Small Business Accelerator Fund Awardees Announced

     Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business awarded more than $34,000 to 11 student entrepreneurs through its Small Business Accelerator Fund (SBAF) program. The funding, provided by Washburn alumni, supports development and startup costs for new business ventures.

     “SBAF allows students and recent graduates to move beyond the classroom and bring their ideas to life,” said Rick LeJuerrne, senior lecturer of entrepreneurship, Washburn University Brenneman School of Business. “With financial support and guidance from experienced mentors, participants gain hands-on experience that prepares them to succeed as business leaders and innovators.”

This year’s SBAF awardees are:

Early-stage category

• Emily Harmon, a junior music education major from Topeka, Kansas, received $12,000 for Pocket Keys, musical instrument-inspired fidget toys.

Startup category

• Jaiden Wen, a sophomore fine arts major from Topeka, Kansas, received $4,000 for Hamu Namu, original anime-designed apparel and merchandise.
• Devin Fritzsch, a senior entrepreneurship and management major from Omaha, Nebraska, received $3,700 for Beyond the Stone, a digital memorial marker service.
• Nick Petrella, a Bachelor of Business Administration in entrepreneurship graduate from Hudson, Ohio, received $2,500 for Ascent Small Business Marketing, a marketing consulting service.

Development category

• Jennifer Baurley, a senior entrepreneurship and marketing major from Sioux City, Iowa, received $2,000 for SunFire Zen Massage, a massage therapy service.
• Stacy Briggs, a Bachelor of Business Administration in entrepreneurship and accounting graduate from Topeka, Kansas, received $2,000 for The Golden Bubbler, a tap trailer rental service.
• Robert Darling, a senior entrepreneurship and management major from Topeka, Kansas, received $2,000 for WeKan Cheesesteak Co., a cheesesteak food truck.
• Cole Thomas, a sophomore finance major from Eskridge, Kansas, received $2,000 for CT Drone Services, a drone photography and videography business.
• Wyatt Carlson, a senior entrepreneurship major with HVAC certification (Washburn Tech) from Ozawkie, Kansas, received $2,000 for Whitson Heating & Air, an HVAC company.
• Luiz Breda, a junior majoring in data analytics and international business from Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, received $1,500 for Budget Buddy, an AI financial coaching app for college students.
• Julien Johnson, a junior finance major from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, received $1,000 for Auto Assist, an automated messaging tool for auto mechanics.

     The competition is open to all undergraduate and graduate Washburn students, including Washburn Tech students, as well as alumni within two years of graduation. The process began in late January with three informational sessions. After an early April submission deadline, Brenneman School of Business faculty reviewed proposals and selected finalists to present to the SBAF committee.

     Students presented April 24 at Link Innovation Labs in downtown Topeka. Committee members in attendance included Dave Roberts, Lindsay Lebahn, Clint Whitney and Kennedy White. Stephanie Norwood, vice president of entrepreneurship and small business, Greater Topeka Partnership, assisted with the program, along with Brenneman School of Business faculty and staff.

     The SBAF committee notifies students of its decisions and requires them to sign a contract outlining their commitment to develop the business. Awardees must report their progress quarterly. In addition to grant funding, students gain access to a network of professionals who provide guidance to support growth and long-term success. Mentors include business owners, serial entrepreneurs and other professionals.

     The SBAF program has helped several entrepreneurs launch successful local businesses. Grounded on the Go, the first mobile coffee camper in Topeka, opened in 2023. Abigail McCrory, a 2022 Washburn University graduate, owns the business. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentrations in entrepreneurship & innovation and marketing. Sydney Achilles, a senior studying entrepreneurship & innovation and marketing, launched Tidy Ventures, a professional organizing business, in 2024.

    For more information about the Brenneman School of Business Small Business Accelerator Fund program, visit washburn.edu/sbaf or Brenneman School of Business, visit washburn.edu/business.

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      Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 8,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn’s programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees. The programs are offered through Washburn’s six primary academic units – College of Arts & Sciences, School of Applied Studies, Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business, Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, School of Law and Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech).

For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
Cell: (785) 845-1909
Email: lacey.kinder@washburn.edu