SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business proudly recognized the graduation of 21 founders from its Master of Business Creation (MBC) program following the spring 2025 semester.
This class marks the latest group to complete the innovative and award-winning entrepreneurship program specifically designed for individuals looking to launch and grow startups.
Among the graduates, 18 participants completed the in-person option, while 3 opted for the online format.
Collectively, these newly minted entrepreneurs lead 19 startups across a diverse range of industries, showcasing the program’s broad impact.
Paul Brown, the director of the MBC program and faculty member in the Department of Entrepreneurship & Strategy, expressed excitement about the graduates’ achievements.
“The founders who graduated this spring are growing remarkable companies in many different fields and industries, and we look forward to seeing what they will accomplish with the lessons and connections they gained from the program,” Brown said.
The MBC program, offered through the Department of Entrepreneurship & Strategy in collaboration with the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, is tailored for those seeking to elevate their entrepreneurial ventures.
Recognized for its excellence, the Eccles School is ranked among the top 10 schools nationally for entrepreneurship as per U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review.
The MBC program is designed not just as a traditional academic experience but as a blended offering that incorporates features of a startup accelerator.
Graduates routinely benefit from hands-on learning initiatives, mentorship, and a plethora of resources aimed at scaling their businesses.
They participate in workshops, engage in practicum labs, and gain access to tailored networking opportunities—all essential components of business development.
Since its inception in 2019, the MBC program has aimed to merge traditional business education with startup acceleration, helping entrepreneurs refine their business models and strategies.
The program recently earned accolades from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers for its “Excellence in Entrepreneurship Teaching and Pedagogical Innovation”.
Furthermore, it secured first place in the professional-services category at the Utah Innovation Awards, managed by Utah Business and Foley & Lardner.
JoLynn Spruance, a co-founder of UT Match—a professional matchmaking service tailored to Latter-day Saints single professionals aged 26-35—shared her perspective on the program’s impact.
“The MBC program has been invaluable in teaching us how to run and scale our business,” said Spruance.
“It’s helped us formalize our business model, and now we’re ready to bring it to life.”
Another graduate, Jared Snow, founder of Inca Trek, a tour operator in Cusco, Peru, emphasized the program’s transformational effect on his business approach.
“The MBC has revolutionized my approach to business,” Snow noted.
“I’m much more organized, methodical and strategic about business decisions.
It gives you real tools to make your business better and pushes you to take action.”
The success stories of these graduates reflect the dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit nurtured by the MBC program.
The full list of MBC In-Person graduates and their startups includes:
– Addon Games (Jordan Charlesworth): Creating engaging math games for K-6 students that make learning fun.
– Blokspyder (Sebastiaan Van Thiel): Developing trading strategies based on patterns observed in winning traders.
– Deep Dark Drinking Chocolate (Emily Nichols): Offering rich, velvety drinking chocolate made with high-quality, ethically sourced dark chocolate.
– Grind Athletics (Tyler Hollist): A sports tech company transforming athlete recruitment through a digital platform.
– Inca Trek (Jared Snow): Specializes in trekking tourism in Peru, focusing on iconic sites like Machu Picchu.
– Kusi (Diana Simens): A high-end brand producing alpaca wool products, including school pride neckties.
– MedicalMatch (Ali Phillips): A virtual marketplace connecting healthcare professionals as independent contractors with organizations.
– Monere (Mou Nandi): A digital health initiative focusing on women’s health through integrated anemia screening solutions.
– Of The Gods (Ryan Sallee): Provides premium mushroom supplements aimed at enhancing health and performance.
– Pivvt (John Dodson): A platform that helps hotels improve guest satisfaction through smart communication insights.
– RedHead Trailer & Boat (Brandon King): Makes outdoor adventures accessible for families.
– Shop Taby (Taby Davila-Amenero): A size-inclusive fashion brand celebrating diversity and empowering women of all sizes.
– Startup Stack (Jonathan Engle): Provides founders with affordable access to software and services for business growth.
– Tetrimuse (James King): Aims to help musicians build a dedicated fanbase through effective branding.
– Tonicc (Shaelee Satterthwaite): Focuses on making wellbeing accessible through innovative supplements.
– UT Match (Nicole Miller and JoLynn Spruance): A matchmaking service designed for Latter-day Saints professionals.
– Utah House Hacks (Joel Jones): Assists homebuyers in finding, buying and managing income-generating properties.
In addition, the MBC Online graduates for the spring 2025 semester included:
– Cosmic Education Management (Leith Stratchen): An enrollment management system tailored for Montessori schools.
– McClain Youth Foundation (Munir McClain and Shanrika McClain): A foundation supporting youth athletics.
The David Eccles School of Business is further committed to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship through its educational offerings.
Students experience hands-on learning that equips them not only with academic credentials but also with the practical experience and skills necessary for success in the business world.
Established in 1917, the Eccles School educates over 6,000 students each year, covering nine undergraduate majors and a range of advanced degrees including four MBA programs and eight specialized master’s programs.
Its diverse array of institutes, centers, and initiatives exemplifies a commitment to creating a positive societal impact through academic research, applied knowledge, leadership, and innovation.
For more information about the Master of Business Creation program and application details, interested entrepreneurs can visit eccles.utah.edu/mbc.
image source from：https://www.utahbusiness.com/press-releases/2025/06/12/founders-graduate-master-business-creation-spring-2025/
