The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Entrepreneurship welcomed 33 students into the Nebraska Entrepreneurship Accelerator this fall. The cohort represents seven colleges and 23 undergraduate and graduate programs, with 25 first-year participants and eight students returning for a second year.
Now in its second year, the accelerator has expanded programming to support entrepreneurs across multiple stages of business development, laying the foundation for a three-year model. First-year participants receive guidance and resources to launch and grow their businesses, while second-year participants focus on scaling operations through workshops on funding, streamlining processes and building sustainable systems.
“The Nebraska Entrepreneurship Accelerator is unique because it grows with students as they and their businesses develop,” said Lindsay Thomsen, assistant professor of practice in management and director of student business development for the center. “By building three years of accelerator programming, we’re not only helping students launch ventures, but equipping them to complete their college degree while preparing to operate their business following graduation to contribute to the economy and their community.”
Following is a list of students in the accelerator for the 2025-26 school year. They are listed alphabetically by hometown, with their current class standing and academic major(s). Students participating for a second year are noted.
Nebraska
Bennington:
- Preston Guenthner, junior, marketing
Cozad:
- Dante Dyches-Chandler, senior, data science, second year
- Grand Island:
- Carlos Ferrer Moya, senior, business administration, second year
- Kenny Morales, senior, software engineering (Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management)
Lincoln:
- Hajer Al-eid, junior, Clifton Builders management
- Zorte Edo, junior, marketing
- Joseph Flodman, sophomore, computer engineering, second year
- Judith Gelber, doctoral student in human sciences, second year
- Lena Lankas, senior, business administration and computer science (Raikes School), second year
- Max Petersen, senior, marketing
- Mohanendra Siddha, graduate student in computer science
- Taylor Streich, junior, Clifton Builders management
- Mitch West, junior, advertising and public relations, second year
- Fritz Wolfram, senior, chemical engineering
Murdock:
- Nathan Lockman, senior, PGA golf management
North Platte:
- Logan Greeno, senior, fisheries and wildlife
Omaha:
- Cecilia Beckerbauer, senior, management (entrepreneurship and innovation) and computer science
- Victor Chan, senior, mechanical engineering
- Landen Fogle, senior, computer science and finance (Raikes School)
- Blake Kahler, sophomore, marketing
- Andreas Katsaounis, sophomore, business administration
- Wilson Overfield, senior, computer science (Raikes School)
- Patrick Stolinksi, senior, civil engineering
Raymond:
- Larkin Barry, junior, marketing
Rising City:
- Alexa Carter, senior, agricultural and environmental sciences communication
Stapleton:
- Lance Jones, junior, agricultural economics and animal science
Elsewhere
Bull Valley, Illinois:
- Joseph Weinberger, junior, Clifton Builders management
Leawood, Kansas:
- Mia Siner, senior, accounting, computer science and management (entrepreneurship and innovation)
Bloomington, Minnesota:
- Frank Arth, junior, finance, second year
- Jackson Donley, sophomore, management, second year
Waconia, Minnesota:
- Gavin Schneider, senior, business administration
Brookfield, Wisconsin:
- Ryan Flatley, senior, data science and mathematics
Belo Horizonte, Brazil:
- Bernardo Lopes, sophomore, economics
Participants receive a $1,000 scholarship; individualized development plan; access to exclusive resources and workshops; and the opportunity to join structured mentor groups. Students are organized into groups by industry or business scenario, such as startups with multiple founders, and are paired with mentors who provide specialized guidance. This year’s mentors include Bill Champion, founder and president of Venel; Stephanie Dinger, vice president of small business banking for Union Bank and Trust; Mary Lynn Fernau, founder and CEO of The Fernau Group; Tom Welter, chief operating officer of Empower Brands; Nancy Williams, managing partner of Block 27 Consulting; and John Wirtz, co-founder of Hudl.
Second-year students continue to receive the scholarship and are eligible for travel funds to pitch at entrepreneurship competitions beyond campus. They also serve as peer mentors to the first-year cohort, offering year-long support, including helping students prepare for the center’s 3-2-1 Quick Pitch competition in November.
“One of the most exciting parts of this second year is seeing students step into leadership roles with their peers,” said Mallory Krenk, student engagement and recruitment coordinator for the center. “Our returning student entrepreneurs are acting as peer mentors, sharing what they’ve learned and helping first-year participants. It’s a win-win because it builds community, boosts confidence and accelerates everyone’s progress together.”
Judy Gelber, a doctoral student returning for a second year in the accelerator, said the program has been especially valuable for fostering collaboration among students with different backgrounds.
“I have a medical background, not a business one, so even younger students have things to teach me and each other,” Gelber said. “I shared with the year one accelerator students that they need to own their uniqueness, bring what they have to the table and lean on each other to fill in the gaps. The accelerator gives you a reason to carve out time for your business, and this experience is what you make of it.”
Participants also gain opportunities to connect with local businesses and join workshops that provide assistance and feedback on creating prototypes, learning about funding options, establishing legal entities, developing marketing strategies, sourcing talent and planning for expansion.
“The accelerator connects each student to a carefully curated collection of exclusive resources and experts designed to support and grow a business or innovation,” Thomsen said. “This programming and the mentorship components provide a unique and holistic approach that leads to a supportive environment.”
The Nebraska Entrepreneurship Accelerator is designed specifically for student entrepreneurs, aligning with the academic calendar and providing scholarships and support that help them build businesses while pursuing their degrees. Unlike many accelerators, participation does not require giving up equity.
“We couldn’t offer such a powerful experience to students without donor support,” Thomsen said. “Bill Champion took a leap of faith as our first donor, supporting the accelerator’s programming and scholarships. Our cohort grew thanks to Ted and Nicole Stuckey’s program and scholarship support. We’re also grateful to Hubert and Stacy Ban, who provided funds for our second-year participants to travel to external competitions and gain more opportunities to secure vital startup funding.”
