2023-2024 Impact Report : simplebooklet.com

3UVU will be the number one university in the world for entrepreneurship in fiveyears or less. I’m calling it. And this isn’t idle speculation on my part. I’ve spent the last 6 years either studyingcutting-edge entrepreneurial strategy or working with the best entrepreneurshipprograms worldwide to further their lead. We have what it takes. Not only do we have the energy and skills to do it, but Utah Valley is the idealenvironment for fostering the next generation of business innovators. Bothentrepreneurship and a desire to pay it forward are in our blood in this valley. Namean industry, and we’re spoiled for choice for innovative partners in that space. It’snot just tech, it’s consumer goods, it’s services, it’s record-breaking creative firms. Our approach to entrepreneurial education is ground-breaking: everything we do is100% experiential and industry specific. While other programs spend their energy inclass projects, ideation, and pitching hypothetical business models, we guidestudents in doing the work of building value for paying customers. We don’t shieldstudents from market forces, we surround them by experienced mentors and like-minded peers and then we toss them in headfirst. While most programs lump allentrepreneurial instruction together, our programming is industry-specific—a vitalmove that empowers our students to gain industry fluency and networks that arecritical to their success. And then there’s our secret weapon: UVU students. Our students are bright, diverse,motivated, gritty as hell, and they approach education with an intentionality I haveyet to experience at any other higher ed institution. They choose UVU because thereis somewhere they want to be, and they know that UVU is what can get them there. The stage is set for explosive results and we’re already feeling the first rumbles. Anall-women team of student tech founders started their business in February is beingchased by VC’s. Since joining eight months ago, we’ve introduced six new industry-specific build-a-business programs, we’ve doubled the participation in our businessmentoring, we’ve introduced three new ways for community members to engage,and we’re on track to 10x the amount of seed funding available to our studentbusinesses. UVU will be the number one university in the world for entrepreneurship in fiveyears or less. Come help us make it happen. Come help us utterly transform thetrajectory of the hundreds of UVU students each year who come to us with dreamsof running their own business. Come help shape the next generation of innovators,creators, and business leaders for decades to come. Let’s be the best—this Valleyand these students deserve it. Seth Jenson Director of the Entrepreneurship InstituteLETTERFROM THEDIRECTOR

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The UVU Entrepreneurship Institute provides trajectory-changingexperiences that empower students to become real, revenue-generating entrepreneurs. We harness the entrepreneurial spirit ofUtah Valley to embed our students in communities of expert mentorsthat provide the perspective, connections, and encouragement theyneed to be successful. Our programming is 100% experiential,industry-specific, and inclusive so that any ambitious UVU studentcan be their own CEO starting at graduation.THE SECRET FORMULA:Industry specific experiences -- we surround students withlike-minded peers and mentors for targeted instruction Community-- students are embedded in the energy and expertiseof the Utah Valley entrepreneurial community 100% real, market driven, and experiential -- we don’t do hypotheticals orclass projects, we help real student entrepreneurs build real businesses OUR MISSIONI am thrilled about the growth of theEntrepreneurship Institute! Their mission toencourage students to find problems worthsolving and taking risks in creating new andimpactful solutions is exciting to watch. We’re on atrajectory to have UVU be THE place forentrepreneurship and innovation. Bob AllenDean, Woodbury School of Business4

