FAQ
What is the Dyer Venture Studio?
The Venture Studio is a learning community for students who want to build something, whether that’s a new product or service, a nonprofit initiative, a creative project, or a technology solution to a problem they care about. We use the word studio intentionally. Just like in the arts, humanities, or architecture, a studio is a space for exploration, experimentation, critique, and collaboration. It’s a place to try things, learn from others, and develop your thinking through the process of doing. In the Dyer Venture Studio, your idea becomes a working draft, shaped by feedback, iteration, and real-world engagement.
Who can participate?
Any Lafayette student is welcome to apply to the Dyer Venture Studio. If you are curious, driven to create change, or excited to learn a new way of thinking and doing, the Studio is a great place to begin. We support a wide range of projects, from social impact ventures and community initiatives to creative side hustles and small businesses, as well as highly scalable technology ventures. Students from every major and class year are encouraged to explore, experiment, and grow with us.
Do I need a fully formed idea to join?
No. Some students enter the Studio with a clear plan, while others start with a problem they care about and explore possible solutions along the way. Wherever you are in your process, we’ll help you take the next step.
What do students get out of it?
Students in the Studio gain valuable experience in project development, creative problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking. You’ll also get access to Dyer Venture funding, priority registration for limited-attendance events, guidance from experienced mentors, and a network of peers who are building alongside you.
How do I join the Venture Studio?
You can apply to join the Studio at any point during the academic year. We accept students on a rolling basis. Stop by the Dyer Center to learn more or submit your application here. [Add link]
Is there financial support available?
Students in the Dyer Venture Studio can apply for Dyer Venture Funding, which offers up to $3,000 to help move their projects forward. This funding can support a wide range of needs, such as building a prototype, conducting user research, launching a pilot, purchasing materials, or even creating a first marketing plan. Whether your project is a social initiative, a small business, a creative endeavor, or a tech solution, our goal is to help you take meaningful steps toward progress.
You can apply for studio membership and funding at the same time. However, it is important to note that funding requests include a “dedication to improvement” component, which means you’re committed to testing, learning, and iterating as you go. Prior engagement with Dyer Center programming and active participation in the studio may strengthen your application.
We also have limited funding available to support students developing patentable intellectual property with a clear path to commercialization. If this applies to your work, please contact the Dyer Center directly to learn more.
