By: Dylan Stettner
Spending the past several weeks studying abroad in Florence has transformed how I think about entrepreneurship, culture, and my own role as a researcher. Through my Global Scholars project and my World Food Culture course, I have begun to understand that success can look very different depending on the community and values that shape it. As a Finance major with a Commercial Entrepreneurship minor, I originally viewed entrepreneurial success through a business lens centered around growth and expansion. However, my time in Florence has shown me that preserving a company’s mission and cultural identity can be just as important.
N = New Information
One of the biggest things I have learned about my Community Based Inquiry (CBI) is that growth looks different depending on culture. My research examines how small businesses in Florence pursue entrepreneurial growth while remaining aligned with their company mission.
Before arriving in Italy, I associated entrepreneurship with scaling quickly, seeking outside investment, and expanding operations as fast as possible. Through both my independent observations and my World Food Culture class, I have seen a completely different approach. Many family owned cafés, bakeries, and restaurants throughout Florence intentionally remain smaller because they value independence, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
In class, we have discussed concepts such as food authenticity and food tourism. These conversations helped me realize that preserving a business’s identity can be just as important as generating profit. Walking through local markets and observing restaurants that have existed for generations has shown me how deeply connected business and culture truly are. Florence has taught me that entrepreneurial success is not always measured by becoming the biggest company possible, but sometimes by maintaining quality, independence, and strong customer relationships.
S = Self Reflection and Evaluation
Since the start of Global Scholars, I have become much more adaptable and open minded. Living in another country has forced me to become comfortable with uncertainty and unfamiliar situations. Balancing coursework, traveling throughout Europe, and conducting research has required strong time management and flexibility.
As someone who studies finance, I often think about business through numbers, data, and strategy. However, this experience has reminded me that entrepreneurship is equally about people, culture, and relationships. My relationship with my CBI has changed significantly. At the beginning of the summer, it felt like an academic assignment. Now, it feels much more personal because I have been able to witness these concepts firsthand while living in Florence.
I have also become more independent. Navigating a new city and creating routines for myself has given me confidence that I can adapt to new environments and challenges in both my academic and professional life.
E = Environmental Influences
One of the biggest differences I have noticed between South Florida and Florence is the pace of life. In many American business environments, there is an emphasis on speed, convenience, and constant productivity. Florence operates at a much more intentional pace.
This has been especially noticeable through my Food and Culture course. We have discussed how food reflects cultural identity, and I have been able to connect those classroom discussions to real world experiences. Visiting local cafés and family owned restaurants has shown me how businesses intentionally preserve traditions instead of constantly reinventing themselves to chase trends.
These observations have directly influenced my Capstone project because they demonstrate that entrepreneurs can remain financially successful while still protecting their company mission. One thing that has stood out to me is how many Florentine businesses prioritize long term reputation and community relationships over short term profits. This perspective has challenged me to think differently about my own entrepreneurial aspirations.
I have also built relationships with classmates, professors, and local business owners that have contributed to my understanding of entrepreneurship from a global perspective. These conversations have been valuable because they provide perspectives that cannot be learned solely through textbooks or academic articles.
W = Where Do I Go From Here?
Moving forward, I want to continue gathering information from local businesses throughout Florence. I hope to better understand how owners define success, how they finance their businesses, and how they preserve their mission while remaining financially sustainable.
I also want to continue comparing these findings to entrepreneurial practices in the United States. Doing so will allow me to identify both differences and similarities between the two systems.
As I prepare to return to Florida State University and begin my summer internship in Miami, I know I will carry these lessons with me. This experience has transformed me from someone who was simply studying entrepreneurship into someone who is actively experiencing it.
Florence has reminded me that sometimes the most successful businesses are not the ones growing the fastest. They are the ones that remain authentic to who they are while continuing to create value for the people and communities around them. That perspective will stay with me long after this summer ends.
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