At the Dingman Center, we create an inclusive environment where we educate, empower and equip students with the business skills needed to be an entrepreneur and the resources necessary to make their business ideas a reality. These fearless ideas don’t happen in a vacuum, they take inspiration, perspiration and a little help from our network. When students find a problem to solve, the Dingman Center has the resources and know-how to help them take their idea and launch it into a business. Our portfolio of experiential learning programs and events as well as our courses are designed to make entrepreneurs of all kinds more successful.
Every initiative supports the Center’s mission:
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Equip the next generation to launch and support ventures that advance industry and society;
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Connect the University of Maryland to the innovation economy; and
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Leverage thought leadership and our network to make entrepreneurs of all kinds more successful
In 2023, The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine named the University of Maryland, College Park the No. 7 best college for undergraduate entrepreneurship studies nationally and No. 1 in the Mid-Atlantic region. This ranking marks eight straight years in the Top 10 and 11 straight years in the Top 25.
- 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.
- Participate in our Programs: The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship offers a variety of year round programming, including our signature annual Shark Tank-style competition Pitch Dingman Competition. Subscribe to our bi-weekly e-newsletter The Pitch to stay in the know about upcoming events and opportunities we have to offer.
- Get Started as a Freshman: We are excited to welcome incoming freshmen students this fall. At the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, we create an inclusive environment where we educate, empower and equip students with the business skills needed to be an entrepreneur and the resources necessary to make their business ideas a reality. Learn more about getting started as a freshman.
Use Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship to…
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Find a lab/office for my venture
Student entrepreneurs who apply and are accepted into the Dingman Center’s Terp Startup Accelerator program will receive access to coworking space in addition to a stipend of up to $5,000, access to workshops, mentors and more.
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Find an entrepreneurship program
The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship has created a number of initiatives and programs to appeal to UMD students who are interested in entrepreneurship or looking to grow their ventures.
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Find and invest in startups
The 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.
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Find entrepreneurship events
Stay up to date on upcoming entrepreneurship events on campus and in the region when you subscribe to the Dingman Center’s bi-weekly newsletter, “The Pitch.” On the Dingman Center website you can also find browse upcoming events including Pitch Dingman Competition.
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Get business advice for my venture
Dingman Advising sessions will be held every Thursday of the semester from 4 to 6 p.m. On the first two Thursdays of the month, Dingman Advising will be held in person at the Dingman Center offices in Van Munching Hall and the last two Thursdays of the month will be held virtually. These sessions are open to all UMD students, staff and alumni. Venture mentors, subject matter experts, guest advisors and Dingman staff are available to listen to your idea, offer feedback and provide actionable next steps.
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Identify/apply for funding & grants
The Dingman Center is the place to go on campus for students looking to find funding to launch their ventures. On our student resources page, learn about how the Terp Startup summer accelerator program, Pitch Dingman Competition and E-Fund all provide ample opportunities for students to get the funding they need, no strings attached.
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Launch my venture
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 already launched your business. Discover on the Dingman Center website which venture creation program is the best fit for your business stage.
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Learn about entrepreneurship
The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship promotes and also runs a number of entrepreneurship courses offered through faculty at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Students of all majors are eligible to apply for a Minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the Smith School. Additionally, student entrepreneurs can apply to take Dingman Center courses including the New Venture Practicum.
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Mentor entrepreneurs
The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship has its own Mentor Network which is open to entrepreneurs and business leaders interested in mentoring aspiring student entrepreneurs. Mentors can interact with students at various stages in their entrepreneurship journey through Dingman Advising, Pitch Dingman Competition, New Venture Practicum, and the Terp Startup Accelerator.
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Recruit interns & hire future grads
The Dingman Center runs two fellowship programs to help place University of Maryland students in positions at startups. The Kathryn Stewart Fellowship provides a stipend to students who spend their summer internship at an early-stage startup. The Dugal Impact Fellowship program provides a stipend to students who spend a summer internship working at a social enterprise.