At SCF, we don’t just talk about opportunity—we create it. Our Business program equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s competitive economy, preparing them for careers in public agencies, private corporations, and nonprofit organizations. Whether students pursue an Associate degree, Associate in Science, certificate, or Bachelor of Applied Science in Management and Leadership, they are introduced to a dynamic curriculum covering finance, ethics, entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, management, and human resources.

Business majors at SCF also benefit from experiential learning opportunities, internships, and work-study programs that connect classroom learning with professional experience. One of our standout opportunities is through the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club, where students from our Venice and Bradenton chapters compete at the state level in events that showcase their entrepreneurial, administrative, and leadership skills.

This spring, SCF students brought home 15 awards from the FBLA Collegiate State Leadership Conference. Fourteen students earned the honor of advancing to the National Leadership Conference this summer. Our Venice chapter also received the prestigious Pansy B. Read Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit, recognizing its outstanding contributions and alignment with FBLA-Phi Beta Lambda goals.

Kristen M., a member of both FBLA and student government, reflected on the experience as “life changing.” Having never spent a night away from home before, Kristen shared that she learned she could “follow her dreams, that hard work does pay off, and that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about learning from failures and adapting.”

Our commitment to combining academics with real-world service is also seen in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where SCF business students help low-income individuals prepare their tax returns at no cost, gaining hands-on experience in accounting and client relations.

The motto of SCF’s Business program is “We Mean Business”, and we live up to it by fostering connection, community, and collaboration. Students can explore specialized tracks in Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Hospitality & Tourism, and Sports Management, while building a strong foundation in Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Financial Accounting, Marketing, Management & Organization, and Advertising.

These subject areas align directly with current and projected trends in the U.S. workforce. For example, employment in accounting and auditing is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, with over 1.4 million job openings expected nationwide, driven by rising demand for financial oversight and corporate transparency.

In the realm of sports management, the U.S. sports market is projected to exceed $90 billion in 2025, fueled by the growth of digital media, licensing, merchandising, and sports analytics. These trends create exciting career paths in marketing, sponsorship, operations, and fan engagement.

One of our students, Eduardo de Camargo Cazelli Balassiano, is already putting these lessons into action. An international student from Brazil, Eduardo runs his own stationery distribution business while attending SCF full-time. “I work with advertising, like Facebook and Instagram, to promote my business,” he said. “I'm trying to understand everything—accounting, marketing—because I want to bring my enterprise to the U.S. Every market can use marketing to improve.”

He represents the entrepreneurial spirit and global mindset we strive to nurture in every student.

The success and growth of SCF’s Business program is made possible by passionate and experienced faculty, including Kristen Zaborski, Justin McDonald, Suzanne Anderson, DBA, Cammy Wayne, Ed.D., Tylisha Johnson, DBA, Gary Baker, Richard Daramola, Ph.D., and Linda McKeag, Ph.D. Their dedication ensures that students graduate not only with knowledge—but with the confidence and competence to lead.

Whether you’re launching your own business or looking to move forward in your career, SCF’s business degrees, certificates, and continuing education options provide a clear path to success. At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re Everyone’s College.

For more information, visit SCF.edu.

Tommy Gregory, J.D., is the President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.