WATCH: What is the Greater West Dayton Incubator?

The University of Dayton and Black business leaders launched the Greater West Dayton Incubator last year, said Whitney Barkley, director.

The incubator is part of UD and has an office at 1105 W. Third St. and a satellite office at The Hub Powered by PNC Bank at the Arcade in downtown Dayton.

The incubator provides informational programing to assist entrepreneurs with things like business plans, a micro-lending program, an incubator fellowship for minority-owned businesses and a free boot camp and mentorship program for entrepreneurs. The incubator also offers assistance on developing websites and marketing plans, and setting up back office systems, Barkley said.

“We’re working with small businesses to help them legitimize, digitize, and capitalize their business,” she said.

Barkley said the incubator programs are designed to make sure that start-ups have solid business practices and that they stay in business. It also provides learning experiences for UD students.

“Understanding that building a more inclusive ecosystem for Dayton entrepreneurs cannot be accomplished alone, The GWDI is a joint venture between the University of Dayton’s L. William Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and The Entrepreneurs Center’s Entrepreneurial Service Provider (ESP) program,” according to UD’s website. “This is an initiative that will provide UD students with a unique, hands-on learning opportunity in developing new businesses and social ventures. It will engage UD students in an effort to lead the creation of a broader, more inclusive ecosystem and allow them to leverage their skills in an effort focused on serving the common good.”

Watch the video above for a look at what the incubator does for the region.

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