The Greater West Dayton Incubator

Be a part of a community that allows you to focus on what you do best — building your business —while we connect you to resources, community and support. As a GWDI StartUp Fellow, you can take advantage of discounted office space at The Hub powered by PNC Bank and coworking space at GWDI while participating in programs to help your business grow.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all office spaces are filled.

Program Eligibility

• Applicant must be in business for a minimum of one year.
• Applicant must submit a profit and loss statement or bank statements for the last three months to demonstrate an ability to pay for the space at a reduced rate.
• Applicant must participate in a minimum of three GWDI programs throughout the year.
• Applicant must be willing to speak or serve on Crotty Center panels, events, etc. for University of Dayton students.

Program Benefits

• 24/7 facility use (unlimited access to co-share and common areas during normal operating hours; ability to use the space during after hours)
• Private offices available through this program will be equipped with keyed locks desk(s), chair(s), and storage cabinet
• Official address to use for your business
• Access to nine conference rooms
• Access to printer and scanning services
• Access to high-speed internet
• Free member events with access to marketing resources, strategic growth plans and mentoring.

Guided by the University of Dayton's Marianist values and community needs, the Cultural Capital microlending program provides capital development, loan application assistance and support services. 

Loans typically average between $5,000 and $15,000, but can be as small as $500 depending on borrower needs and evaluation.

Our lending approach is industry agnostic, meaning we lend to entrepreneurs of all industry types and sectors. 

All businesses that meet the program criteria can apply. Preference will be given to under-resourced, underrepresented, and marginalized entrepreneurs as well as businesses that support charities, nonprofits, and marginalized communities. While entrepreneurs located in West Dayton Neighborhoods are given preference, everyone is eligible to apply.

The Urban Elevation Accelerator is a nine-month program to help entrepreneurs start or grow their business while connecting with resources, community, education and support.

In addition to having access to coworking space at The Hub powered by PNC Bank, the program provides you with support from educators, subject-matter experts, successful entrepreneurs, students and others.

Up to 30 entrepreneurs will be accepted into the program, which begins with a six-week bootcamp on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

The deadline to apply is January 10, 2026.

Program Benefits

The Urban Elevation Accelerator program operates on the calendar year and includes:

• Six weeks of business skill training through the Elevation Academy
• Three months of free mentoring from business owners and entrepreneurs
• Student consulting for a special project
• Connections to community resources to help your business grow
• Access to the Cultural Capital Micro-lending Program and other funding opportunities
• Promotion of your business in on the GWDI website and social media platforms
• Additional training and classes to support your business
• Access to office and or co-working and meeting space at the Greater West Dayton Incubator at the Hub powered by PNC Bank

Eligibility

All businesses are eligible to apply for the fellowship. Preference will be considered for GWDI clients who have participated in past programs, identify as underrepresented, under-resourced, and/or historically marginalized, and is located or serve customers in Greater West Dayton.

Cost

There is no cost to participate.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: January 10, 2026
• Notification Date: January 30, 2026
• Program Orientation: February 4, 2026 (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
• Six-Week Bootcamp: Saturdays from February 14, 2026 to March 21, 2026 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

We connect businesses and startups to student consultant groups, capstone courses, and interns from the University of Dayton to promote experiential learning outside of the classroom and provide project-based opportunities for business to grow.

Flyer Consulting

Flyer Consulting, a student-run organization within UD's L. William Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, provides free services to nonprofits and small businesses.

FE Creative

FE Creative is a student-run marketing agency devoted to helping small businesses, organizations and startups expand their reach through strategic, data-driven marketing solutions. FE Creative specializes in photography, website creation, graphic design and social media, and they offer economical hourly rates.

Support from Classes or Capstones

The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine have ranked UD's entrepreneurship programs among the top 50 in the nation for 20 straight years. 

The management capstone course (MGT 430) provides free opportunities for local startups, established small businesses, social enterprises, and/or nonprofits to receive consultation and project deliverables from upperclass students. Each team has a multi-disciplinary skill set and can address a wide variety of business problems. In the past, student teams have worked on market validation projects, capital investment, and marketing and operational challenges. Students are paired with a local mentor, a local entrepreneur, and/or executive who helps coach them through the project.

Interested in engaging with our students or submitting a capstone proposal? Learn more about the opportunities to partner with the School of Business Administration.