The Greater West Dayton Incubator has selected a permanent location in Wright Dunbar’s Cornerstone project — nearly tripling its space and deepening the University of Dayton’s long-term commitment to local entrepreneurs.
The second-floor office at West Third and Broadway streets has 4,000 square feet for co-working, classrooms, catering and more. It allows the incubator to bring its programs under one roof.
"This is more than just a new address — it's a promise that we're here to stay, to grow with our entrepreneurs and to keep building something powerful together in West Dayton," said Director Juanita-Michelle Darden. "By expanding into this new space, we can offer more resources, more collaboration and a stronger sense of community."
The University received a combined $1.8 million in state capital funds supported by Dayton-area state lawmakers and Small Business Administration funds supported by U.S. Rep. Mike Turner for the project. The City of Dayton also provided $650,000 of West Dayton Trust Fund Development Grants to the developer, Wright Dunbar REH, to support the project. The University signed a 10-year lease and expects to open the location in early 2026.
"We've hosted events with the Greater West Dayton Incubator at different locations over the years, and I'm really excited about this new space," said Curtis "P-Nut" Johnson, co-founder of Official Network and Chill for small businesses, past winner of the Plug of the Year Award. "For small business owners, it's important to have a professional, open space to meet with clients and grow your network — and the GWDI provides that. The growth of the incubator mirrors the growth we're seeing in Dayton. With all the revitalization in Wright Dunbar, this is going to be a prime location."
The Greater West Dayton Incubator, an initiative between the University of Dayton's L. William Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and The Entrepreneurs' Center with a grant from the PNC Foundation, supports underrepresented and under resourced entrepreneurs through micro-lending, consulting and educational programs. Since 2020, the incubator has worked with over 350 entrepreneurs, helping to secure more than $80,000 in micro-loans, $100,000 in equity grants and nearly $400,000 in contracts for underrepresented business owners through University of Dayton partnerships.
More information about the incubator and its programs is available online.
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