Six Appalachian State University students have been selected to receive Student Venture Fund awards to support the development of businesses with high potential social or economic impact.
After collaborating with App State’s Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship and presenting their ventures to a panel of entrepreneur judges, the students were selected on April 24. Each business was awarded $2,000.
The student and their ventures are:
- Senior management major Jonah Chapman, Soule
- Junior cybersecurity major Matteo Di Martino, MDI Tech & Consulting
- Junior management major Kiera Murphy, Camp Vertica
- MBA student Sawyer O’Donnell, Career Crush
- Junior management major Skyler Perguidi, University Headboards
- Senior building sciences major Noah Sorg, B&S Construction and Remodeling
About App State's Student Venture Fund
Established by Appalachian State alumnus Steve Norwood, the Student Venture Fund supports early-stage student entrepreneurs at App State. The fund helps students cover common startup expenses, including professional services, market research, technology tools and marketing, enabling ventures to move from concept to early execution. Administered through the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship in the Walker College of Business, the fund is part of a broader effort to advance student entrepreneurship through mentorship and experiential learning.
About the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship
The Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship advances student entrepreneurship at Appalachian State University by providing education, coaching and access to resources that help students translate academic learning into practical, market-ready business concepts. The center connects students with experienced entrepreneurs, industry partners and alumni while focusing on developing viable, sustainable businesses. Learn more at https://entrepreneurship.appstate.edu/.
From left are Jonah Chapman, Matteo Di Martino, Kiera Murphy, Sawyer O'Donnell, Skyler Perguidi, Noah Sorg
Student Venture Awards (2026)