Startup Studio helps UNK students turn their passions into professions
KEARNEY – For University of Nebraska at Kearney students with big ideas, entrepreneurship is no longer something reserved for the future.
Through Startup Studio, a yearlong cohort offered by UNK’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development (CERD), students are stepping into the role of business owner right now – testing ideas, building connections and learning firsthand what it takes to turn a concept into reality.
Launched by CERD Director Sara Bennett, the program allows students to explore entrepreneurship through a guided pathway focused on mentorship, collaboration and experiential learning.
“Startup Studio was created to give entrepreneurially minded students experiences beyond the classroom, because entrepreneurship is best learned through real-world practice, iteration and problem-solving,” Bennett said. “The goal is to help students prepare to own a business one day by immersing them in the startup experience across an academic year.”
Connections beyond campus
Startup Studio brings together a group of students for hands-on experiences tailored to their interests and business goals. Participants meet with entrepreneurs across Nebraska, travel to startup events, receive one-on-one mentorship and work directly with CERD staff to develop their ideas into viable business plans.
This year’s cohort engaged directly with business owners in multiple communities, gaining insight into everything from startup strategy to company culture. In Kearney, students met with entrepreneurs such as Chais Meyer, founder of 24 Hour Tees and Nest:Space, and Carson Rowh, an investor and co-owner of multiple Ashley HomeStore locations, who shared lessons on experimentation, growth and leadership.
In January, the group traveled to Hastings, where they connected with business owners such as Jacque Cranson of Small Town Famous, Maggie Esch of Vaughan’s Printing and Sidy Sissoko of LD Coffee Roasters. Those conversations focused on topics like scaling a business, maintaining brand identity and launching ventures while still in college.
Another trip, coordinated with economic development leaders in Grand Island, gave students the opportunity to tour businesses and explore how entrepreneurs identify opportunities, navigate challenges and sustain growth in different markets.
Students also participated in immersive travel experiences designed to expand their networks. They attended Omaha events such as the Silicon Prairie Startup Showcase and Pitch Competition, along with the Hustle Conference, where sessions emphasized strategies for growth, attracting customers and securing capital.
In addition to these group activities, students receive individualized mentorship aligned with their specific interests – whether in marketing, accounting, fundraising or another area – as well as one-on-one consultations through CERD to help move their ideas from early concepts toward realistic plans for launch.
Bennett believes that flexibility is key.
“Entrepreneurship is not one-size-fits-all, so we meet students where they are and build experiences around the types of ventures, industries and skill gaps represented in that year’s group,” she said.
The end goal is to equip students with both the practical knowledge and support system needed to succeed.
“I want students to leave Startup Studio with a realistic understanding of what business ownership entails – the ‘you don’t know it until you face it’ parts – and with guidance from people who are living it every day,” Bennett said.
Bringing a dream to life
That real-world approach has been transformative for UNK senior Fallon Wells.
A Central City native studying interior and product design with an entrepreneurship minor, Wells joined Startup Studio to challenge herself and gain a better understanding of what it takes to run and grow a business.
“The program has been a huge building block in my journey to become a business owner, from networking with other successful entrepreneurs to meeting people who can also help me along this road,” she explained. “I have met people I can fall back on when I get stuck and have questions, and I've gained tools and lessons that will help me bring my dream to life.”
Her experience has already translated into tangible outcomes. Wells won last semester’s Big Idea UNK business pitch competition with her concept, Birthday Blooms: Preserved Floral Gifts, earning $3,000 to support the venture.
After graduating in May, she plans to return to her hometown and take over Full Bloom, the flower shop where she first discovered her passion, with plans to rebrand and expand the business.
“Without Startup Studio, I wouldn't be near as prepared as I am now going into the ‘real world’ post-graduation,” Wells said. “I recommend this program to any student who has an interest in entrepreneurship or turning something that may be a hobby into a career. Going through life doing something that you love on your own time beats any corporate job.”
A recipe for success
Kailynn Rodewald’s entrepreneurial journey began before college.
The McCook native started her own bakery business while still in high school. Now, she continues to grow Sweet & Sassy while completing her degree.
“Running my own business quickly became a passion,” said Rodewald, who’s studying business administration with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in entrepreneurship. “I love being able to work with my hands and try new things, and the sense of accomplishment I got from providing people with products that they love is what really solidified my passion for entrepreneurship.”
Startup Studio has taken that drive to another level. Beyond practical skills like developing a business plan, the program has helped her form meaningful connections across the business world while fostering a community of like-minded individuals eager to support and collaborate with one another.
“The opportunity to have personalized help and experiences with business owners across Nebraska is invaluable to me,” Rodewald said. “I've always loved going on business tours, but Startup Studio presented me with the chance to meet with business owners in a personal way and build relationships that encourage, inspire and aid me in running my own business.”
Following graduation, she plans to move to North Platte and eventually open a bakery storefront. In the meantime, she’ll continue making cakes and cupcakes in her home kitchen with a goal of expanding her customer base.
“Many people are interested in entrepreneurship, but few know how or have the resources to move past interest and into action,” she said. “Startup Studio provides both the ability and opportunity. People oftentimes don't realize that owning your own business isn't just a pipe dream, you just have to know the right people.”
Preparing for what’s next
While each student enters Startup Studio with different goals, Bennett said the program is ultimately about long-term readiness.
Whether participants launch businesses immediately or years down the road, they leave with a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed – and a network to support them along the way.
“We know that interest in entrepreneurship is strong among students, and I wanted to create an environment where they can explore an idea seriously, learn what business ownership really looks like and build the connections that matter,” Bennett said.