The CSUF Center for Entrepreneurship has become a cornerstone of innovation and entrepreneurial growth at Cal State Fullerton, Southern California, and globally, thanks in no small part to the leadership of John Bradley Jackson (JJ). Recently nominated for the Orange County Business Journal Entrepreneur of the Year Award, JJ’s contributions have played a pivotal role in advancing entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and community collaboration.
A Legacy of Entrepreneurial Leadership
JJ’s journey began in Silicon Valley, where he gained invaluable experience working with startups and later transitioned to Wall Street, helping companies go public. This extensive background uniquely positioned JJ to make a profound impact when he joined Cal State Fullerton as a marketing instructor for the Entrepreneurship Program. His role quickly evolved into a leadership position as the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and the CSUF Startup Incubator. JJ also actively invests in startups, further enriching his expertise and mentorship.
Building a Community of Entrepreneurs
Under JJ’s leadership, CSUF Entrepreneurship has cultivated a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem designed to support students, alumni, and community members. Programs like the CSUF Startup Incubator offer aspiring entrepreneurs a six-month residency program where they receive expert coaching, mentorship, and resources to launch their businesses successfully.
Another notable initiative is the Titan Fast Pitch, a high-energy pitch competition where students at all levels refine their ideas and learn to communicate them effectively. This event has empowered hundreds of students to gain confidence, secure funding, and connect with investors and mentors.
Fostering Regional and Global Impact
JJ’s dedication to entrepreneurship extends beyond Orange County. Through collaborations like the Yuukke Partnership, CSUF Entrepreneurship has supported over 1,000 women entrepreneurs in India and beyond, providing mentorship, education, and empowerment to foster sustainable businesses and social impact.
Closer to home, the SoCal Celebrates Entrepreneurship (SCCE) event unites entrepreneurial leaders from multiple universities across Southern California. This collaborative event brings together students, business leaders, investors, and community members to celebrate innovation and foster new partnerships.
The Power of Mentorship
JJ has made mentorship a cornerstone of CSUF Entrepreneurship. With over 400 volunteer mentors, the program connects students with industry professionals who provide insights, guidance, and networking opportunities. These mentors support students in the classroom, within consulting projects, and during business plan competitions. As a result, CSUF students have achieved national recognition for their innovative ideas and strategic thinking.
Those interested in joining this impactful mentorship community can learn more by emailing csufentrepreneurship@fullerton.edu.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
JJ encourages students to focus on solving real-world problems. He believes that while creating an entirely new invention can be impactful, some of the most successful entrepreneurs simply improve existing solutions. By observing consumer pain points and enhancing existing products or services, students can identify lucrative opportunities for innovation.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Growth and Innovation
With initiatives like SCCE, the Startup Incubator, and international partnerships such as Yuukke, JJ’s vision for the future of CSUF Entrepreneurship is one of growth, impact, and continued success. The Center is also actively developing new online courses focused on business planning, fundraising, leadership, and go-to-market strategies to further empower aspiring entrepreneurs.
Get Involved
For those interested in supporting CSUF Entrepreneurship, there are multiple ways to contribute. Whether by mentoring students, providing financial support, or collaborating on new initiatives, community involvement is vital to the program’s ongoing success. To stay informed about events and opportunities, sign up for the CSUF Entrepreneurship Newsletter and connect with JJ on LinkedIn.
JJ’s nomination for the Orange County Business Journal Entrepreneur of the Year Award reflects his unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and strengthening the business community. As his work continues to shape the next generation of business leaders, CSUF Entrepreneurship remains a dynamic force for positive change.