Take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level.
Join UNK's newest program for entrepreneurially-minded students.
Launching Fall 2024
Startup Studio is an entrepreneurship cohort designed to help students prepare to own a business one day. Each academic year up to 8 students will get to immerse themselves in the startup experience, giving them an opportunity to learn about every aspect of business development. Students will meet with business owners from around Nebraska and partner with these entrepreneurs through a mentorship program.
Pillars of the Program
Meetups and tours from entrepreneurs across Nebraska.
Mentorship program with Nebraska entrepreneurs to help students develop their business ideas.
Attending Inside Outside Innovation Summit.
Collaboration meetings with fellow cohort members.
Engagement with student entrepreneurship cohorts from other universities.
Consultations with students to take a business idea from conception to being in business.
Eligibility
Startup Studio is open to current UNK students who will be at or above sophomore standing by August 2024. The program is open to all majors, no previous business coursework is necessary. Grade Point Average (GPA) is not a determining factor in participant selection.
Program Fee
To participate in Startup Studio, each student will pay a program fee of $500. This fee covers the cost of travel to meetings with entrepreneurs in Grand Island, Hastings, Lincoln, Omaha, and Western Nebraska. Tickets and travel costs for the Inside Outside Innovation conference in Lincoln are included in the program fee, a $599 value. Sponsorships will also be supporting this cohort to ensure students receive ample opportunities to engage with entrepreneurs throughout Nebraska.
Application Materials
To apply, fill out the application form at the link below. You will need to complete the Potential Self-Assessment and upload a PDF printout of your results to your application form. Two signed letters of recommendation need to be included as attachments with your application form.
Self-Assessment
Complete the Entrepreneurial Potential Self-Assessment and include a PDF printout of your results.
Letters of Recommendation
Two signed letters of recommendation from professors or professional connections that can attest to your background and provide additional insight on why you would be a good fit for Startup Studio.
Timeline
Applications Accepted
March 5 - April 22
Interviews
April 22 - May 3
Acceptance Notifications
May 10
Contact Information
Sara Bennett
Director, Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development
308-865-8199
bennettsa2@unk.edu
