The University of Dayton’s Entrepreneurship Program is paving the way for students to gain real-world experience in launching, scaling, financing, and investing in ventures. One of the program’s standout features is Flyer Nest, which is integrated within the MGT 430 Senior Seminar in Entrepreneurship. This addition offers students a structured pathway to build and launch scalable businesses while retaining ownership after graduation.
Flyer Nest stands out as the first program where students can launch a micro-company in their first class and graduate with a fully developed startup. As part of their senior capstone, students earn academic credit, work with industry partners like Dayton’s Entrepreneurs’ Center and the University of Dayton Research Institute, form an LLC, and receive support from Ohio’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider Program. Additionally, students have the opportunity to gain equity in their startup after the course, with Flyer Nest receiving a stake in exchange for its support services.
The program also provides avenues for additional funding through initiatives like Flyer Pitch, Flyer Angels, and EC Angels. Students have the option to retain their equity stake post-graduation or forfeit it if they choose not to continue with the venture. This structure allows students to not only gain valuable experience but also potentially build a successful business that they can continue to grow beyond their time at the university.
One of the key resources that Flyer Nest leverages is the Ohio ESP Program and the Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation and Start-Up Fund. These resources support the commercialization of institutionalized technologies, particularly those developed for the Department of Defense. By working within these frameworks, students have access to advanced patents and technologies that they can adapt for new applications, providing a unique opportunity for innovation and growth.
A prime example of the impact of Flyer Nest is the journey of Hank Veeneman, an entrepreneurship senior who is part of one of the program’s inaugural cohorts. Alongside his team members Brayden Sheppard and Matteo Sindoni, Veeneman identified a technology originally designed for hazmat suits and repurposed it for helmet safety in football. Their innovation, a sensor embedded in chin straps, aims to reduce the risk of head injuries by ensuring players properly secure their helmets.
Veeneman’s passion for the project stems from personal experience and a desire to address a significant issue in football. Through their research, the team found that a significant percentage of players do not properly tighten their chin straps, putting them at risk of injury. Their startup aims to tackle this problem head-on, enhancing player safety through innovative technology.
Flyer Nest plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting students like Veeneman on their entrepreneurial journey. The program offers hands-on mentorship from dedicated advisors, opportunities to apply for grants and pitch competitions, and access to valuable feedback from experienced investors. This support system helps students refine their business ideas, develop strategic plans, and ultimately work towards launching their ventures successfully.
As Veeneman and his team work towards market launch, they are focused on securing additional investment, developing a technical prototype, and collaborating with industry partners for product development. The process is expected to take several months, with plans to test the device with UD’s football team and enter the market by fall 2026. Through Flyer Nest, Veeneman and his team are not only building a business but also making a meaningful impact on player safety in sports.
In conclusion, Flyer Nest provides a platform for students to take risks, pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions, and make a tangible difference in the world. The program equips students with the tools, connections, and confidence needed to launch successful ventures, all while retaining ownership and control of their businesses post-graduation. With the support of Flyer Nest, students like Hank Veeneman are turning their innovative ideas into reality and shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
