Spartan Incubator Entrepreneurship Certificate

The Spartan Incubator at the University of Tampa’s John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center is a high-impact, semester-based program for recent graduates and early-stage community founders. Rooted in real-world application and backed by a top-ranked entrepreneurship program, the incubator blends expert-led workshops, weekly cohort meetings, and tailored mentorship to help participants grow both their ventures and their leadership skills.

The impact of the Spartan Incubator is already being seen through ventures launched in the inaugural Spring 2026 Impact Challenge. The Lone Daffodil evolved from a one-person creative side project into a growing sustainable fashion brand, generating thousands in revenue through digital sewing patterns and handmade apparel while expanding to nearly 40,000 social media followers and securing boutique interest and production partnerships. Black Girl EDU transformed from a graduate school concept into a soft-launched platform connecting collegiate women of color with culturally competent services, reaching more than 75 students through campus activations and growing its digital reach to over 20,000 views. Other ventures such as BuildWise and Cray also demonstrated rapid traction, building AI-powered platforms, growing user bases, securing pilot conversations and establishing real sales pipelines within just a few months of the program.

Program Snapshot

• 24-week entrepreneurship certificate track
• Weekly cohort check-ins + curated workshops
• Coaching from entrepreneurs-in-residence
• Access to signature events and pitch opportunities
• Certificate awarded upon milestone completion

Fall 2026 Spartan Incubator participants have been selected. Applications for the 2027-2028 program will open in Spring 2027. Complete the interest form below to be notified when applications open.

Spartan Accelerator

The Fall 2026 Spartan Accelerator is a self-driven program open to any UTampa student, regardless of major. Students build their venture on their own timeline while working from a headquarters desk at the Lowth Entrepreneurship Center, with access to mentorship, the Center’s network and its facilities.

To request a desk, contact LEC Manager of Operations Branden Weber to discuss your venture, mentorship and desk availability.

Headquarters Desk Program Expectations

Maintain Your Desk
To keep your headquarters desk, spend three unique days per week in the LEC and report two mentorship meetings.

You may leave equipment, supplies or products at your desk. The LEC and the University of Tampa are not responsible for lost or stolen property.

Mentoring
Mentorship is a core part of the Accelerator. The Center connects each venture with entrepreneurs and experts in residence, entrepreneur coaches, and Advisory Board members who provide guidance as you build your business. Show up on time to these meetings and come ready to receive constructive feedback.

Shared Workspace Etiquette
The LEC is a shared working space. Be considerate of others when taking phone calls — step outside or into one of the pods rather than talking at your desk. If you need a space for a conference call, check with the reception desk; they can help you find one that’s open.

Center Hours
The Center is open during normal posted hours. Because a staff member must be present whenever anyone is using the space, students cannot use the Center alone after hours or on weekends. The Center is closed on university holidays and during winter break.