Dingman Advising
Have a game-changing idea or a creative solution to a problem? Don’t let it stay on the drawing board—let’s make it happen! This is a great opportunity to connect with experienced advisors, staff and faculty who can help you refine your concept, overcome challenges, and take your idea to the next level. Whether you’re exploring entrepreneurship for the first time or ready to launch, these sessions are designed to provide actionable feedback and support. Open to all UMD students, staff, and alumni.
Our sessions operate on a hybrid schedule, offering both in-person and virtual Dingman Advising sessions to fit your needs! Register now through our Dingman Portal and take the first step toward making your idea a reality.
Areas of Support
Legal Advisors: Navigate complex legal challenges with expert advice on contracts, intellectual property, and business structures.
Industry Experts: Gain insights from professionals with deep knowledge in your specific market, helping you stay ahead of trends and competitors.
Experienced Entrepreneurs: Learn from those who’ve successfully built and scaled businesses, offering invaluable mentorship and practical guidance.
Strategy Consultants: Develop and refine your business strategy with expert advice on growth, market positioning, and long-term planning.
Accounting Professionals: Ensure financial health with guidance on budgeting, tax planning, fundraising, and financial management.
And More! Access a diverse network of specialized advisors ready to support you at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can participate?
Dingman Advising sessions are informal and open to all members of the University of Maryland community, including faculty, staff, students and alumni. You do not have to be a Smith School student to participate.
2. Do I need to come with a business plan?
No. All you need is an idea. The advising sessions are flexible to your needs. Whether you thought about the idea this week or you have been working on it for years, our advisors have been through all those stages and can think about the next steps for your business or idea.
3. If not a business plan, what should I use to organize my thoughts about business ideas?
The Dingman Center teaches the Lean Startup Methodology, which challenges entrepreneurs to talk to customers and validate key assumptions. An effective way to organize those initial thoughts is to fill out a business model canvas and get feedback during Dingman Advising.
4. Can I sit in on a Dingman Advising session?
Dingman Advising sessions are one-on-one between the student and the advisor, so sessions are not open for other students to attend. However, if you want to bring a friend or potential teammate to sit in on your advising session, that is acceptable. All students are also welcome to attend the Pitch Dingman Competition to watch students pitch their business ideas live for seed funding.
5. What can I expect from Dingman Advising?
At Dingman Advising, you'll walk away with clear, actionable next steps tailored to propel your business or idea forward. As you invest time and energy into making progress on these steps, you'll unlock a wealth of additional resources from the Dingman Center—ranging from expert guidance and dedicated workspace to funding opportunities—designed to further support and scale your venture.
6. Can I get legal advice?
Absolutely! Every entrepreneur, at some point, will encounter legal questions or challenges in their journey. Dingman Advising offers the opportunity to meet with one of our experienced legal advisors, providing expert guidance on legal matters you may face—ensuring you're well-equipped to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence.
7. Do I have to wear a suit?
No. Dingman Advising sessions are informal and there is no dress code.
8. I still have more questions. Who do I ask?
Email rhsmith-dingman@umd.edu and we'll get back to you.