BOSS - Student-Athlete Competition

This summer, take on a new challenge: turning your hustle into a business. No idea is too bold, and no brand is too small – we're looking for student-athletes ready to build, lead, and own their future. 

BOSS – Athletics is designed to help Ohio State student-athletes create real business ventures. Through an engaging series of virtual workshops, you'll explore entrepreneurship, collaborate with like-minded founders, and receive coaching from former student-athletes turned business leaders. 

Whether building a business around your personal brand or launching a startup unrelated to athletics, BOSS gives you the tools, training, and network to make it happen. 

Built for Student-Athletes: Student-athletes are natural leaders, teammates, and competitors. Those same strengths translate powerfully into entrepreneurship. BOSS - Athletics is open to current student-athletes at Ohio State who want to take ownership of their future through entrepreneurship. 

The program consists of virtual workshops throughout the summer and one-on-one coaching sessions with an assigned mentor. No business experience required – just drive, curiosity, and a willingness to grow. 

You can apply for BOSS - Athletics with or without a business idea. 

BOSS - Athletics Prizes: Student-athlete-led businesses will compete for funding, including a grand prize of $10,000 and the possibility of $5,000 prizes. These awards are courtesy of the Joan & Chester Luby Microgrant Prize Program for BOSS. 

Backed by Buckeyes: The Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship powers BOSS - Athletics alongside a team of mentors who understand the athlete's mindset and the entrepreneur’s journey. 

Summer 2025 Program Timeline