Andreas Katsaounis of Omaha was inspired to start his own business as a senior in high school because of his passion for the sport of pickleball. Those entrepreneurial dreams flourished at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln through a program in the Center for Entrepreneurship.

“Ever since I picked up a pickleball paddle, I fell in love with the sport,” said Katsaounis, a freshman business administration major and the owner of Alpha Omega Pickleball. “My passion for pickleball isn’t just about playing the game. It has inspired me to dream big and start my own business.”

In fall 2024, Katsaounis joined seven other students as part of the second cohort of the Entrepreneurship Catalysts, a selective scholarship program for first-year students of any major. Participants receive a $1,000 scholarship and access to mentorship, events and networking opportunities that support their entrepreneurial goals.

“All the professors through the Center for Entrepreneurship are very helpful,” Katsaounis said. “If I have any questions, I can go to them. They'll help me out.” 

The Catalysts program is supported by generous philanthropic support from Allen Dayton of Lincoln and Jolene and Kevin Vermeer of Ashland, Nebraska. Dayton, a University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee, provided the initial support to launch the program.

“Entrepreneurship has played a significant role in my life, and I believe strongly in supporting and building up future entrepreneurs,” he said.

“We are thrilled to support students in the College of Business as they grow and explore what it means to have an entrepreneurial mindset,” said the Vermeers, who are both College of Business graduates. “We are invested in these aspiring entrepreneurs because we’re invested in the future of Nebraska.”

Beyond financial support, the program offers students a close-knit community and hands-on learning experiences.

Mallory Krenk, student engagement and recruitment coordinator at the Center for Entrepreneurship, said the center brings in business founders from all over the community, so students can learn from the entrepreneurs’ experiences and expand their networks.

“We explore entrepreneurial frameworks, and students work through a lot of activity-based projects versus a more traditional lecture format,” she said.

Participants learn while doing and can ask questions of the successful entrepreneurs, Krenk said.

Access to those resources allowed Katsaounis to fine-tune his entrepreneurship skills, a key part of his entrepreneurial journey.

“It could be a connection to someone, a business owner,” Katsaounis said. “It’s really good for networking or help if you want to start a business. They're definitely there to help you.”

Similar to tennis but played on a smaller court with paddles, pickleball is a social sport that has surged in popularity. Katsaounis named his business in honor of his father’s Greek heritage and his Christian beliefs. He continues to expand Alpha Omega Pickleball and now offers three pickleball paddles, a training paddle and clothing.

Katsaounis said he has learned a lot about running businesses through the Catalysts program.

“I've made some really good upperclassmen friends who own businesses,” he said. “They teach me different things.”

His business evolves as he learns more from his time at Nebraska and his involvement in the Catalysts program. Last November, Katsaounis was among the winners of the 3-2-1 Quick Pitch Competition hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship.  

Because of programs like the Entrepreneurship Catalysts, Nebraska ranks No. 42 in the world for undergraduate entrepreneurship, according to The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine.

“The Entrepreneurship Catalysts program is a great way to help students realize that Nebraska is a great place to start and grow a business,” Krenk said.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs

With philanthropic support, the Entrepreneurship Catalysts program aims to expand to a cohort size of 40 students, provide larger scholarships and endow the program in perpetuity. Gifts may be made through the University of Nebraska Foundation to the College of Business Catalyst Program Fund.