Bellevue University Honors Entrepreneurial Success During National Entrepreneurship Month
National Entrepreneurship Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the drive, determination, and innovation of entrepreneurs. Bellevue University is proud to spotlight alumni and students who have turned their business ideas into reality with support from the Tom and Annie Pratt Entrepreneurial Award Program.
Since its creation, the program has provided funding and mentorship to nearly 50 students and alumni, helping them launch and grow their businesses.
Mike Smith: Transforming a Kitchen Hobby into a Global Brand
In 2017, Mike Smith, a licensed family counselor, started creating hair styling products in his Bellevue kitchen after his family went to bed. With support from the Pratt Award, he launched Dauntless Modern Grooming. Today, the company has expanded into Europe, offering products to customers around the world.
Smith, the program’s only two-time winner, used his 2017 award to launch the business and a second award in 2019 to expand his reach. “Timing is essential. If I hadn’t launched when I did, the next domino wouldn’t have fallen,” said Smith, who holds degrees in Behavioral Science and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University.
Andrea Grangruth: Growing a Business from Scratch
Andrea Grangruth launched Momma Drea’s Sugar Cookies in her Dallas-area kitchen in 2018, crafting cookies for events of all sizes. Winning the Pratt Award in 2021 allowed her to upgrade her equipment and refresh her branding.
Grangruth, who earned a Master of Science in Management in 2020, now provides her cookies for everything from birthday parties to corporate events. “It gave me the motivation to take it to the next level,” she said.
Graeme Eaglesham: Building Nebraska’s Largest After-School Soccer Program
The Pratt Award helped Graeme Eaglesham grow his after-school soccer program into Future Kids, which now serves about 1,000 children in 70 schools across Nebraska. The award provided equipment and mentorship from John Levy, president of the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation, who continues to guide Eaglesham on running a successful non-profit.
“Before John, I knew nothing about non-profits,” said Eaglesham, who graduated with degrees in Sports Management and Health and Human Performance. “The mentorship and networking opportunities have been invaluable.”
Bellevue University’s Tom and Annie Pratt Entrepreneurial Award Program demonstrates the University’s commitment to supporting students and alumni in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
As part of National Entrepreneurship Month, Bellevue University celebrates these and other success stories that highlight the power of combining education, funding, and mentorship to achieve business success.
Learn more about the Pratt Awards and watch videos of previous winners.