The Greater West Dayton Incubator received national recognition from AACSB International, the world’s largest business education alliance, for elevating diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

The incubator, an initiative to support Black, women and other underrepresented and underserved business owners, is highlighted as one of AACSB’s Innovations that Inspire. The program spotlights champions of change in the business education landscape. 

“Progress toward more welcoming, inclusive spaces requires action, and the Greater West Dayton Incubator demonstrates leadership in this important effort,” said Caryn Beck-Dudley, AACSB president and CEO. “Through collaborations — among business schools, businesses, and communities — we will create a strong global society and equip leaders for positive impact.”

The incubator offers access to working space, consulting, training, capital and other resources, with a focus on the Greater West Dayton neighborhood. It was developed in partnership by community leaders of Greater West Dayton and the University of Dayton with support from the Entrepreneurs’ Center to help create a more inclusive economy, which can drive positive change in the community. 

Among its programs, the incubator offers a Cultural Capital microloan program to support underrepresented entrepreneurs. The incubator also offers expertise for tech-based companies through the Entrepreneurs’ Center entrepreneurial service provider program. Local banks offer financial education, and the incubator brings in other guest speakers, coaches and mentors.

“We are grateful the AACSB recognizes the incubator’s understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face, and its push to identify, educate and assist entrepreneurs in underserved communities,” says Whitney Barkley, director of the Greater West Dayton Incubator. “The west side has been in need of a resource like this for a long time and we are grateful that our community, partners, students and supporters could pull together to make the incubator a reality in motion.”

More information on the award is available online.

More information about the Greater West Dayton Incubator is available online.