VentureLab@CatholicU at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America is a dynamic incubator designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their innovative ideas into impactful businesses. Rooted in the principles of ethical leadership and service, VentureLab provides students with the tools, mentorship, and real-world experience to launch ventures that not only drive economic success but also create positive social change.
Through a combination of hands-on learning, guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, and a collaborative community of like-minded individuals, VentureLab fosters an entrepreneurial mindset that prioritizes integrity, responsibility, and purpose. Participants in the program are encouraged to think beyond profits and focus on creating value that benefits both individuals and society as a whole.
Whether students are launching startups, working on social enterprises, or exploring new models of business leadership, VentureLab is a space where visionaries are equipped to succeed with principles that guide both their business decisions and their broader impact on the world.
Fill out a student evaluation form at the link below. Have a few questions first? Contact W. Brian Walsh ’90, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Ciocca Center, at walshw@cua.edu
The Ciocca Center VentureLab@CatholicU team is available for scheduled and drop by meetings. Stop by with your business ideas, questions, or anything else you need assistance with, or just to grab a snack. We look forward to seeing you!
VentureLab is in the basement of Maloney Hall (at the bottom of the stairs or elevator, head left through the big glass doors to the end of the hall). You’ll know us by the neon VentureLab sign!
We have established a team of nationally recognized CUA alumni in their respective fields ranging from entertainment, law, sports, marketing, security, and finance. This select CUA Alumni group serves as mentors for undergraduate students during their entrepreneurship journey.
Billy Barnes ’18
Director of Sales, Clowder
Brian Cashman ‘89
General Manager, New York Yankees
Jeff Cherry ’82
Managing General Partner, Conscious Venture Partners
Ann Fitzgerald ’88
Founder, AC Fitzgerald
Daniel Kane ’15
Founder, Attorney, Law Office of Daniel T. Kane PLLC
Steve McClatchy ’91
Founder, Alleer Training and Consulting New York Times Bestselling Author
Mike McGarrity ’90
Vice President of Global Risk Services, Global Guardian LLC. Former Assistant Director FBI’s Counterterrorism Unit
Jackie Ryall ’88
Associate General Counsel, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Angela Santomero ’90
Chief Creative Officer, 9 Story Media Group;
creations include Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and noted author
Greg Santomero ’90
Creative Director/Principal, Santo Design
Chris Veno ’86
Co-founder and Co-CEO, Trion; CUA Trustee
Michael Wetmore ’83
Co-founder, Ryan & Wetmore, PC
Pat Wilson ’88
Founder, Profitable Association
VentureLab@CatholicU is always seeking passionate alumni experts to coach and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us in guiding the next generation of innovators—contact us today to get involved!
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Support the Ciocca Center’s mission to cultivate ethical leaders who drive innovation for the common good. Your contribution helps provide transformative resources, programs, and mentorship that empower individuals to create meaningful businesses rooted in virtue. Together, we can inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs to build a more authentic and flourishing world.
The Busch School of Business
Maloney Hall
Catholic University of America
620 Michigan Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20064
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