It is the first Power 50 recognition for all three men.

Two members of the , Christopher Dischinger and John Hollenbach, also are among those recognized.

For the sixth consecutive year, Business First has published the list of 50 most influential business and civic leaders in the region. Louisville Business First selected honorees from individuals nominated by the public and those covered in the publication’s own reporting and sourcing. It does not include elected officials. The 5 on the Rise class recognizes emerging influential leaders.

Bradley assumed leadership of UofL in March after serving as executive vice president and university provost and dean of the UofL School of Dentistry. Since taking the helm at UofL, Bradley has overseen the completion of the , the opening of the Engineering Student Success and Research Building and surpassing 25,000 enrolled students for the first time in the university’s history.

In his State of the University address on Feb. 12, Bradley highlighted goals for UofL, including a focus on further improvements in enrollment, six-year retention rates, degrees offered and experiential learning opportunities. He intends to prioritize new residence halls and academic research facilities.

“I am grateful to lead this great university and amplify its positive impact on the city of Louisville,” Bradley said. “It is an honor to be recognized by Business First in the Power 50 2026, particularly after less than a year in my role as president of UofL.”

Since being named director of athletics in 2022, Heird also has had some significant wins. He hired Jeff Brohm to lead the football program and Pat Kelsey to take the reins of men’s basketball. In the 2024-25 season, ten UofL teams earned a top-25 ranking and 11 programs earned trips to the postseason.��

Under Heird’s leadership, student-athlete academic success has been a priority. Last semester closed with an overall department GPA of 3.431��— with 18 of 19 sports above 3.2. UofL athletes are also winning with a 96% graduation success rate.��

Jason Smith, chief executive officer of UofL Health, was named CEO of the health system in October after serving most recently as its interim CEO and chief medical officer. In December, he oversaw the opening of the $186 million, seven-story .

The honorees will be profiled in the March 27, 2026, print edition of Louisville Business First, and online around that time.

The ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff and community members to mark the continued collaboration between UofL and the Louisville-based restaurant brand.

Special guests included Texas Roadhouse executives Gina Tobin and Chris Colson, along with representatives from Buffalo Construction, university leadership and the College of Business Student Council.

First opened in 2010, the Texas Roadhouse Student Center remains one of the most unique student spaces at any university in the country.

The Western-themed environment, complete with wooden benches, neon signage and design elements found in Texas Roadhouse restaurants, was originally funded and constructed by Texas Roadhouse. The recent renovations preserve some of the iconic theming while enhancing comfort, durability and functionality for today’s students.

“Texas Roadhouse has been an incredible partner to the University of Louisville for more than a decade,” said Amy Henley, dean of the College of Business. “T���ir investment with Buffalo Construction continues to strengthen the student experience and demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to growing Louisville’s future business leaders.”

Buffalo Construction partnered with Texas Roadhouse to lead the renovation project, mirroring the collaboration the two organizations use to build new restaurant locations across the country. The student center remains one of the most popular study spaces on campus, consistently filled with students seeking a quiet, comfortable and distinctive place to gather between classes.

“We’re proud to support the next generation of leaders at the University of Louisville,” said Gina Tobin, president of Texas Roadhouse. “This space reflects our culture, our roots in Louisville and our ongoing connection to the community.”

The drives intellectual and economic growth locally and globally through cutting-edge academic programs, innovative research and strong community partnerships. Students benefit from real-world learning experiences co-designed with industry partners and a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, executive education, certificate, entrepreneurship, equine industry, online and international programs.

See the from the ribbon-cutting event on Jan. 8, 2026.��

DIU works with companies to rapidly prototype and scale technologies for national defense and currently operates OnRamp Hubs across the U.S. in Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Ohio and Washington. The addition of OnRamp Hub: Kentucky presents an opportunity for talent and technology companies across the state.

