USF program gives students a taste of entrepreneurship

Tampa, Florida -- Have you ever had a million dollar idea, but let it go as a fleeting thought?

We learned about a graduate program from one of 10 Connects' followers on Twitter that helps students turn those concepts into reality.

The University of South Florida program teaches students how to create products, apply for patents, and set up businesses.

Recent gradate Jonathan Solomon didn't invent the snap cap, but he's capitalizing off it.

"Whether you have an idea, or you are starting a franchise or your own business, it's being your own boss and having a drive to succeed," he says.

Through the program he was able to identify an opportunity and he says he is now supporting himself through its distribution.

In a down economy, making a sale or starting a business doesn't scare these students.

"I think everyone in this program views this economy as an opportunity. There are tons of good workers who can't find jobs and that allows even better people to work with us than they would have in an up economy. And that is one of the biggest benefits of moving this forward."

If a student in the entrepreneurship program invents a product that goes to patent and makes money, USF and the students split the revenue 50/50.