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The entrepreneurship program begins with the energizing Lecture Series,where students immerse themselves in the world of entrepreneurship bylearning directly from CEOs and founders. These sessions ignite theentrepreneurial spirit, providing insights into the mindset required to identifyopportunities, embrace challenges, and drive innovation.Armed with this newfound perspective, students move on to the Build-a-BusinessCourses. Here, they dive into the essentials of launching a business, exploringeverything from market analysis to product development. By the end of thesemester, each student has transformed their idea into a viable business withpaying customers.Next, the VentureCon Student Business Tradeshow offers a vibrant platform forstudents to validate their ideas and sell products to a diverse audience of studentsand community members. To further hone their practical abilities, students engage in a variety of Workshops.These sessions cover essential skills such as website development, accounting,and branding, providing hands-on experience that reinforces classroom learning. The ZinnStarter Pitch Competition is a key milestone, where students present theirideas to a panel of judges. The feedback and potential for seed funding motivatethem to deliver compelling pitches, showcasing the progress achieved throughoutthe program. Students then have the exclusive opportunity to present a pitch for a “Shark Tank”like experience to be awarded funding by our Wings Society members. Societycommunity members are able to shape Utah Valley’s business future in a fun anddynamic setting.The journey culminates in the prestigious Awards Gala, a celebration of a year’sworth of dedication and achievement. Here, students are recognized for their hardwork and accomplishments, surrounded by peers, mentors, and communitypartners. A YEAR IN THE LIFE OFA UVU ENTREPRENEUR6

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10Coming this Fall: Want to get involved with WeLift?Head to our website!Cody Sanders and Jess Toolson, Founders of MixHers850% WOMENPARTICIPATION INOUR BUILD-A-BUSINESSPROGRAMS September 20th - The Period Summit Join us at Utah Valley University for this completely freeevent filled with informative workshops, a period supplypacking party, a women-owned business market, andinspiring speakers. all centered around breaking the stigmasurrounding women's health.November 15th - PoliSHEdThrough Polished, we aspire to elevate and inspire female businessstudents by providing an opportunity where they can connect withsuccessful female business leaders and mentors. Our vision is toempower these students to recognize and embrace their full potentialin their career journeys. Through insightful stories and sharedexperiences, Polished aims to foster a supportive community thatencourages growth, resilience, and the pursuit of leadership roles forwomen. We believe in polishing the aspirations of today's students tobecome the influential leaders of tomorrow.

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Landon Ainge: Aingel InvestmentsTyler and Valerie Kukahiko: Founders of Crust ClubJJ Peterson: Clean Simple EatsKarenina Bullock: Kanda ConstructionMichael Littledike: Capita Financial NetworkNatalie Paul: Hyper Active CapitalAkhil Tolani: AI, Augmented Reality, BlockchainSteven Beck: COBE Real EstateBrenda Anderson: JipeJason Hewlett: Jason Hewlett EntertainmentTravis Hansen: Sunshine Heroes (nonprofit)Jake Hawksworth: HypercraftCasey Baugh: Sandlot PartnersCJ Harrison: DecisionPoint Financial Ben Perkins: @CollarJavier Chavez: Javier's Authentic Mexican FoodRyan Porter: LiveView TechnologiesJeff McCullough: Hello SaintsNicole Tanner: SwigAaron McReynolds: Student Choice TopicNeylan McBaine: Duet PartnerTrevor Larson: Nectar HRWatch the lectures at https://uvuphoto.exposure.co/REED AND CHRISTINEHALLADAY LECTURE SERIES9THANK YOU TOTHOSE WHO TOOKTHE TIME TO COMEAND INSPIRE OURSTUDENTS!F A L L 2 O 2 3S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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Z I N N S T A R T E R S T U D E N T SKaleb Cheek - Date Discover Maysen Minor - BeadologyKaleb competed in ZinnStarter with hisstartup idea of Date Discover. Through fundsreceived, Kaleb was able to hire otherstudents to help him start developing hisapp. Kaleb went on to compete in theSkillsUSA Entrepreneurship Competition andtook 1st place in Utah and 2nd place at theNational Competition.Maysen started her journey by walking intothe Entrepreneurship Institute looking forsomeone to help validate her idea. Afterseveral mentoring sessions Maysen took thejump to compete in ZinnStarter. Throughfunding she received, she bought supplies tostart her company Beadology, just after ayear she has a store front and is close toopening a second.Andrew Hammond - Honey HavenAndrew knew he wanted to be anentrepreneur and immersed himself in ourclasses and programs. He connected with amentor who encouraged him to start abusiness. He had a an idea and applied toZinnStarter. Andrew received funding andwas able to create a prototype. He recently met his funding goal on Indiegogo and isstarting manufacturing on his product laterthis year.11

