Erik Smith, the founder of Board Budder, found himself on an unexpected journey from aspiring dentist to entrepreneur.
Initially claiming an undergraduate degree in biology, Smith was deeply involved in the intense application process for dental school.
However, to relieve some of the stress, he began crafting an eco-friendly, plant-based wax for skis and snowboards in his kitchen.
Little did he know, this hobby would soon morph into a vibrant business opportunity.
“I ended up having kind of an early midlife crisis and I realized that I didn’t want to be a dentist,” Smith recounted with a laugh in an interview with the Deseret News.
As Smith delved deeper into the world of skiing and snowboarding, he realized his passion could translate into a viable product.
His creation, Board Budder, gained traction in the snow sports industry, leading Smith to ponder how to transform his kitchen project into a full-fledged enterprise.
While he had a successful product and recognized a market demand, Smith soon realized that his academic background in natural sciences left him lacking essential business skills.
He was unclear on financial strategies, marketing, and sales promotion — all critical elements needed to elevate Board Budder to new heights.
At the same time, Taby Davila was carving out her own niche in a very different sector of the business world.
Davila launched Shop Taby in 2019, an online store that offers fashion-forward clothing geared toward women of all sizes, ranging from XS to 5X.
Her motivation stemmed from frustrations with the limited clothing options available for diverse body types.
“Starting Shop Taby came out of a desire to belong and feel seen,” she explained.
Much like Smith, Davila was confident in her products but recognized the need for external guidance to sharpen her financial modeling and business strategy.
Both entrepreneurs turned to the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business for the mentorship and resources they sought.
Launched in 2019, the MBC program has quickly become a pivotal platform for many local student-entrepreneurs eager to grow their ventures.
Described as a unique blend of community engagement and practical experience, the MBC program offers mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs along with a tailored curriculum.
“It’s really practical entrepreneurship at an operationally sophisticated level for people who have companies and want to build and grow them,” said Paul Brown, the program’s U.S. director, in an interview.
Unlike traditional MBA programs that often rely on case studies, the MBC program allows students to apply lessons directly to their own businesses.
Program components include subjects such as financial modeling and marketing plans, making the curriculum specifically relevant to each entrepreneur’s venture.
Brown emphasized that the exposure to a diverse array of mentors—entrepreneurs, investors, and finance professionals—sets this program apart.
Each student in the MBC program becomes paired with a mentor, leading to multiple meetings each month where they receive insights and constructive feedback.
This personalized guidance can be invaluable, particularly for young entrepreneurs navigating the competitive startup landscape.
Being accepted into the MBC program also provides students with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, mitigating the solitary experience that often accompanies startup life.
Brown describes this form of learning as “cohort-based,” emphasizing the strong bonds formed when students engage together throughout the program.
“There are no electives; no way to just dip your toe in,” Brown noted.
Students are immersed in an all-encompassing experience, fostering a sense of camaraderie as they progress through intense coursework together.
In addition to mentorship, the MBC program offers students access to a wide array of business resources—ranging from marketing assistance to public relations support.
Additionally, micro-grants are available for those needing financial boosts to refine prototypes or attend key industry events.
While the MBC program doesn’t serve as a business incubator, it focuses instead on enhancing existing businesses and equipping student-founders with skills crucial to their success.
The program has seen participation from a diverse group of entrepreneurs, with students from their early 20s to those in their late 50s finding support within its confines.
Brown adds that the program has historically seen a significant number of female entrepreneurs, with around 45% of participants identifying as female, substantially higher than in many other similar programs.
In a significant expansion move, the MBC program recently launched an online MBC Global option that is geared toward assisting entrepreneurs from around the globe.
Starting in the fall of 2024, the program welcomed its first cohort of 20 founders from Africa, with plans to expand to other continents in the near future.
Jeff Davis, director of the MBC Global program, stated, “We want entrepreneurs everywhere to have the opportunity to participate in this unmatched program for working entrepreneurs.”
Smith, who operates Board Budder, reflected on how pivotal the MBC program has been for him.
Without it, he believes his business may not have developed into a full-time endeavor.
“The MBC was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Smith declared.
Similarly, Davila spoke to the sacrifices she has made to participate in the program, including long commutes from Provo to the Salt Lake City campus.
Despite the challenges, she expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed the value of being in a room filled with like-minded entrepreneurs.
“Enrolling in the MBC program is one of the best things I think I’ve done up until this point in my life,” Davila said, emphasizing the supportive environment cultivated within the cohort.
The MBC program at the University of Utah stands as a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and practical learning in shaping the future of aspiring entrepreneurs.
image source from：https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/04/22/university-of-utah-master-of-business-creation-fostering-student-entrepreneurs/