“T��� University of Louisville is establishing itself as a national leader in defense technology and innovation,” said Senator Mitch McConnell, who supported UofL’s selection for the hub. “Today’s announcement will bring a Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub to Kentucky with UofL as the commonwealth’s delivery partner. I am proud that UofL will create new opportunities for defense companies, researchers and students to contribute directly to our national security.”

Multiple areas of established infrastructure at UofL will contribute to the hub’s mission, including a nationally ranked research enterprise, particularly assets within the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, such as defense-focused facilities in additive manufacturing, robotics, cybersecurity and micro and nano technology. Support mechanisms for innovation commercialization and existing partnerships with regional defense and manufacturing entities also will contribute to the hub’s goals.

“We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to engage the talents and assets at the University of Louisville to strengthen our nation’s security, while elevating manufacturing businesses and innovators across Kentucky,” said UofL President Gerry Bradley.

UofL has demonstrated success in outreach and education for Kentucky’s manufacturing businesses through the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP), which provides support and networking for Kentucky manufacturers. This expertise will translate directly to OnRamp endeavors, giving UofL a leg up in launching the hub’s collaboration and programming efforts.

“Kentucky has a long and proud history of contributing to America’s security and the launch of this DIU OnRamp Hub builds on that legacy. It will be a game-changer, speeding innovations to our warfighters and providing a dedicated space for innovators to receive mentoring and rapidly deploy tech that strengthens national defense,” said Will Metcalf, UofL associate vice president for research development and strategic partnerships.

William Fortune, a Kentucky native, has been named director of the Kentucky’s Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub, bringing more than two decades of military and civilian leadership experience and a strong background in deploying and operationalizing new technologies.

Kentucky’s Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub, overseen by and supported with funding from the DIU, is located in a dedicated, state-of-the-art collaboration space at 300 East Market St. on UofL’s J.D. Nichols Campus for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Fortune will lead a team of full-time personnel, in offering a suite of comprehensive programming at the hub designed to lower barriers to entry and speed development of new innovations. These services will disseminate the expertise present at UofL for the benefit of Kentucky businesses, building a unified defense innovation ecosystem to support warfighter needs.

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The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs are a strategic initiative by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) designed to lower barriers to entry for the talent and technology found in academia, startups and commercial companies. Recognizing that the best-of-breed technology can be found across the country, DIU currently has OnRamp Hub locations approved in eight states. These hubs serve as accessible entry points – local “front doors” – for innovators to collaborate directly with the DoW.

The Yum! Scholars Program, launched this fall through the in the UofL College of Business, has welcomed 10 students to its first cohort. Yum! Scholars, who may be from any school and major across the university, receive up to $8,000 in financial support and mentoring within a community designed to help them become the next generation of leaders who drive growth, innovation and success in the franchising world. Successful scholars will embody the spirit of leadership, resilience and community impact.

“Being selected as a Yum! Scholar means having the support and opportunity to turn my hard work and dreams into a future where I can give back to my community,” said Ethan Walker, a junior majoring in business administration and one of the scholars selected.

The program is made possible by a $1-million endowment from Yum! Brands, demonstrating Yum!’s commitment to investing in the next generation of franchise business leaders. The program aims to prepare talented individuals for thriving careers in franchising, business and leadership.

“It’s truly a pleasure to support these amazing students from Yum! Brands’ home state of Kentucky,” said Kat Abner, senior manager, community impact for Yum! Brands. “It is so rewarding to continue working with the University of Louisville on innovative ways to provide a best-in-class education to those interested in a career in franchising. The industry’s future leaders are being trained today at the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence.”

The is a cohort experience that builds a strong community of changemakers driven to make a difference on campus and beyond. As part of the program, each scholar will receive $1,000 per semester for up to eight semesters and engage in franchising education and community designed to inspire them to explore careers and leadership in the franchise industry. Each year, the program plans to add five students from the incoming freshman class.