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ZINNSTARTER ZinnStarter's mission is to help the next generation ofentrepreneurs launch thriving businesses. The ZinnStarterpitch competition, along with the expert guidance andmentorship that accompanies it, provides critical support toour UVU entrepreneurs. Raymond “Ray” Zinn is an inventor, entrepreneur and the longest serving CEO of a publiclytraded company in Silicon Valley. He is best known for creating and selling the first WaferStepper and for co-founding semiconductor company, Micrel (acquired by Microchip in 2015).Zinn also holds over 20 patents for semiconductor design. A proud great-grandfather, he isactively-retired and mentoring entrepreneurs. Thank you Ray Zinn for your contribution to theEntrepreneurship Institute and helping with the start of many businesses! Thank you to Ray Zinn for thecontribution to make this possible! $59,000 INFUNDINGAWARDED TOSTUDENTS IN THELAST ACADEMICYEAR 12

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VENTURECONA student trade show/demo day/marketplace! This event is the perfect opportunityfor entrepreneurs to showcase theirproducts, connect with peers, gain marketvalidation, and receive valuable feedback.Network with industry experts, explorenew markets, and even sell your productsdirectly to an engaged audience. Whetheryou're just starting out or looking to grow,this is the place to elevate yourentrepreneurial journey!STUDENT & ALUMNIBUSINESSES EXHIBITEDTHIS YEAR80Join us at our next VentureCon on October 31st, 2024! “I'm glad I participated atVentureCon! I was able tomeet new people and showthem some of my newartwork. VentureCon is agreat networking experienceto meet other studententrepreneurs. I was superhappy to earn over $900 inrevenue. I'm looking forwardto next time” - Cameron Clark, Founderof House of Posters14

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We take students from “zero” to revenue generation across five, industryspecific sections of ENTR 3180 and the Sandbox Tech program. Over thecourse of 1-2 semesters students build their dream businessessurrounded by like-minded peers and industry experts. Generally, oneclass a week will be instructional and the other will be dedicated time towork with teams and mentors on business objectives. Community anchorpartners provide funding for students and participate as industrymentors. TAKING STUDENTS FROM ZERO TO CEO16OVER 150 STUDENTENTREPRENEURSENGAGED INBUILD-A-BUSINESSCOURSES65+ ACTIVEINDUSTRYMENTORS 50% WOMENPARTICIPATION(AN INDUSTRYGOLD-STANDARD)

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10 10WINGS SOCIETY10The Wings Society offers community members a unique opportunity tosupport student entrepreneurs while experiencing the thrill of a "Shark Tank"-like environment. Community members form a group of 4-5 to act as “sharks”and come to UVU to hear student pitches and award funding (each membercontributes at least $2k/year). This program is not an investment programand contributions are philanthropic. The Wings Society is an incredibly fun andengaging experience for Society members, but the support it provides studentbusinesses is life-changing. Society members get to witness and shape thevanguard of business innovation in the Valley, as well as attend a yearlysymposium on cutting-edge entrepreneurial strategy and investing. NEWWant to form a WINGS group? Email us at einstitute@uvu.eduTHE REWARDExciting ExperiencesHelp shape Utah Valley's business futurein a fun, dynamic setting.Investing EducationAttend yearly training on cutting-edgeentrepreneurial strategies and investing.NetworkingConnect with leaders, students, andentrepreneurs. Join those driving impact atUVU.18

