Thursday May 6, 2021
University of Dayton Flyer Pitch awards $137,500 in cash, support to promising start-up companies, inaugurates social venture track
The University of Dayton Flyer Pitch competition inaugurated a new era, announcing its 2021 winners April 26 in a ceremony hosted at The Hub Powered by PNC Bank at the Dayton Arcade, awarding $137,500 in cash prizes and support, and adding a special track for boosting social ventures.
Sponsored by PNC Bank and the Entrepreneurs Center in Dayton, the competition awarded the top prize in the startup track to illume Fit LLC, a device that allows endurance athletes to send emergency messages to predefined emergency contacts while training. illume Fit LLC was awarded a $20,000 cash prize and $25,000 of in-kind support through Ohio’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider program.
Greater West Dayton Incubator names advisory council, expands work
The Greater West Dayton Incubator, an initiative envisioned by and developed in partnership between the University of Dayton and community leaders of Greater West Dayton with the support of the Entrepreneurs Center, has named an advisory council; identified a temporary location; begun building stronger connections between entrepreneurs and opportunities on campus and at the Dayton Arcade; and developed plans for a micro-loan program expected to begin taking applications in the coming months.
“Our goal is to be a catalyst for an equitable startup ecosystem by supporting Greater West Dayton entrepreneurs with resources including space, funding, contracts, consulting and student support,” said Karlos L. Marshall, manager of the incubator.