CIED | Santa Fe College

08/21/2026

Registration for the First Annual CIED Fall Financial Forum opens August 21, 2026.

Join financial professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders for a day of valuable insights, networking opportunities, and discussions on economic growth and financial trends.

Secure your spot and be part of this premier regional event.

Registration opens: August 21, 2026.

08/21/2026

Registration for the First Annual CIED Fall Financial Forum opens August 21, 2026.

Join financial professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders for a day of valuable insights, networking opportunities, and discussions on economic growth and financial trends.

Secure your spot and be part of this premier regional event.

Registration opens: August 21, 2026

Empowering businesses and nonprofits with financial knowledge, practical resources, and valuable connections.

08/20/2026

Join Clarity Consulting Group and GNV.AI for the Gainesville AI/Mixr—a relaxed evening built around real conversations and new

relationships. There is no agenda or formal presentation. Come ready to meet professionals from real estate, construction,

business, entrepreneurship, development, tech, and AI; talk business; and ask questions about AI.

Friday, August 28 | 5:30–9:00 PM

Twist: Coffee & Cocktails, inside Gainesville Lodge

413 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL

Admission is free, and the first 10 guests receive a free drink. Please RSVP through the Facebook event page.

08/11/2026

Calling all students, aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and women interested in tech! 💻✨

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) Gainesville is hosting its upcoming Gainesville Chapter Meetup — a great opportunity to connect, build relationships, exchange ideas, and meet other women making moves in technology and entrepreneurship.

We’re especially excited to share this opportunity with our CIED community, as WTE Gainesville’s leadership includes a CIED alum and a CIED mentor who continue to support and strengthen Gainesville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

📅 Thursday, August 27
⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Beaker & Flask Wine Co.
🎟️ Free to attend

Students are encouraged to come out, network, learn, and discover where new connections can take you!

Scan the QR code on the flyer to register.

08/10/2026

Meet Laurence A. Andrews, MBA, Coordinator of Santa Fe College’s Center for Innovation and Economic Development (CIED)!

With more than 20 years of experience, Laurence is a strategic and creative problem-solver who helps entrepreneurs, organizations and communities turn complex challenges into opportunities for growth. At CIED, a community-focused business incubator, he supports entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout North Central Florida.

Previously, Laurence coordinated the Bradford County Incubator, a partnership between CIED and CareerSource North Central Florida, where he helped aspiring entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. He has also served as an independent management consultant, advising entrepreneurs and small business owners across the United States and the Caribbean.

Laurence holds an MBA in Strategy Development and Entrepreneurship from Babson College and a BS in Business Administration and Music from Nyack College. He also completed the University of St. Gallen’s 10-week International Study Program in Switzerland, with a focus on conducting business across continental Europe.

We are proud to highlight the experience, leadership and commitment Laurence brings to CIED and the North Central Florida business community.

07/26/2026

Helping businesses grow. Helping communities thrive. 💙

The CIED Business Incubator is proud to support businesses like Quality Insurance Advisors, whose Medicare education workshops are making a difference for individuals and families throughout our community.

When local entrepreneurs succeed, our entire community benefits.

Ready to grow your business with mentorship, resources, and a supportive network? Visit sfcollege.edu/incubators to learn more about joining the CIED Business Incubator.

07/26/2026

The CIED is exciting to share what our incubating companies are doing for the community. Quality Insurance Advisors is ready to help you "Protect What Matters and Secure Your Future," at their Lunch and Learn.

07/22/2026

Today is the day!

07/22/2026

Every successful business starts with an idea—and the right support.

At the Santa Fe College Center for Innovation & Economic Development (CIED), we help entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses. One example is Quality Insurance Advisors, an incubating company that is educating our community through Medicare workshops and financial wellness programs.

Could your business be next?

Learn more about joining the CIED Business Incubator: sfcollege.edu/incubators

07/15/2026

Did you know that understanding Medicare doesn't have to be overwhelming?

One of our CIED incubating companies, Quality Insurance Advisors, is hosting educational Medicare workshops to help individuals learn about their options in a welcoming, no-pressure environment.

Education empowers better decisions, and we're proud to support businesses that make a positive impact in our community.

Learn more about how CIED helps entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses: sfcollege.edu/incubators