The University of Dayton was again named one of the best schools in the nation for students aspiring to launch their own businesses.

The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine listed the University among the Top 50 Undergraduate Schools for Entrepreneurship Studies for 17 straight years. 

“Our program provides powerful experiences for undergraduate students to learn about entrepreneurship," said Vincent Lewis, associate vice president of Entrepreneurial Initiatives at the University of Dayton. “One of our strengths has always been the way faculty connect the classroom to entrepreneurship in our region and around the world. Those connections have been accelerated by the launch of The Hub Powered by PNC Bank and the Greater West Dayton Incubator, which both enhance the entrepreneurial experience for our students and support the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The Princeton Review evaluated hundreds of schools based on the percentage of faculty, students and alumni actively and successfully involved in entrepreneurial endeavors; the number and reach of mentorship programs; funding for scholarships and grants for entrepreneurial studies and projects; the level of support for school-sponsored business plan competitions; and dozens of other areas. Its top 50 list is featured in the December issue of Entrepreneur.

The University supports new ventures through its Flyer Pitch competition, among the largest contests of its kind at the collegiate level with more than $100,000 in cash prizes and $50,000 of in-kind support awarded.

Undergraduates also can gain experience through Flyer Enterprises, the fourth-largest student-run business in the country with annual revenues of $1.3 million and nearly 200 employees. Flyer Angels allows students to run a $1 million angel investment fund and Flyer Consulting gives them the chance to work with microlending as well as nonprofits on operational issues, marketing, development challenges and more.

All entrepreneurship students start micro-businesses during their sophomore experience. The L. William Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership provides $50,000 in venture capital for the year-long businesses. Proceeds go to charities, with about $10,000 donated last year alone. The center also regularly connects students with successful entrepreneurs through curriculum and experiential opportunities.

The University, in partnership with the Dayton’s Entrepreneurs' Center, is an anchor in the redevelopment of the city of Dayton’s downtown Arcade, which is providing a space to bring students and local entrepreneurs together with a focus on creating new start-up opportunities in the region. Located in the Arcade, The Hub Powered by PNC Bank is the largest university-anchored innovation Hub in the country.

For more information about the Entrepreneurship Program at University of Dayton visit the L. William Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership website. More information about The Hub Powered by PNC Bank can be seen in this video and on The Hub Powered by PNC Bank website.