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WOLVERINCNEWThe WolverINC program is aimed to transform the trajectories of UVUstudents by helping them launch high-revenue businesses alongsideexperienced entrepreneurs. Every serial entrepreneur has a few ideas in theback of their mind that they know are valuable but don't have the time orbandwidth to pursue. We help match these experienced entrepreneurs witha hungry, young UVU student ready to make those ideas reality. Theexperienced entrepreneur acts as an angel investor and mentor, and thestudent founder earns equity in the business as they achieve progress andrevenue milestones. While there can be exciting financial outcomes for thecommunity members who participate, there is also no better opportunity to"pay it forward" and shape the next generation of business leaders. Igniting ideas, supercharging futuresWant to get involved with WolverINC?Email us at einstitute@uvu.eduTHE REWARDLaunch Your Next Big Idea: Collaborate with a driven UVU student to bring yourvision to life, leveraging their energy and ambitionwhile you provide the guidance and expertise.Make a Lasting Impact: Mentor and shape the future of young entrepreneurs,enjoying the satisfaction of paying it forward andtransforming the lives of emerging business leaders.Access Valuable Resources: Benefit from a $50k angel investment, a $10kcontribution to the Founder’s Fund scholarship, andthe opportunity to expand your network whilereceiving 2-3 hours of weekly mentorship.19

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9SANDBOXUtah Valley University proudly introduces the Sandbox Program—adynamic incubator for aspiring tech entrepreneurs and innovators.This unique initiative offers students a hands-on opportunity totransform ideas into reality. Participants will collaborate withmentors, industry experts, and peers to build real tech businessesover the course of two semesters. After two semesters grinding with their teams, students pitch their business to a live audience of500 spectators including dozens of active investors and venturecapitalists. NEWBUSINESS +COMPUTER SCIENCESTUDENTS FORMTEAMS TO LAUNCHTECH COMPANIES 21

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COMPETITIONSUtah Valley University (UVU) was rankedas the top post-secondary institution inthe nation at the SkillsUSAChampionship after earning medals in 12contest categories. Over 6,500 statechampions travel from across the UnitedStates to compete. Thirty UVU studentsqualified this spring to represent thestate of Utah in 22 contest categories.UVU won 2nd place in theEntrepreneurship Competition.Pictured: CJ King, Kaleb Cheek, Anna Gloeckner, and Nathan MartinMinnow – A platform for e-commercecompanies that aggregates data from differentplatforms and provides easy-to-understandmetrics about your business.Honey Haven – A beekeeping supply companyfocusing on making beekeeping a moresuccessful and fulfilling hobby for beekeepers.2 teams from Utah ValleyUniversity made it to the finals ofthe Utah Entrepreneur Challenge22State Champions andNational Silver Medalists

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Dr. Seth Jenson is joining the Entrepreneurship Institute from theUniversity of Oxford where he was lecturing and conducting researchon entrepreneurial strategy and innovation ecosystems.Entrepreneurship brings together most of his favorite things:community building, innovation, strategy, experiential learning, and ahealthy dose of chaos. He’s consulted and collaborated with eliteentrepreneurship programs worldwide, including, Oxford, Harvard, MIT,Stanford, Berkeley, among others. As a leader in the Bolder WayForward initiative, Seth assists in shaping Utah policy and practice toclose entrepreneurial gender gaps and foster diverse leadershipstatewide. Seth completed his bachelors at BYU in Finance as well asgraduate degrees in Sociology (MSc) and Business Strategy (PhD) atthe University of Oxford.Bringing a diverse background to the role of EntrepreneurshipInstitute Coordinator at UVU, Alessandra has a proven track record inprogram design, financial management, and entrepreneurship. Witha Master's in Business Creation from the University of Utah and aBachelor's in Business Management from UVU, she is poised tocontribute a unique blend of skills to inspire the next generation ofentrepreneurs. Alessandra's entrepreneurial spirit is not onlyreflected in her academic achievements but also in her activeparticipation—having competed in almost all of the Valley'sentrepreneurship competitions as a student. Enthusiastic about newideas, Alessandra is always exploring and initiating innovativebusiness ventures, adding a dynamic and forward-thinkingperspective to her role. WELCOME OURNEW TEAMSeth JensonDirectorAlessandra CamargoCoordinator23

2023-2024 Impact Report

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