Launching the venture
The GCFE’s venture accelerators give founders focused opportunities to strengthen their ideas, develop their ventures, and prepare for growth. The Dukes Jumpstart Accelerator offers flexible, skill-focused sessions during the spring semester, while the Dukes Venture Accelerator is an intensive, six-week summer program for founders ready to dedicate sustained time to an established venture.
The Dukes Jumpstart Accelerator is a flexible series of six sessions designed to help founders build practical skills and strengthen specific areas of their ventures.
Attend just the sessions you need to move your venture forward or go all in and attend all six.
Completion of all six will qualify you to present your venture at the DVA Summer Demo Day.
- Communicate a clear value proposition
- Identify customers and test assumptions
- Analyze competitors and market opportunities
- Develop sales and go-to-market strategies
- Strengthen financial projections
- Explore funding pathways
- Prepare for investor questions
- Build a more effective pitch
Open to all JMU students – All years, all schools, any major, any idea
The Dukes Venture Accelerator is a competitive, six-week summer program that helps student entrepreneurs move established, scalable ventures forward.
- Focused time and workspace for venture development
- Guidance from GCFE staff, entrepreneurs and mentors
- Workshops and founder-focused learning experiences
- Opportunities to validate assumptions and attract customers
- Feedback on business strategy and growth
- Connections with fellow founders and community partners
- Opportunity to present at Demo Day
- Financial compensation for participation
“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
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Battletown Beef Co. - Brings quality, flavorful beef directly to customers, while following sustainable agriculture practices. Our cattle are finished with grain, which provides them with the essential nutrients they need and produces a marbled texture in the beef. Co-founded by Logan McIntire ('28, Finance/Accounting)
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JoeHustle - Verifies college students who offer gigs and services to the local community. Founded by Adara Fox ('28, Economics)
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Laferty Digital - Offers small business owners a simple and affordable way to compete online without having to manage their website themselves. Through professional websites, online booking systems, lead-capture tools, and ongoing website support, Laferty Digital helps local service-based businesses such as plumbers, landscapers, electricians, roofers, and HVAC contractors build trust online, capture more customer inquiries, and turn visitors into customers. Founded by Brendan Laferty ('29, Marketing)
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LaRoze - Produces up-cycled statement pieces that combine alternative fashion styles and urban streetwear. Founded by Oneidy Estherlin Villa Mateo ('25, Business Management/Marketing Specialization - BRCC)
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MacroMate - Helps customers meet their dietary goals by offering nutritional information and personalized ordering guidance for fast food and casual dining restaurants. Co-founded by Will Hart ('27, Computer Information Systems)
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MEL'S RIBBON - Creates meaningful, handmade bandanas and accessories inspired by Mel’s personal journey with cancer. With every purchase, Mel's Ribbon donates a bandana to a child fighting cancer. Founded by Melanie Wightman ('26, Individualized Studies)
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Solace Studios - Creates premium anime-themed clothing that replaces bold graphics with minimalist, character-driven design. Each piece is crafted with subtle details and high-quality materials to deliver a more sophisticated fan experience. Founded by Tremain Lemont Fergerson, II ('29, Engineering)
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THYRSUS - Offers a truly special perspective of the Shenandoah Valley via a leisurely ride in a covered wagon. It is a comfortable, unhurried way to experience the Shenandoah lifestyle—amidst rolling hills, vineyards, orchards, and fine wine. A covered wagon offers fresh views of the stunning mountain landscape and rich local culture, making every trip a unique highlight of your Shenandoah Valley getaway. Founded by Alex Rankin ('28, Mechanical Engineering - BRCC)
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UnitED - Creates an interactive, trustworthy college experience for students through the use of an AI-powered platform featuring a campus mascot. Founded by JT Kouame Yao ('27, Sociology)
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Yefyra - Captures and cleans real world training data for humanoid robots. Founded by Will Acgtblu ('27, Mathematics)
Hours of operation:
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
