Pete Slosberg Gives $1 Million to Entrepreneurship for All

USF's School of Management is a leader in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Its undergraduate program is ranked at number 18 by the U.S. News & World Report 2025. Its graduate program is ranked at number 19 by the U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings and number 35 by The Princeton Review 2025 rankings.

Slosberg, best known for founding Pete's Brewing Company, one of the first craft breweries in the U.S., and later creating Cocoa Pete's Chocolate Adventures, shared the story of his own journey as a reluctant entrepreneur, in the hopes of inspiring the next generation. 

“I worked for a telecom company, and a friend pitched doing something together,” Slosberg said. “I didn’t necessarily want to leave my job, but we started a company anyway. It was one of the first craft breweries, and it got acquired.” 

Despite his initial hesitation, Slosberg’s ventures turned into successes — but not without challenges that many entrepreneurs face. After successfully launching three businesses, Slosberg decided to share his entrepreneurial knowledge by becoming a mentor at SCORE, a nonprofit organization that supports small businesses. Last year, he joined the panel of judges at USF’s Startup Summit, a shark-tank style competition where students pitch their business ideas. 

Ten years into mentorship, Slosberg has seen how the vast majority of small business owners aren't prepared with basic skills. 

“Fifty percent of small businesses fail within two years,” said Slosberg. “If I could do something to lower that statistic, that would be great. Imagine giving someone the skills to navigate a small business. It could be life-changing.”

Slosberg looked for partner universities that would be interested, keeping in mind the values and skills needed for entrepreneurship, and he noticed that USF’s Jesuit values and entrepreneurship naturally align. 

With an organization like USF that has similar goals in mind, I thought we could pull this off. It might be important to be the lead gift and get things started.”

The Entrepreneurship for All Fund, not just for the few, is a leader in its programming and a unique concept from other entrepreneurship programs around the country.

“DONtrepreneurship,” a nickname given by Slosberg, is designed to be accessible for all USF students, providing them with critical skills that will prepare them to confidently navigate their personal and professional lives.

The philosophy centers on the notion that entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business. It's about developing skills that are applicable in every aspect of life — from navigating workplace dynamics to influencing decision-makers.  “It’s not just about starting a company — it’s about life skills,” said Slosberg. “How do you pitch yourself for a job? How do you pitch an idea? How do you convince others to get what you want done?”

“Pete Slosberg's trust in the USF School of Management exemplifies his commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders,” said USF’s School of Management Dean Otgo Erhemjamts. “His generous gift will create a lasting legacy, empowering USF graduates to drive innovation and positive societal impact.”

Slosberg’s gift in support of the Entrepreneurship for All Fund, not just for the few, will create opportunities for all students to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in the world of business and in life.

Help fuel the dreams of future Dons as they shape the future of innovation. Support the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative at USF.