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Lorentzen Student Accelerator

The Lorentzen Student Accelerator gives Drake students the chance to take their business ideas to the next level. With funding of $500–$3,000, one-on-one mentoring, and access to expert resources, students can build a solid foundation and make real progress on their ventures within a single semester. Whether you’re just starting out or already running your business, this program is designed to help you grow with guidance, accountability, and support.

Who Can Apply

Current Drake students (any major)
Businesses at any stage of development

*Applying does not guarantee funding

Funding

Request between $500 – $3,000
Funds may be used for (but not limited to):

Prototype development or product testing
Branding and marketing
Equipment and tools
Customer discovery and research
Conferences or trade shows
Website development
E-Commerce platform creation

Expectations During the Accelerator

Students accepted into the program will:

Participate in bi-weekly check-ins
Work with an assigned mentor
Set goals for the project and your business
Deliver a final presentation to donors, faculty, and mentors

What You’ll Gain

Mentorship and guidance from business professionals
Resources on paying taxes, legal structures, and financial documents
1-on-1 mentoring tailored to your business
Help setting up a legal business in partnership with the Drake Legal Clinic
Support to set project goals and stay accountable

Timeline

Applications Due: November 14, 2025
Review Panel Decisions Announced: December 5, 2025
Accelerator Begins: First week of February 2026
Project Timelines: Determined by project needs, but will not exceed one semester

How to Apply

Download and complete the Application Form
Complete a Business Model Canvas (attached to the Application Form) Business Model Canvas Resource
1. Doesn't have to be perfect, create a wholistic outlook of your business.
Email documents to Chase Spencer at chase.spencer@drake.edu

Click Here for Application

Questions?

For additional information about the Lorentzen Student Accelerator or help filling out the application, please contact:

Chase Spencer

Program Manager, Entrepreneurship Centers, Drake University

chase.spencer@drake.edu

About the Accelerator

Formerly known as the Lorentzen Student Hatchery, John Lorentzen (Drake B.A. and B.S.B.A. in Political Science, Economics, and Management, 1977) founded the Hatchery with the intent of helping Drake University students get a head start on creating their businesses through a generous donation to the program.

Meet the Cohorts

Meet the Summer 2019 Lorentzen Student Hatchery Cohort

ADAM HEATER MEDIA, Adam Heater. Adam Heater Media is a video production and photography company specializing in working with small businesses and non-profits. We use small crews, limited equipment, and smart production design to showcase the people behind these businesses and non-profits while keeping costs low for clients without sacrificing quality.
OUR LYF, Tyrek Washington. Our LYF is a lifestyle brand that seeks to make individuals more confident and assertive. We want to inspire people to become positively selfish and understand that if you don’t care about yourself first, you can’t become your best self and put your best foot forward to anything. We want to achieve these means by education, media, and apparel.
ENCRYPTIUM, Kellen Karls, and Alex Mathison. Encryptium stores access management information using decentralization technology to take data off a company's server. This allows companies to verify logins and identities without holding the data and, therefore, prevents information from being lost in the case of a data breach.
KNM, Nick Miller. KNM Productions LLC is an event production and media company. It currently offers DJ, videography, and photography services and plans to expand to include photo booths, live sound and lighting, graphic design, and commercial media services. KNM Productions strives to be the premier, one-stop shop for weddings, corporate events, and other events, with the flexibility to offer specific individual services based on the needs and wants of our clients.
MILK CHOCOLATE PRODUCTIONS, Luc Pham. Milk Chocolate Productions, LLC is a music video production company dedicated to promoting representation for artists of color in and around Des Moines, Iowa. By creating thoughtful, innovative and unconventional videos (with viral potential), MCP serves to propel local talent into the national spotlight and provides a platform for artists of diverse backgrounds to share their voices with the world.
PICTO, Sohil Brahmbhatt, and Case Martin. Picto puts the social back in social media. It is based on trust, accessibility, and togetherness. With Picto, you create groups to share content. There is no posting alone, so if you want to share things, you always do so collaboratively. We are so excited to share with the world what we believe is a healthier, easier, and more mindful alternative to today's social media.
RAY’S PET SHOP, Ravyn Anderson. Ray’s Pet Shop is your one-stop shop to make your dogs or cats healthier, smarter, and happier with boarding, training, dog walking, and custom-made supplements designed to help each animal personally.