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51�Թ���’s Adams Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business, has been awarded a partnership with the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program (VFEP) for the sixth consecutive year.

The Adams Center will receive funding from VFEP, which offers qualified veterans the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive entrepreneurship, business education and mentorship program through the center.

“Being involved with the program since its inception in 2015, I’ve witnessed firsthand how it has evolved and expanded every year, and how it genuinely helps veterans start or grow successful businesses,” said Kevin Cox, Ph.D., lead instructor and assistant director of the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship. “I look forward to another successful year.”

Additionally, for the first time, 51�Թ���’s entry in the Veterans Florida statewide virtual pitch competition won first place. Steven Edwards, co-founder and managing partner of Premier Virtual and 51�Թ��� Tech Runway Venture Class 8 alumnus, won $3,000 in the competition with his company that created a software platform designed to facilitate hiring.

“His example tells a positive message for veterans throughout the state of Florida and shows the great work being accomplished with our partners at 51�Թ���,” said Joe Marino, executive director of Veterans Florida.

Edwards explained that the competition showed him a different way to look at and grow his business.

“Seeing that other people saw in my organization what I saw, was a great feeling,” Edwards said.

Earlier in the year, veterans competed in a local business pitch competition. In addition to Edwards, winners of the competition were, Max Burwick, CEO and co-founder of BizPsych Labs, developed a machine-learning tool and Arthur Freemon, founder of SOF Designs, a company that created a pillow for sleep apnea patients and the general public. Edwards, Burwick and Freemon each won $1,000 to support their ventures.

51�Թ��� has been recognized as one of the top programs for entrepreneurship studies, according to the latest rankings from The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine. 51�Թ��� ranked No. 39 among undergraduate programs in the 14th annual survey. Named in recognition of Scott Adams, CEO and co-founder of STRAX Intelligence Group, STRAX Technologies and 51�Թ��� Tech Runway alum, in 2001, the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship prepares 51�Թ��� and entrepreneurs in all disciplines who are looking to become successful business owners.

Veterans Florida is a nonprofit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state. Veterans Florida provides powerful tools for veterans to take advantage of the benefits of living and working in the Sunshine State. For more information about Veterans Florida, visit

– Story courtesy of 51�Թ��� College of Business