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?
Venture Studio members gain hands-on experience in project development, creative problem-solving, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking. Members also receive access to Dyer Center mentorship, potential access to Dyer Venture Funding, priority registration for select boot camps, workshops, and special events, and opportunities to connect with a community of students who are exploring and building alongside them.
How do I join the Venture Studio?
Students can apply to the Venture Studio throughout the academic year. After submitting a short application, you’ll meet with a member of the Dyer Center team to talk about your interests, ideas, and goals. Together, we’ll identify next steps and develop a learning pathway based on where you are in the process.
Is there financial support available?
Active Dyer Venture Studio members in good standing may apply for Dyer Venture Funding to help move their projects forward. Each student is eligible to receive up to $3,000 in total Venture Funding during their time at Lafayette.
Funding can support meaningful steps in venture development, such as developing a prototype, conducting customer research, testing a concept, launching a pilot, or purchasing approved materials and resources.
Funding is not guaranteed. Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis based on the strength and feasibility of the proposal, alignment with the Studio’s learning goals, and available funding. All expenses must be submitted and approved before purchases are made.
Requests greater than $500, or multiple requests totaling more than $500 during a semester, require an in-person pitch to Dyer Center staff.
What is expected of Venture Studio members?
Venture Studio members are expected to actively participate in the community. This includes meeting with Dyer Center staff or an assigned mentor at least once a month, attending three Innovation Hours each semester, participating in at least one additional Dyer Center event each semester, and staying actively engaged in moving their ideas or interests forward.
Most importantly, members should come ready to experiment, learn, collaborate, and take initiative.
