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Lorentzen Student Hatchery

Thank you for your interest in the Lorentzen Student Hatchery at the Zimpleman College of Business. The Hatchery is a summer program designed to help students gain an unprecedented opportunity to start their business while still in school under the mentorship of experienced entrepreneurs. Stipends up to $6,000 (to cover costs such as housing, startup, and other expenses) are available. Students in the Hatchery program will be provided with working space, access to office equipment, mentoring, coaching, and other assistance from the Hatchery’s program director and other local entrepreneurs. Funds will be distributed in three equal increments, distribution of which is contingent upon students meeting agreed-upon benchmarks. In the event a student or team abandons their project, the remaining funds will be forfeited.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, you must be:

Any currently enrolled Drake student (*see below)
Undergraduate or graduate
Any major
Willing to dedicate a summer, approximately 12 weeks of full-time commitment, to work toward meeting their project’s goals and fulfill program benchmarks. This includes regular meetings with the program director and mentors, participating in training, and other events as required.

Students chosen to participate in the Lorentzen Student Hatchery will present their pitch for their business idea before an assembled group of potential investors, including Mr. John Lorentzen, for whom the Hatchery is named. This will take place early in the Fall 2024 semester.

* If you are a graduating senior or an international student, please email us about potential restrictions.

To apply for the program, please complete the application and return it with a copy of your resume to the Entrepreneurship Center, Aliber Hall, Third Floor.

Want to know more? Please email us at bill.adamowski@drake.edu or drakebizclinic@drake.edu.

About the 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.