Yum! Scholars are selected for academic potential along with how they live out the four core values that reflect the spirit of the Yum! Scholars Program:

• Drive:��Demonstrate grit and determination by rising above obstacles and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
• Leadership:��Lead with integrity, courage and empathy – taking initiative and inspiring positive momentum in every endeavor.
• Belonging:��Respect and value the unique experiences of others, fostering an environment where all people and voices are welcome.
• Impact:��Strive to make meaningful contributions that create lasting, positive change on campus, in communities and beyond.

Yum! Scholars will have exclusive opportunities to engage with franchise industry professionals to help build their professional network and provide real-world franchising insights as part of the scholars’ community, while pursuing the degree of their choice.

“T���se students will be prepared to become leaders in the franchising industry,” said Kathleen Gosser, director of the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence. “Franchising provides a tremendous entrepreneurial opportunity for students who are driven and focused. This program will help boost their success and accelerate their careers.”

Yum! Scholars must be residents of Kentucky or a state covered by UofL’s tuition reciprocity agreements and must complete at least one of four designated undergraduate online courses in franchise management during their junior or senior year. To remain eligible, scholars must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and participate in program events, which include workshops, networking and professional development. Current high school seniors are encouraged to to be part of the 2026 cohort by Sunday, Dec. 15.

The 2025 Yum! Scholars

• Brian Alonso, Sophomore, Business Admin
• Mohammed Alyaserri, Junior, CIS
• Mateo Barrientos, Junior, Public Health
• Maycee Decker, Junior, Biology
• Ezra Foote, Sophomore, Political Science
• Kyleigh Greenwell, Sophomore, Accountancy
• TaRon Smith, Junior, Neuroscience
• Key’Shawn Stoner, Sophomore, Business Admin
• Ethan Walker, Junior, Business Admin
• Trinity Ziakas, Sophomore, Psychology

Students enrolled in Elevator are working in small groups to lead real change in the Louisville community. Sandbox participants are building a software business from scratch, retaining 100% equity in the company. Although the classes are coordinated by the Center for Positive Leadership and Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business, students from the College of Arts & Sciences and J.B. Speed School of Engineering also may take the classes and earn 18 hours of credit toward their degrees. The goal is to encourage collaborative, multidisciplinary experience, accomplishments and professional networks that the students can directly build on for the next steps in their careers.

“Our vision is to make hands-on learning a common experience for our students, to give them deep knowledge and immediate job readiness” said Ryan Quinn, associate professor of management and entrepreneurship and academic director of the Center for Positive Leadership.

Elevator: Leading change

In the Elevator class, teams of students majoring in business administration, communications, criminal justice, management, sociology, sustainability or urban studies work at least 24 hours per week with local organizations to improve some aspect of life for Louisville residents. The students receive mentorship throughout the class from professional experts and faculty.

In the current Elevator class, four groups of students are working on projects to implement change in various areas of Louisville:

• Collaborate with Feed Louisville to reduce hunger in the city by identifying untapped sources of surplus food as well as areas of high food insecurity where needs are not being met. The team plans to then connect the sources of food with areas of need to close hunger gaps in the city.
• Grow Da Lat’s Gateaux and Café, a Vietnamese restaurant on the south side of Louisville, by increasing revenue, launching a digital presence and improving training for new employees. They also plan to explore options for a second location.
• Enhance the health and well-being of Louisville residents through the development, improvement and maintenance of greenspaces across the city. The group is working with members of the Greenprint initiative and the UofL Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute to help coordinate efforts among greening organizations.
• Reduce loneliness among seniors in the city with practical, community-grounded interventions. Working with the Envirome Institute, the students will conduct surveys, focus groups and interviews with community members and then create, implement and evaluate strategies tailored to the needs of the specific communities.

Upon completion of the class, students receive access to the Elevator network as a resource for mentorship and job placement. Elevator is supported by the Bufford Family Foundation and managed by the at the UofL College of Business.��

Sandbox: Building software businesses

The Sandbox class allows students from business administration, computer information systems, electrical engineering, graphic design and management to form interdisciplinary teams to identify and validate software products, sell them and seek venture financing. The students retain 100% of the equity in any company they build as part of Sandbox.

