What stage companies does the GWDI work with??

The GWDI can provide support and strategic connections for companies of any size, but our direct services, programs, and initiatives are catered towards start-ups and companies that are in the early-to-moderate stage of scaling. This also includes companies that are within a few million dollars in revenue. For all other stage ventures, we can still help! 

We are able to connect any and all entrepreneurs and business owners to the resources and services they need most through our robust network of strategic partners. In partnership with the EC, the GWDI can also connect you to the Entrepreneurial Service Provider (ESP) program, the Miami Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Launch Dayton network of entrepreneurial service organizations. Lastly, we also have a number of opportunities for larger companies through procurement and supplier diversity programs at the University of Dayton..

What are the capabilities of UD students?

As a top 50 ranked entrepreneurship program in the country annually by the Princeton Review, UD students are highly-equipped and trained to support small businesses across all industry types and scales, in addition to social ventures and nonprofits. Our students can provide technical support related to business plans and strategic planning, marketing support including branding, digital, and technical solutions, and website development. Additionally, students and faculty from all other university departments and units are able to support business owners depending on entrepreneurial needs.

How does the GWDI define "Greater West Dayton?" 

The GWDI defines "Greater West Dayton" as neighborhoods that are west of the Great Miami Valley River extending into the City of Trotwood.

How does the GWDI work with other community partners?

The GWDI works with a host of local, regional, and national partners across both public and private sectors to maximize sustained impact for underrepresented entrepreneurs and Greater West Dayton. This includes serving as a catalyst for collective impact strategies with entrepreneur support organizations, economic development agencies, banks, foundations, government, nonprofits, school districts, and community leaders.

Is the GWDI a workforce development program?

The GWDI fully understands the intersections of business, economic, workforce, and community development. Our approach to workforce development and generational wealth creation is helping diverse entrepreneurs start and scale sustainable ventures to employ family members and local residents, while building an equitable and inclusive economy. We do not provide traditional technical skills training for trade jobs, although our entrepreneurial education programs do have transversal competencies that are transferable skills across industries.

What are the demographics of entrepreneurs that the GWDI serves?

The GWDI gladly serves entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and walks of life. However, we specialize in supporting entrepreneurs and business owners that identify as being Black, people of color, and/or women.

Is it required that I am from "Greater West Dayton" to receive services or to be a member?

The GWDI welcomes entrepreneurs from all zip codes across the region, but our intentional outreach efforts are aimed at our geographically defined area(s) and target demographic populations.

How does the GWDI balance supporting community entrepreneurs and providing opportunities for students?

The GWDI does not believe that  supporting community entrepreneurs and providing opportunities for students are mutually exclusive. Supporting community entrepreneurs is "what" we do and leveraging  experiential learning opportunities for students is "how" we accomplish that. The initial programs of the GWDI were designed based on entrepreneurs' feedback in alignment with the expertise, resources, and skills that we can provide as a higher education institution. As a result, all  GWDI programs and services benefit GWDI entrepreneurs directly. Our programs are intentionally designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs by filling gaps in the ecosystem by leveraging student experiential learning and university resources. 

The GWDI utilizes a network of community partners, forward-thinking solutions, and readily available resources. Central to our mission as a university is teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and community engagement and service. We view students as ecosystem partners that provide unduplicated services to entrepreneurs in the community. Students build business capacity for entrepreneurs and allow the GWDI to maximize community impact and support. 

Further, our students eventually graduate and take jobs in our local community and across the country, which includes working in ecosystems. As such, it is imperative that we prepare them with a wide-variety of experiences in supporting entrepreneurial activities that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. These experiences prepare students for a competitive 21st century workforce environment. Therefore, supporting entrepreneurs and students simultaneously creates the conditions for mutually beneficial outcomes and reciprocal relationships that advance equity.