Eight First-Year Students Join Entrepreneurship Catalysts

Scholarship-Based Program Supports First-Year Students’ Entrepreneurial Journeys

Eight students were named Entrepreneurship Catalysts at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The program empowers first-year students from a variety of majors to jump-start their entrepreneurial journey at Nebraska.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Center for Entrepreneurship welcomed the second cohort of Entrepreneurship Catalysts, a selective scholarship program designed to provide first-year students with entrepreneurial potential the opportunity to thrive from the start of their college careers.

Open to students of any major, the program offers participants a $1,000 scholarship, a community of like-minded peers, and access to exclusive events and resources as they explore their purpose and recognize their entrepreneurial potential. Catalysts also take Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENTR 121) together. Supported by the generosity of Jolene and Kevin Vermeer, the Entrepreneurship Catalysts program aims to grow and create lasting economic impact.

“We often hear students say they wish they had gotten involved in entrepreneurship sooner,” said Mallory Krenk, student engagement and recruitment coordinator for the Center for Entrepreneurship. “The Entrepreneurship Catalysts program helps them jump in right away, which not only strengthens their collegiate experience but also supports our recruitment efforts at the university. Being able to offer a scholarship and specialized programming is a huge draw for students and their families.”

The selection process focuses on identifying students with entrepreneurial potential and passion, regardless of their background or chosen field of study. This year’s cohort includes students from the College of Business, the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, and the College of Engineering.

“I’m consistently impressed with these students—they’re proactive, make those around them better and want to make the most of their time at Nebraska,” Krenk said. “Many of them have family business experience or entrepreneurial exposure, giving them unique insights. While our current cohort is all from Nebraska, it’s not a requirement, and we’re excited to bring in more diverse students in future years.”

As part of the program, students also meet weekly through a zero-credit course designed to connect students with founders, tour local startups and engage with entrepreneurial resources on and off campus.

"We recently partnered with the center's Community Fellows to host a 'Field Trip with a Fellow,' where students met Omaha founders, business leaders and community builders from Right at Home, Millwork Commons, Nebraska Startup Academy and Workshop," Krenk said. "We also recently hosted a networking and professional etiquette workshop to prepare the Catalysts for the endless opportunities presented to them through Center for Entrepreneurship programming. Experiences like these help students get immersed in the local entrepreneurship ecosystem and make meaningful connections."

The priority application deadline for the fall 2025 cohort is Feb. 1 with a final deadline of April 1. To apply or learn more about the Entrepreneurship Catalysts program, visit their website.

The first-year students selected for the Entrepreneurship Catalysts program are listed below by hometown and academic major(s):