Small groups within the current class of 18 students are working on six ideas:

• Due Gooder: Tracks due dates so you don’t have to
• Daker: Home care app connecting clients and caregivers across languages
• Nexus Audit: Finance platform for small-to-midsize businesses to manage accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Night District: A nightlife application that provides guests with a platform to discover, explore and order drinks at bars and nightclubs
• Stuf’d: Digitized menu made for real-time ratings
• CUB: Truck repair invoice and waitlist system for shops

The Due Gooder group already has built and launched a software product that is being used by more than 2,000 schools worldwide. It has more than 10,000 users and is generating $6,000 recurring revenue per month.

In the course, facilitated by Jack Manzella, an instructor and entrepreneur-in-residence in the College of Business, students learn using proprietary technology along with students from other universities around the country which also offer Sandbox. Successful ��companies developed at other institutions are now valued at over $120 million.

The increasing use of technology has played a pivotal role in the company’s success.

Stidham’s most recent challenge was to reduce finishing time so the company can complete contracts faster and take on new work. The purchase of a CEFLA flatline finishing machine will accomplish that goal by improving the finishing department’s precision, quality and time.

Two organizations with the mission to help small businesses grow in Kentucky partnered to fund this investment.

The first was University of Louisville’s Catalyst Equipment Match (CEM) program, which provided a grant for the purchase. This program provides up to a 50 percent match for investments in capital equipment and next-generation technologies.

“It’s making all the difference,” Stidham said. “We have been looking to upgrade this process for years but didn’t have the money to make this big move all at once.”

“T��� was developed to help small and mid-sized Kentucky manufacturers offset just enough of costs to allow for growth and expansion,” said Scott Broughton, executive director of Kentucky MEP. “Stidham Cabinets was a perfect example of the type of company CEM was meant for. They needed help and we were delighted to have them in the program.”

Stidham says the MEP grant has been invaluable to his small business and its growth.

“It’s been a real game changer,” Stidham said. “With the grant, we are comfortable with the balance of debt and payments.”

The family chose to work with regional nonprofit business lender Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED) to fund the equipment purchase.

Stidham said working with SKED has made a big difference in their bottom line.

“Usually, the interest rate is favorable, the red tape for the loan is much less, and there is usually some helpful advice or information that comes along with the loan,” said Stidham. “They constantly encourage us to grow and do better.”

SKED Director of Lending Bob Burgess said helping the Stidhams purchase this new technology has been rewarding.

“James and his staff are dedicated to excellence in their production,” Burgess said. “This new equipment will enable them to do more work and increase their bottom line. We are pleased to have played a role in seeing that happen.”

Before purchasing the new equipment, the company was finishing their products the same way they had for 50 years.

“With this equipment, we now have the entire finishing process up to the same level as the rest of our plant,” Stidham said, adding that the finishing team can now clean, paint, sand and seal 50 cabinet doors in an hour. Before the recent upgrade, that task took 10 hours of manual labor.

But this new automated equipment won’t cost anyone at Stidham Cabinet their job.

“We’ve bought new equipment over the years to help meet customer demand,” Stidham said. “This new automation won’t take anyone’s job; it just allows us to move people around and take on more work orders.”

The Power 50 list identifies the city’s most influential people in business and related communities. Louisville Business First selected honorees from individuals nominated by the public and those covered in the publication’s own reporting and sourcing, and did not include elected officials.

