Initiatives & Programs
The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship has created a number of programs to appeal to UMD students and alumni who are interested in entrepreneurship. Learn more about for-credit courses, venture creation programs, seed funding, and startup employment opportunities.
Take A Class
There are a variety of ongoing entrepreneurship courses offered through the Smith School of Business. Please check Testudo for current semester offerings and full course descriptions.
Minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The innovation & entrepreneurship minor equips students with the knowledge and skills to ramp up their own businesses, as well as to innovate and think creatively about problem-solving and strategy. All majors may apply.
For more information, please contact smithminors@umd.edu.
BMGT 468R - Fearless Founders: New Venture Practicum
This three-credit course is for undergraduate students committed to an idea after validation. Students experiment with business models, revenue streams, and go-to-market strategies. By the end of this course, some startups are securing their first customers and generating revenue, while others are working on a beta or pilot. In the final class, students pitch for seed funding to move their business forward. The course is taught by Le-Marie Thompson.
Undergraduate Courses
- BMGT 289A - Social Enterprise: Changing the World through Innovation and Transformative Action
- BMGT 289B - How Do Innovators Think?
- BMGT 289E - Entrepreneurial Thinking for Non-Business Majors: How Not to Miss Great Opportunities Your Life Throws at You
- BMGT 362 - Negotiations
- BMGT 365 - Entrepreneurial Finance and Private Equity
- BMGT 366 - Growth Strategies for Emerging Companies
- BMGT 461 - Entrepreneurship
- BMGT 467 - Strategic Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- BMGT 468T - Creativity for Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Outdoor Edition
- BMGT468V - Business Models and Methods to Affect Social Change
- BMGT 468W - Social Innovation Practicum: Consulting and Venture Creation
- BMGT 468Y - Enterpreneurial Captialism Around the World
MBA, EMBA and OMBA Courses
- BUSI 712 - Entrepreneurship & New Ventures
- BUSM 754 - Comparative & Collaborative Negotiation
- BUSM 798 - Technology Entrepreneurship
- BUSO 712 - Entrepreneurship
- BUSO 758C - Corporate Venturing
- EMBA 758A - Strategic Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- EMBA 758B - Critical and Integrative Thinking
Launch an Idea
The Dingman Center has growth opportunities and resources available for student entrepreneurs at any venture stage, whether you're trying to come up with an idea or have a business already.
Every Thursday, experienced entrepreneurs are available to provide actionable feedback on your business idea. These appointments are informal – no suits or business plans necessary. Sessions are open to students, alumni, staff and faculty.
The Dingman Center Mentor Network is the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship’s initiative to connect our network of successful entrepreneurs and professionals to our top student entrepreneurs.
New Venture Practicum is a three-credit spring semester course, cross-listed in Testudo as permission only BMGT468R/ENES498R.
Terp Startup Accelerator is an eight-week summer accelerator program that offers a stipend up to $5,000 and access to co-working space. Applications are competitive.
Students who complete the Terp Startup Accelerator summer program may apply for additional resources and non-dilutive funding up to $20K through our prestigious Terp Startup fellowship program.
Meet with a Dingman legal advisor to receive free legal advice for your startup. Suggested for only after you have a minimum viable product.
Students are given the opportunity to test the market and sell their products or services to the UMD community.
Held annually, students from any college or major can compete in four different tracks for over $100,000 in startup funding while earning the skills needed to grow their ventures and deliver a successful venture pitch.
Seed Funding ($5,000-plus)
Currently enrolled and matriculating student entrepreneurs are eligible to participate in our Terp Startup Accelerator, where they receive a stipend of up to $5,000 to work on their business for eight weeks over the summer. Additionally, student entrepreneurs who advance in our Pitch Dingman Competition may compete for a share of over $80,000 in total funding. All funding is non-dilutive.
E-Fund (Less than $1,000)
The Dingman Center can provide ad-hoc seed funding for University of Maryland startups through an E-Fund. Grants range from $250-$1000. Funding typically goes towards equipment purchases, website hosting, rapid prototyping, incorporation fees or any other costs that you see a barrier to getting an idea to market. This funding is given in the form of non-dilutive grants. All we ask is that you think of us when you take your company public. If you are interested in receiving funding, read the requirements and complete an application form.
Compete for Startup Funding
Held annually, students from any college or major can compete in four different tracks for over $100,000 in startup funding while earning the skills needed to grow their ventures and deliver a successful venture pitch.
Invest in Regional Startups
Dingman Center Angels (DCA) is a Maryland-based angel investment group that provides funding to early-stage companies primarily located in the mid-Atlantic region. Our members are entrepreneurs, CXO's, venture capitalists and business leaders who have founded, funded and built world-class companies. Our investors come from a variety of industries, have diverse investment experience and expertise; and, in association with the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, help foster a vibrant local early-stage venture investment community.
Work for a Startup
We recognize that our community of entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs are extremely interested in pursuing opportunities within current startup companies. At the same time, the startup companies we engage with are seeking student employees for jobs and internships. Our fellowship programs help us connect these interested undergraduate and graduate students with a startup opportunity over the summer while receiving matching funds from the Dingman Center.
Kathryn Stewart and Dugal Impact Fellowships
The Kathryn Stewart and Dugal Impact Fellowships offer undergraduates internship opportunities at startups, facilitated by the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship. Students gain hands-on experience while startups benefit from access to talented Smith School students.
Engage As Alumni
- Subscribe to our e-newsletter, The Pitch, to read about the latest news and events happening in the startup world. Our news and events cover Washington D.C., Baltimore and other regional opportunities. You can also stay tuned to what's happening on campus.
- Hear from founders, investors and serial entrepreneurs on the Dingman Center's startup podcast, Bootstrapped.
- The Alumni Association's first industry network is the Terp Entrepreneur Network! TEN is a platform for entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals to network, share expertise and enjoy exclusive experiences.
- Dingman Center Angels is a Maryland-based angel investment group that provides funding to early-stage companies located within the mid-Atlantic region. Alumni can pitch for funding or join as an investor.
- Dingman Advising advising sessions are open to all UMD alumni. Experienced entrepreneurs are available to provide actionable feedback on your business idea.
- We are always seeking entrepreneurs and business professionals to provide lectures, presentations and speeches as class speakers or panelists on a wide variety of topics.