For the students of Southwest Florida CEO, learning about business doesn’t happen only behind a desk. It happens inside local companies, in conversations with entrepreneurs and executives, through networking with community leaders—and ultimately by taking an idea and building a business of their own.
SWFL CEO’s mission is to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders through authentic business experiences, innovation and entrepreneurship. Its 2025–2026 class included 35 students supported by 39 business mentors, 33 guest speakers, 21 business visits and eight community events.
The program connects students from public, independent and home schools with the Southwest Florida business community in a way traditional classroom learning rarely can. Participants can earn dual-enrollment college credit through Florida Gulf Coast University while learning directly from local business leaders and mentors, developing their own ventures and strengthening skills in communication, leadership and problem-solving.
“SWFL CEO is transforming how young people see themselves and their futures,” says Susan McManus, SWFL CEO Board Member. “Through real-world experiences, meaningful mentorship, and connections with local business leaders, students develop the confidence, skills, and entrepreneurial mindset to turn their ideas into action. As we continue expanding throughout Collier County, we are creating opportunities for more students to discover their potential while helping build the next generation of leaders who will strengthen our community.”
The results offer a compelling picture of that impact. According to the organization’s latest Impact Report, 100 percent of participating students reported improved confidence and communication skills, and 100 percent graduated with a clear plan for their next chapter. Nearly 87 percent earned dual-enrollment college credit through FGCU, while every student indicated an intention to remain connected and give back to future CEO students.
For students, however, the experience is perhaps best measured in personal growth.
“The most impactful part was being pushed out of my comfort zone through real-world experiences like networking and running my own business,” says Isabella Gatto, CEO Class of 2026. “It helped me build confidence, independence, and the ability to be comfortable being uncomfortable.”
That connection between education and experience is becoming available to even more young people. The Naples cohort returns for its third year, building upon an expanding network of business hosts, mentors and guest speakers. SWFL CEO is also launching its first Immokalee cohort in partnership with The Immokalee Foundation and Collier County Public Schools, with a dedicated facilitator embedded in the community.
The Class of 2027 includes 26 students in Naples and 12 in Immokalee, extending the program’s reach and opening its opportunities to more students across Collier County.
SWFL CEO is free for students and schools, making community investment an important part of sustaining and expanding the experience. Local supporters help connect young people with the businesses and leaders who can introduce them to possibilities they may never have considered.
In the process, SWFL CEO is doing more than teaching students how businesses work. It is showing them that they already have a place in Southwest Florida’s future—and giving them the skills, relationships and confidence to help build it.
Visit https://www.southwestfloridaceo.com to learn more and understand how you can best support their initiatives.
“I joined the founding board of SWFL CEO because I believe in helping young people discover their potential. This program builds the confidence, leadership and entrepreneurial skills our students need to become the future leaders of Southwest Florida. I am honored to serve as chair of the Ideas to Impact event and help expand these opportunities to more students.”
— Olga DeCaprio, Chair, Ideas to Impact