Schatzel secured a position on the fifth annual edition of the list in 2024 after being included in 2023’s “Five on the Rise.”��

Under Schatzel’s leadership, UofL secured a $24 million funding package to launch the Louisville Clinical and Translational Research Center, a statewide effort to transform the university’s clinical research infrastructure and combat chronic conditions that disproportionately affect Kentuckians, like cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer.��

The UofL president also oversaw procurement of the funding for the new planned Health Sciences Simulation Center and Collaboration Hub at the downtown Health Sciences Center campus, a project made possible by a landmark $280 million investment by the state of Kentucky. The center will increase the impact of the university’s research and health professions education effort, benefitting people across the commonwealth by producing highly qualified physicians, dentists, nurses and public health professionals and fostering collaboration among the city’s health care organizations.

Also returning to the Power 50 list is��, who has led the university’s academic health system since early 2019 and was the overseer for the recently opened UofL Health – South Hospital. The new facility provides access to health care for residents of Bullitt County and southern Jefferson County.

The 2025 Power 50 list also includes numerous Cardinal alumni and donors, along with current and past members of UofL boards.

Additionally, Business First announced an inaugural Power 50 Hall of Fame category of honorees, all who have UofL-ties. They are:

• Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, most recently the owner of Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and Bridgeman Sports and Media
• Christina Lee Brown, philanthropist, UofL Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute
• Edward “Ed” Glasscock, chairman emeritus, Frost Brown Todd LLC
• Alice Houston, co-founder and owner, HJI Supply Chain Solutions
• David Jones Jr., president and founder, Chrysalis Ventures
• Mike Mountjoy, founding partner and chairman emeritus, MCM CPAs and Advisors (now Cherry Bekaert)
• Phoebe Wood, principal, CompaniesWood and co-founder of KirtleyWood

The honorees will be recognized in the March 28, 2025, print edition of Louisville Business First, and online around this time.

With the funding, which comes via a state appropriation, has launched the Catalyst Equipment Match (CEM) program. The program provides an up to 50% match for manufacturers (up to $200,000) for investments in capital equipment and next-generation technologies — for example, automation, robotics and additive manufacturing.

“T���se investments are critical to powering Kentucky’s manufacturing economy and making it future-proof,” said UofL President Kim Schatzel. “As someone with a background in manufacturing, I’m proud that we can offer these supports and drive these firms and Kentucky’s economy forward.”

Kentucky is home to more than 4,000 manufacturing firms in areas ranging from food and beverage to automotive, with a total workforce of more than 250,000. The goal of this new program is to help those companies improve production, expand, enhance customer service and, overall, gain competitive advantage that sets Kentucky firms apart.

Through CEM, firms can apply for funding to update or replace equipment, including those with smart and connected technology such as automation, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. It’s part of an overall drive in business and manufacturing known as or Enterprise 4.0., which has the potential to radically transform a number of industries, and the benefits will go to companies that plan ahead.����

“T���se technologies have the ability to greatly improve operations and expand Kentucky’s economy,” said Scott Broughton, executive director of the KY-MEP. “Through this new CEM program, we can support firms looking to adopt these technologies, building on KY-MEP’s mission of solving manufacturing problems for all Kentuckians and helping firms based here become even more globally competitive.”

KY-MEP, housed at UofL, solves manufacturing problems. The partnership leverages their industry-leading team and resources to help manufacturers affect transformational change management, implement waste-reducing systems and processes, grow revenue streams and customized culture models that support the talent pipeline and a sustainable workforce. In the past 12 months alone, KY-MEP supported more than 600 companies throughout Kentucky and drove more than $131 million in economic impact by way of retained or added jobs, improved efficiency and more.

“KY-MEP is part of an overall push by UofL to support industry and connect them to the resources and talent they need to solve important problems, innovate and grow,” said Will Metcalf, an associate vice president for research and innovation at UofL. “UofL has significant earned expertise in a number of different disciplines, and we plan to use that expertise to help drive Kentucky’s economy forward.”

The state appropriation was championed by a few key legislators, including Kentucky Rep. Jason Nemes and Sen. Julie Raque Adams.

