ideas are a dime a dozen," says Steve Budd. "The challenge is how to turn a good idea into a successful business."

As director of USF Polytechnic's Entrepreneurship Program, and adjunct professor in the Division of Business, Budd has developed an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that he calls "a blend of academic and economic development with an emphasis on applied learning."

The entrepreneurship program offers all USF Polytechnic students the opportunity for education and training in successful opportunity recognition and development, technology and marketing assessment, technology commercialization, new venture formation and new venture financing. Budd works closely with local businesses to generate class projects, create student practicums/internships, and identify guest speakers.

"The goal is to create a win-win-win among USF Polytechnic, its students and the local community," he says. "The Entrepreneurship Program supports USF Polytechnic's focus on improving economic development for the region by educating and training entrepreneurially-oriented individuals. Our unique undergraduate program will improve innovation, creativity and productivity for students and local businesses."

"Our new entrepreneurship program serves as an excellent model for USF Polytechnic's vision," says Dr. Judith Ponticell, associate vice president for academic affairs. "Students benefit from hands-on learning, using applied research to produce practical knowledge. Our graduates in turn will benefit the community by using their knowledge to sustain the region's economic vision."

The entrepreneurship program has had positive reactions from students and the community, and Budd works to make sure the program meets their needs.

"I'm talking and listening to people in the community, and I want to make this program very user-driven," he says. "This is such a close-knit community, which has made my job easier. Everyone is so accessible, both at USF Polytechnic and in the community.

"And USF Polytechnic's non-traditional students and the perspectives they bring are great for the entrepreneurship program. Working with them is lots of fun. It keeps me involved and current."

Students in the program learn by strategically looking at issues. One semester, Budd's students did seven feasibility analyses for potential businesses, including a family entertainment center, a medical practice and a wedding planner.

"The class gave me hope for not just now, but for my future," says student Janette McDonald. "I learned about so many exciting tools. I learned academic and hands-on knowledge that students rarely get in a ‘regular classroom setting.'"

Jana Wiggins, CEO of Document Advantage Corporation, says "I could not ask for a better mentor/advisor than Steve Budd. He has been a mentor to us and has taught, as well as assisted, us in performing key activities related to investment funding, financial modeling and board structuring, just to name a few.

"Steve's expertise encompasses the multitude of areas that an emerging company needs to learn as it evolves. He has the ability to look at each new challenge from many angles in order to coach us through what is needed for the various opportunities. Steve is a key part of our team and I am very grateful to have access to him and the expertise he brings to the table."

Budd came to USF Polytechnic in 2006 after spending 10 years with the Center for Entrepreneurship at USF Tampa.

"My challenge is to not just apply what worked in Tampa. I want to focus instead on building something USF Polytechnic can own - something special that fits with our mission and our community. I am very grateful to the leadership at USF Polytechnic, especially Dr. Judith Ponticell, for giving me this wonderful opportunity."