Key Points
- The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship hosted the 2026 Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) Conference, held Oct. 15-17.
- The conference brought representatives from 14 countries and nearly 250 distinct institutions to Florida’s capital city, including universities, organizations, programs and centers.
The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship (JMC) at Florida State University welcomed approximately 500 entrepreneurship leaders, educators and innovators from around the world to Tallahassee for the 2026 Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) Conference, held Oct. 15-17.
The conference brought representatives from 14 countries and nearly 250 distinct institutions to Florida’s capital city, including universities, organizations, programs and centers. The event centered on the theme of “momentum,” exploring how universities transform ideas into action, turning challenges into opportunities and strengthening ecosystems driving innovation and economic growth.
The landmark gathering concluded with international honors for the host institution, as the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship was awarded the GCEC Center of Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, recognizing JMC’s leadership, excellence and dedication in hosting the global summit.
The 2026 conference celebrated a convergence of historic anniversaries for Florida State University, its entrepreneurship entities and the GCEC organization:
- Florida State University (175th Anniversary): In 2026, FSU celebrates 175 years of educating leaders, advancing discovery and serving communities across Florida and beyond.
- Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (30th Anniversary): Founded as the premier international organization supporting university-based entrepreneurship programs, the GCEC celebrated three decades of global impact at its 30th annual conference this year.
- Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (30th Anniversary): The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI) recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of serving small businesses, entrepreneurs and non-profits throughout Florida and across the nation.
- Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship (10th Anniversary): The gathering precedes a major milestone for JMC, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027. As the nation’s first stand-alone college of entrepreneurship at a public institution, JMC has spent nearly a decade building an innovative educational ecosystem that empowers students to act boldly and turn ideas into impact.
“Hosting the GCEC Conference at Florida State University during such a momentous year represents an extraordinary opportunity to bring together the leaders shaping the future of entrepreneurship education,” said Mike Brady, interim dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. “The theme of ‘momentum’ reflects what we strive to cultivate every day at JMC, moving ideas forward, building meaningful partnerships and translating entrepreneurial thinking into lasting impact. Receiving the GCEC Center of Entrepreneurial Leadership Award is a proud recognition of our faculty, staff and partners who continue to advance entrepreneurship on a global scale as we approach our college’s 10th anniversary.”
The GCEC Conference serves as the premier annual forum for university-based entrepreneurship leaders to exchange ideas, examine emerging pedagogies and strengthen venture support initiatives. The three-day event provided an unprecedented platform for international collaboration and shared learning.
Through interactive breakout sessions, keynote addresses, panel discussions and collaborative networking, attendees addressed critical challenges in higher education, including:
- Expanding experiential learning and venture-creation programs.
- Integrating interdisciplinary entrepreneurship across non-business disciplines.
- Strengthening connections between university innovation hubs and regional economic ecosystems.
Beyond academic sessions, the 2026 GCEC Conference immersed attendees in the rich culture, traditions and entrepreneurial energy of FSU and the capital region.
Headquartered primarily at the FSU Student Union, the conference featured evening networking events at prominent local venues while placing FSU students at the center of the experience. Serving not only as dedicated volunteers and event hosts throughout the weekend, students also took center stage during signature evening showcases that highlighted FSU’s campus culture and talent.
On Oct. 15, the welcome reception at Doak Campbell Stadium featured a high-energy performance by FSU’s world-renowned Marching Chiefs. On Oct. 16, attendees enjoyed a live musical performance by an FSU student band in the heart of the Railroad Square Arts District at Proof Brewing Company, Tallahassee’s first craft production brewery founded by local entrepreneurs Byron and Angela Burroughs. For the Saturday Night Awards Gala, the closing ceremony at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center opened with a performance by a student violinist from the FSU College of Music, followed by a Divine Nine stroll showcase celebrating university traditions.
Pre-conference excursions highlighted regional economic vitality and natural assets, featuring a culinary and main street America walking tour in Thomasville, Ga. Exploration of Florida’s Forgotten Coast, including St. George Island and Apalachicola, and Eco-tours of Wakulla Springs and Florida Caverns State Park.
These experiences illustrated how university-anchored entrepreneurship extends directly into community partnerships, regional tourism and local small business development.
Building Momentum for the Future
As JMC approaches its 10th anniversary in 2027, hosting GCEC 2026 reinforces the college’s role as a global convener and leader in entrepreneurial education. By bringing together global educators and venture leaders, the conference laid the foundation for new cross-institutional research, student venture exchanges and collaborative initiatives that will shape the field for years to come.
About the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University is dedicated to empowering individuals to think creatively, act boldly and turn ideas into impact. As the first and only stand-alone college of entrepreneurship in the United States, JMC brings together students, faculty, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to advance innovation across disciplines. Through experiential learning, venture creation and ecosystem development, JMC prepares the next generation of founders and changemakers. Learn more at jmc.fsu.edu.
About the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship
The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at Florida State University cultivates, trains and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through executive education, peer-to-peer learning and outreach programs. Celebrating over 30 years of impact, JMI assists small business owners and non-profit executives across Florida and beyond to boost economic growth and sustainability.
About the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers
The Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) is the premier international organization dedicated to advancing university-based entrepreneurship through collaboration, professional development and the exchange of best practices. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, GCEC connects more than 250 member centers globally to strengthen the impact of entrepreneurship in higher education. Learn more at globalentrepreneurshipconsortium.org.