“Our small and mid-sized manufacturing companies are vitally important to Kentucky’s economy,” Nemes said. “Leveraging the expertise at UofL, these grant funds will benefit manufacturers in all different corners of the Commonwealth, strengthening our economy by increasing access to advanced technologies.”

“I was proud to support the state appropriation for Kentucky manufacturers,” Adams said. “This state funding, along with UofL’s innovative team, provides a tremendous opportunity to help our manufacturing businesses grow and thrive in today’s fast-changing tech environment.”

KY-MEP is part of the NIST , a unique public/private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. The MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and more than 2,500 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 450 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.

Manufacturing firms can find more information on the CEM program and apply for funding .��

View more photos on from the March 6, 2025��announcement.��

“I felt like I was kind of just stuck on a hamster wheel,” McNary said. “My sister asked if I had thought about going back to school and I said, ‘Absolutely not!’”

He didn’t know how he could fit classes in around his full-time job, but his sister suggested he look into online programs that would provide more flexibility. What he discovered convinced him it could work.

A search led him to University of Louisville’s , a relatively new program at the time in the College of Business. He chose UofL over the two other programs where he was accepted because of the business networking opportunities UofL could make available to him.

“T��� vast network that University of Louisville has as a resource for job placement was the most appealing part for me,” McNary said, adding that he also was impressed by the exceptional helpfulness of faculty.

Eye-opening fellowship unleashes McNary’s potential

During his MBA coursework, McNary got a taste of the franchising industry while participating in the Yum! Franchise Accelerator Fellowship offered through the .

The three-month fellowship offered an elective curriculum in franchise management, key experiences and mentorship by Yum! Brands executives and franchise owners. The fellowship culminated in a pitch competition for seed funding and a path to franchise ownership.

“I always wanted to create my own restaurant,” McNary said. “That’s always intrigued me. So, I was thinking I could learn about the business and if I didn’t win, I would at least have the information to do my own thing.”

A trip to California during the fellowship offered an eye-opening look at the Taco Bell brand.

“Spending four days out there in Irvine with the team and the employees and going through the different departments solidified that it was something I wanted to do.”

McNary was a finalist in the competition, and Tacala, the largest Taco Bell franchisee in the U.S., offered him an opportunity for additional training and mentorship. McNary joined Tacala after receiving his MBA from UofL in May 2023, and he was put in charge of one of the lowest performing of Tacala’s 370+ locations, a store in Auburn, Alabama.

Under McNary’s leadership, that store improved month by month, consistently finishing in Tacala’s top 50 Taco Bell restaurants, and it finished as the number one Taco Bell store between Aug. 7-Sept. 3, 2024.

McNary believes he has found his calling in franchising.

“I find more satisfaction in this role than I have in all of my corporate roles,” he said. “T���re are some things that make it a little challenging, but I really appreciate the people part of it, I’m a people person.”

In January, McNary moved into the role of area coach nearby Tacala’s Restaurant Support Center in Birmingham, Alabama, working with a group of restaurant leaders to help them succeed in their stores. When his apprenticeship time with Tacala is complete, McNary hopes to work with Tacala to purchase and develop his own franchise locations.

“To be able to join and to learn the ropes from such a juggernaut, it’s been a real blessing,” he said. “I understand how lucky I am to be in this position, to be a part of this program and to get an opportunity to operate my own set of Taco Bell restaurants. I know this wouldn’t have happened without me attending UofL.”

Expanded opportunity for a thriving future��

College of Business Interim Dean Jeff Guan calls McNary an inspiration.

“Ethan’s journey is a shining example of the profound impact our programs can have,” Guan said. “Stories like his reaffirm our commitment to delivering a world-class education — one that not only prepares our students to navigate the complexities of the business world but also equips them to lead with purpose and make a meaningful difference.”

Kathleen Gosser, Yum! Brands Associate Professor of Franchise Management Practice and director of the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the College of Business, mentored McNary during his time at UofL.

