Catholic Entrepreneurship Program

(This article first appeared in the Belen Jesuit Alumni Magazine, Winter 2022 edition)

The world needs good entrepreneurs. The world needs entrepreneurs that value the dignity of the person along with achieving profitability, that live to serve others and create value in the world, and that create things that are true, good, and beautiful. The world needs Catholic entrepreneurial leaders that create human value and spread goodness through their ventures.
 

The new Belen Catholic Entrepreneurship Program seeks to build principled Catholic men that innovate, dream big and engage others with an empathic loving attitude in the service of their community. The program will begin next academic year (2022- 2023) and will have its own dedicated classroom located on the second floor of the main school building. The ideals of Catholic social doctrine, developed over centuries, will form the base of the moral philosophy that will guide those emerging from the program. The multi-layered structure includes a curriculum that gives the Belen entrepreneur the knowledge of business needed to function in today’s changing world.
 

The courses include several dual enrollment courses in partnership with FIU and a final dual enrollment course with The Catholic University of America. This final course will serve as the pinnacle of the program, guiding the student into an introspective journey to discovering their place in the world and what they want to do in the world. When they are done, they will have a multi-year plan for a business of their choosing.
 

Outside the classroom, the new entrepreneur will have the chance to challenge himself with a variety of competitions, all while guided by experienced mentors selected from Belen’s Alumni base. They will have the opportunity to learn at conferences about other Catholic entrepreneurs and engage their faith to have a true mind and soul conversion. Catholic moral philosophy and the Jesuit leadership principles will be reinforced in every class to ensure that when they meet the world they will be unwavering in their commitment to make the world a better place and improve the moral fabric of society.
 

The program will continue to grow and evolve adding courses, experiences, and mentors. Stay tuned!

Catholic Entrepreneurship And Design Experience At The Catholic University Of America   Born out of the popular Catholic University of America course The Vocation of Business, the Catholic Entrepreneurship, and Design Experience (CEDE) program is a life-changing course for all high school students with the courage to dream. CEDE breaks the mold of the standard classroom experience and invites students into hands-on learning and deep introspection in a transformative environment.   This course aims to teach students entrepreneurial thought and skills in light of Catholic theology — to create a new generation of Catholics who are inspired by God to make a meaningful impact in the workplace and beyond.