Launching the Venture
The Dukes Venture Accelerator is a six-week, paid summer internship program designed to take established, scalable student ventures to the next level. Accelerate your startup, acquire customers and de-risk your startup using proven methods all while forming close mentoring relationships with expert entrepreneurs in this competitive program.
Held in the Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship, this program gives you the tools and skills needed to de-risk your venture and achieve your entrepreneurial goals, while working under the supervision of the GCFE team.
“Receiving the $5000 Tucker New Venture Award at Dukes Venture Accelerator Demo Day was a pivotal moment for BilingualKid! This kind of recognition affirms our hard work and drives us toward new opportunities for growth, collaboration and greater impact.” – Claudia Robles Arias, Founder – BilingualKid Language Immersion School
- Consult Food Safety Solutions - Transforming raw food inspection data into insightful, marketable products like restaurant safety grades, up-to-date risk alerts and expert commentary tailored for media outlets and food service establishments. Offering valuable services like food inspection review and inspection prep consulting, creating multiple revenue streams. Co-founded by Davaunte Murray ('25, Biotechnology)
- Diald - Offers an app for goal-setting and tracking.. Founded by Jack Murphy ('27, Computer Information Systems)
- Evero Consulting - Transforms small businesses' raw data into actionable growth strategies at a fraction of traditional consulting costs. An AI-powered SaaS platform makes consultant-level analysis accessible and affordable for small businesses with limited resources. Founded by Mason Wyatt ('25, Finance)
- EZRescue - Offers a groundbreaking medical device designed to prevent workplace injuries in the healthcare setting. Co-founded by Corrinne Cullina ('25, Biology) and Devin McGovern ('26, Biology)
- Finn Financial Services LLC - Eliminates personal financial stress by offering free budgeting plans that empower individuals to build strong foundations for lasting wealth. Co-founded by Landon Mann ('26, Computer Science) and Sean O'Brien ('27, Business Management and Finance)
- Fitara.ai LLC - Offers 24/7 personal trainers and nutrition coaches through a mobile app. Founded by Shayan Hamidi ('25, Computer Information Systems)
- Foot Dash - Offers a mobile-first platform that features a variety of sports and allows enthusiasts to join or host pick-up games in their local community at varying levels of competition. Founded by Lukas Martin ('27, Sport & Recreation Management)
- Glory Gained - Provides a comfortable gym environment where women who are victims of domestic violence and trafficking can find strength in both their bodies and spirits. Founded by Claran Massie ('26, Sport & Recreation Management)
- IV Stride - Empowers patients to take control of their mobility while fighting cancer. With the portable chemotherapy backpack, individuals can live life more freely. Founded by Carson Biller ('29, General Studies - BRCC)
- JadeCalendar - Offers an AI-powered calendar application available on both desktop and mobile devices that uses natural language processing to help users improve their time management skills. Founded by Ethan Pae ('25, Computer Science)
- Pain to Purpose - Provides foster youth with an avenue of care, advocacy and hope, helping them live fulfilling lives by turning their pain into purpose. Founded by Caroline Stoaks ('25, School of Media Arts and Design - Journalism concentration)
- Premier Cleaning Services LLC - Provides top-quality cleaning, junk removal, landscaping and post-construction cleanup services throughout the Shenandoah Valley to residential and commercial clients with a commitment to professionalism, reliability and affordability. Founded by Manny Sanchez ('26, Business)
- Redeeming Roots - Captures meaningful moments through creative photography with a blend of natural beauty, storytelling and subtle faith-inspired ambiance. Founded by Alisha Thompson ('25, IT/Design - BRCC)
- SKsurfapparel - Offers a comfortable clothing line inspired by beach life. Founded by Luke D'Alonzo ('26, Sports & Recreation Management)
Hours of operation:
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