“Ethan is incredible and is learning all he needs to know about becoming a Taco Bell franchisee one day,” Gosser said. “His experience shows what a great opportunity franchising can be for entrepreneurs. And he is learning from the best. For the fifth��consecutive year, Taco Bell is the number one franchise in the U.S. as ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine.”

Jamie Harrison, vice president of people & culture and interim chief people & culture officer at Taco Bell, sees Ethan’s journey as a testament to the brand’s people-first approach.

“Ethan’s dedication and passion for franchising are truly commendable, and we are proud that he is a member of our Taco Bell team. We applaud Tacala for sharing Taco Bell’s commitment to engaging top talent and delivering an environment where individuals like Ethan can achieve their full potential.”

“It’s exciting to be on this journey with Ethan. Since joining Tacala in 2023, he has enthusiastically worked through all restaurant positions to immerse himself in the business and prepare for management and ownership of a thriving business. Ethan’s passion for people and high standards combined with this experience will set him up for success in the future,” said David Morrison, chief operations officer of Tacala Companies.

McNary already is giving back to the program that injected fresh energy into his career, happy to mentor other students interested in franchising. He visited Louisville to speak to Gosser’s class and participated in the Online MBA program’s 5^th anniversary during Homecoming 2024.

, offered through the as part of the Mid-South NSF I-Corps Hub, is an intensive course focused on , which helps innovators and entrepreneurs test their ideas or products in the real world and see if they have what it takes to stick. The regular eight-week program is hybrid and offered in spring and fall, while the new three-session ‘short course’ is offered virtually and in summer.��

“Entrepreneurs and innovators are nimble — they need to move fast to get their ideas from mind to market,” said Jessica Sharon, UofL senior director of innovation and new ventures. “With this new, shorter program, we’re able to offer training and coaching through a more flexible format that helps them move quickly and fits into busy schedules.”��

LaunchIt’s curriculum, taught by experienced and successful entrepreneurs from both the Office of Research and Innovation and UofL College of Business, includes coaching, mentoring and lessons on customer discovery, product validation and other considerations when preparing for market launch. The program is open to anyone in the region working to develop a technology-focused product or company.

UofL piloted the short course in summer 2024. A total of 13 teams participated, including 11 from UofL and one each from Northern Kentucky University and University of Kentucky. Connor Centner, a post-doctoral researcher in the UofL J.B. Speed School of Engineering, used the course to help further a cutting-edge therapeutic ultrasound technology meant to destroy cancer cells and unlock the body’s immune system to fight tumors.

“T��� LaunchIt Short Course was an incredibly unique experience—it gave me the opportunity to dive into customer discovery and product-market fit with guidance from experienced entrepreneurs who’ve been through it all,” Centner said. “It wasn’t just about learning the basics; it was about gaining real-world experience that offered valuable insight into the market and helped me truly understand customer needs to determine how my idea or product could succeed.”

From the short course, some teams may choose to go on to the more comprehensive eight-week course offered twice a year, or some may choose to focus on additional customer discovery. All participating teams are eligible for microgrants to support customer discovery once they graduate the short course or the full course.

LaunchIt course director, Jamie Rush, said everyone can benefit from entrepreneurial training. With this new short course, the team hopes to expand access to people who may not be able to attend otherwise. For example, the short course is now offered to UofL students in a partnership with the new Bluegrass Biodesign program, where multi-disciplinary teams work to develop innovations that save and improve lives.��

“Whether or not you plan to launch a startup, you’re an entrepreneur and can use LaunchIt tools like customer discovery and market research to focus your research or idea and make it impactful,” Rush said. “We want to equip everyone — students, faculty, staff, entrepreneurs, corporate business leaders — with tools that help them advance not only important new products, but new community projects, business initiatives and more.”��

The next full session of LaunchIt, beginning in spring 2025, is now enrolling through Jan. 24, 2025. More information and registration is available at . The next short course will be offered in summer 2025.��