Be a Catalyst for Change, Innovation and Creativity Through Entrepreneurship

Supported by the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship, the cohort-based program provides first-year students of any major with a $1,000 scholarship, valuable connections, community and experiences as they explore their purpose and recognize their entrepreneurial potential.

Apply for the 2026-27 Cohort

Apply Now

Priority deadline: February 1, 2026
Final Deadline: April 1, 2026

Program Benefits

As an Entrepreneurship Catalyst, you have exclusive, weekly opportunities to help you explore entrepreneurship on campus, in the community and within yourself. You’ll make valuable connections to entrepreneurs and members in the community and have support from faculty, staff and upperclassmen as you prepare for optional competitions and programming. Catalysts are immersed into the entrepreneurship ecosystem with support from the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship team.

$1,000 Scholarship

Entrepreneurship Catalysts are awarded a $1,000 scholarship throughout their first year. The scholarship provides $500 for each semester of program completion.

scholarship

Exclusive Immersive Learning Opportunities

You will explore available resources and spaces, work collaboratively while exploring entrepreneurial concepts and participate in center-hosted programming with your peers and the support of faculty and staff.

students

Valuable Connections and Experiences

You will visit local businesses, meet with local entrepreneurs and Nebraska alumni and forge connections with guest speakers who understand the importance and impact of entrepreneurial education.

valuable connections
2025-26 Catalysts
Image
Josh Bornschlegl
Joshua Bornschlegl
Roca, NE

Major: Business Administration

Image
Isabelle Clause
Isabelle Clause
McCook, NE

Major: Graphic Design

Image
Noelle Dadian
Noelle Dadian
Wauconda, IL

Major: Management (Entrepreneurship and Innovation)

Image
Roman DiDomenico
Roman DiDomenico
Omaha, NE

Major: Management (Entrepreneurship and Innovation)

Image
Alexander Fitch
Alexander Fitch
Omaha, NE

Major: Software Engineering

Image
Kelly Knutson
Kelly Knutson
Elkhorn, NE

Major: Business Administration

Image
Karlee Kuklis
Karlee Kuklis
Milford, NE

Major: Marketing

Image
Jayden Lopez
Jayden Lopez
Aurora, IL

Major: Finance

Image
Elle Malleck
Elle Malleck
York, NE

Major: Business Administration

Image
Ava McNair
Ava McNair
Imperial, NE

Major: Management (Entrepreneurship and Innovation)

Image
Gus Neary
Gus Neary
Omaha, NE

Major: Agribusiness

Image
Dominick Roth
Dominick Roth
Milford, NE

Major: Business Administration

Image
Jett Smeal
Jett Smeal
Omaha, NE

Major: Finance

Image
Samuel Spisak
Samuel Spisak
Omaha, NE

Major: Construction Management

Image
Kennan Stoll
Kennan Stoll
Elk River, MN

Major: Management (Entrepreneurship and Innovation)

Image
Wesley Tallman
Wesley Tallman
Edina, MN

Major: Business Administration

Image
Gianna Urbauer
Gianna Urbauer
Lincoln, NE

Major: Business Administration

Image
Drew Zealand
Drew Zealand
Omaha, NE

Major: Business Administration

2024-25 Catalysts
Image
Jordan Aschoff
Jordan Aschoff

Major: Management (Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management)

Image
Jack Beals
Jack Beals

Major: Business Administration

Image
Gavin Dunlap
Gavin Dunlap

Major: Finance

Image
Andreas Katsaounis
Andreas Katsaounis

Major: Business Administration

Image
Sammy Kendeigh
Sammy Kendeigh

Major: Management (Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management)

Image
Lockridge
Avery Lockridge

Major: Management

Image
Thomas Subiabre
Thomas Subiabre

Major: Construction Management

Image
Zimmerman
Aiden Zimmerman

Major: Finance

How to Become an Entrepreneurship Catalyst

Apply by completing a short application and describing your experiences and curiosity with entrepreneurship and your career goals.

Application requirements include:

 

1

Admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as a first-time freshman

2

2.5+ cumulative high school GPA

3

Completed application with two written or video essays by April 1


Fall 2026 Applications Due April 1, 2026

Apply Now

If you are experiencing issues with uploading the document or video, please email your files to Mallory Krenk at mkrenk2@unl.edu. We look forward to reviewing your application.

quick pitch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I'm from out-of-state?

Yes! All domestic students are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Do I need to interview to receive this scholarship?

No. The selection committee will use the information provided in the application to select scholarship recipients.

When do I find out if I have received the scholarship?

Everyone who applies to the scholarship program will be notified of the selection results. Notifications will be sent to the email address provided in the application on or before April 1.

When would I receive the scholarship?

This first-year scholarship is awarded over two semesters to students’ MyRED account. For example, if you successfully complete the fall semester, $500 will be applied to your account in December and used for the spring semester. The remaining $500 of the scholarship can be applied to the summer session or the following fall.

What does this scholarship cover?

The scholarship can be applied to tuition and fees. It cannot be applied to room and board.

Contact