This graduate certificate program provides selected 2nd stage entrepreneurs the opportunity to unleash the growth potential of their business. The program focuses on evaluating strategy and developing a plan for growth while maximizing cash flow for future profitability. Over the course of the program, entrepreneurs will work ON their business, not IN their business and leave with a development and planning process they can use as a tool for ongoing growth.

Participants will learn from multiple sources of expertise:

• Successful Entrepreneurs
• Faculty from Florida's top-ranked MBA program at Rollins College
• Entrepreneur in Residence (please see below)

One unique aspect of this program is the concept of an Entrepreneur in Residence.  This individual is an entrepreneur who has built successful businesses and can bring that experience to the program.  In this role, the Entrepreneur in Residence helps link the modules of the program together and connect the learning from one session to the next, encouraging the participants to find the linkages back to their entrepreneurial ventures. 

Our Entrepreneur in Residence is Mike Buffa. Mike has over 30 years of experience working with corporations, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and angel investors.  He has started thirteen companies that attracted over $600 million in investment capital.  His vast background makes him an additional resource for the participants in the Rollins Business Accelerator program.

The program will be taught in a small group, modular format, over the course of three months, with regular sessions on campus at the Crummer Graduate School of Business.

Course topics include:

• Assessing the current state of your business, your competition and the market
• Making strategic decisions about growth and exit
• Leveraging financial tools and evaluating financial performance
• Marketing your business
• Leading effectively as an entrepreneur

Sessions will be taught in a highly interactive, peer-to-peer environment and include support from a business coach throughout the program. Participants will spend time in each session applying the tools to their business and developing a plan for immediate implementation. Working with the Rollins team and a select group of other second stage entrepreneurs, you will accelerate the growth of your company to the next level. Acceptance to the program will be limited to ensure the highest posiible quality of learning.