School of Business Administration

Being one of the nation’s largest student-run businesses, generating $2.5 million amongst divisions each year, Flyer Enterprises (FE) is a unique organization that draws students to the University of Dayton and the School of Business Administration. This student-run organization of 13 fully operating divisions are on and off the University of Dayton campus. With more than 200 student employees, ranging from sales associates to CEO, it offers students many opportunities to grow professionally!

New to Flyer Enterprises, Startup Grounds, is a coffee division located off-campus in The Arcade Innovation Hub, powered by PNC Bank. FE took over the coffee shop space and made it their own just over one year ago. As the Hub is the home and joint venture of the Entrepreneur’s Center and the University of Dayton Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, it is the perfect place for Startup Grounds to be introduced as a new business. In fact, the business is named Startup Grounds to reference the idea of “startup” companies to add the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Hub. Keeping things local, Startup Grounds has even brought in many Dayton-based vendors, including Blue Bus Coffee Roasters, Sixteen Bricks, Grist, and Barry Bagels.

Emma Devine, a junior finance student and previous Human Resources/Marketing Manager, was excited to join Startup Grounds, “When the opportunity arose to help open a new division, I immediately applied. I was excited for the opportunity to prove myself and make an impact in an organization that I love.” Emma started as a sales associate for Fly By, a Flyer Enterprises bagel shop at the Hangar in Kennedy Union, during the first semester of her freshman year. Shortly after joining FE, she knew she was interested in pursuing a management position. Emma is currently the Human Resources Manager and is using her position in Startup Grounds to create cohesion within the division and among employees by building stronger relationships and expanding the division’s reach.

Nate Collett, a senior accounting and entrepreneurship major, started his FE career at one of the other Flyer Enterprises divisions as well, Stuart’s Landing, a convenience store on campus in Stuart Hall. Within Stuart’s Landing, Nate eventually worked his way up to become the Assistant General Manager. By his junior year, he applied to Startup Grounds and was appointed General and Operations Manager. For his senior year at UD, he currently holds the Operations Manager position at Startup Grounds.

In fact, FE was one of the reasons why Nate chose the UD School of Business Administration. “FE was one of the things that drew me to Dayton when I was looking at colleges in high school. I liked the growth opportunity that FE allowed and the culture.”  This year, Nate aims to continue to grow the business, focus on cleanliness, and successfully set up the management team for next year.

David Marshall, the Director of the Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Hub and Flyer Enterprises Advisor, shares that in addition to the challenges associated with setting up a brand new division, the student management team has had the unique opportunity to learn how to build a business that targets a largely non-student customer base. “The Startup Grounds team is making great strides and are benefiting from operating inside the Hub where they interact on a daily basis with management teams from other startup companies. It is a truly remarkable experiential learning opportunity.”

For the 2023-2024 school year, Startup Grounds is thrilled to launch new specialty food and drink items for their customers, especially for the fall season. A few weeks ago, the business launched its new customizable avocado toast with up to 7 toppings, which is a favorite food item of many students and those working at The Hub. Some fall drinks launching soon that customers should get excited about include pumpkin spice lattes and other customizable drinks with pumpkin syrup!

Whether you are a UD student, office worker at the Hub, or Dayton local, Startup Grounds welcomes everyone and can’t wait to serve you!