SALT LAKE CITY — European entrepreneurs can now apply to enroll from their home countries in the award-winning Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business starting August 2026. Eligible European countries include Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Netherlands.
The expansion to Europe follows the launch of the MBC Global option in fall 2024. The international option was first offered in Africa (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa) and has since expanded to Canada (Ontario) and now Europe, with other regions and countries possible in the future.
The global expansion follows years of growth in the U.S. of this unique program for entrepreneurs. It is offered in partnership between the Department of Entrepreneurship & Strategy and Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the Eccles School, which is ranked among the top-10 universities in the country for entrepreneurship education.
“The continued expansion of the MBC program around the world shows the success of our model to become the world’s best business accelerator plus graduate degree for serious entrepreneurs, creating a thriving global community of MBC entrepreneurs,” said Jeff Davis, director of the MBC program and a professor in the Department of Marketing at the Eccles School. “I am thrilled to bring the program to Europe with our partners in Luxembourg after the successful launch of the global program in Africa.”
The expansion to Europe is a partnership with Aureus Ars & Scientia, a philanthropic organization that fosters education, arts and science. Leading the partnership in Europe are Olivier Van Regemortel, Jacques Mahaux and Amélie Madinier, who are the chairman, board member and executive director at Aureus Ars & Scientia, respectively. Madinier will be the regional director of MBC Global (Europe) and brings a wealth of experience in mentoring, recruiting and developing founders.
“We look forward to enrolling founders in our region into the Master of Business Creation, one of the most unique and valuable degree programs for entrepreneurs anywhere in the world,” Van Regemortel said. “We invite founders across eligible European countries to learn more and apply. We expect admissions to be competitive, and we expect to have scholarships for the most qualified applicants who apply before the 31st of January 2026.”
Bringing the MBC program to Europe was made possible through the support of the Lassonde Family Foundation.
“Their generosity has made it possible for us to change how entrepreneurship education is provided and launch exceptional programs like the Master of Business Creation and expanding it across the world,” said Scott Holley, executive director of the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute. “We are grateful for their vision and support as we work toward our mission of transforming students through entrepreneurship.”
The MBC program was first introduced in 2019 as a first-of-kind program, and hundreds of founders have enrolled in the program since then. It matches the best of a business accelerator with a top-ranked university to provide entrepreneurs with the information and resources they need to grow and scale their companies.
The MBC Global program features all the core elements of the successful U.S. program. The founders in the global program have access to one-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs in their location, an applied and highly relevant curriculum, networking opportunities and more. They also join a growing, international network of MBC alumni, founders, faculty and mentors.
The MBC Global program is offered online, and founders join a cohort with other entrepreneurs from their region in the one-year program.
Entrepreneurs everywhere are invited to apply now or request information about the MBC program. Options to learn more include regular virtual information sessions and one-on-one meetings with admissions advisors. Apply and learn more here.
“The more you learn about the MBC program the more you will understand how unique this program is and what an incredible opportunity it provides to entrepreneurs ready to grow their startups,” said Jeff Davis, director of the MBC program and a professor in the Department of Marketing at the Eccles School. “We are now accepting applications in the U.S., Canada, Africa and Europe, and we look forward to expanding to other locations in the future.”
Founders in the MBC Global program can apply now to enroll starting in August 2026. All candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, because space is limited. The price for the program is the same in all locations and designed to be very affordable and a high value investment in founders and their companies so they can put most of the time and resources into their business.
Learn more about the Master of Business Creation Global program and apply at eccles.utah.edu/mbc/global. Learn about all MBC program options at eccles.utah.edu/mbc.
About the David Eccles School of Business
At the Eccles School, students do more than earn a degree or learn business – they live the experience with hands-on immersive learning. This empowers students to graduate not only with a degree, but the real-world experience, the mindset, skills and confidence to succeed. Founded in 1917 and educating more than 6,000 students annually, the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah offers nine undergraduate majors, four MBA programs, eight specialized master’s programs, five Ph.D. academic tracks and an executive education program. The Eccles School is also home to more than 16 institutes, centers and initiatives, which create societal impact through academic research, applied knowledge, leadership and innovation. Learn more at eccles.utah.edu.
About the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute
The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute is a nationally ranked hub for student entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Utah and an interdisciplinary division of the David Eccles School of Business. The first programs were offered in 2001, through the vision and support of Pierre Lassonde, an alumnus of the Eccles School and successful mining entrepreneur. The institute now provides opportunities for thousands of students to learn about entrepreneurship and innovation. Programs include workshops, networking events, business-plan competitions, startup support, innovation programs, graduate seminars, scholarships, community outreach and more. All programs are open to students from any academic major or background. The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute also manages Lassonde Studios, a five-story innovation space and housing facility for all students. Learn more at lassonde.utah.edu.
About Aureus Ars & Scientia
Aureus Ars & Scientia supports education, art and science initiatives that foster creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset. The association carries out philanthropic investments to empower students, researchers, artists and entrepreneurs. It develops programs, prizes, scholarships and partnerships that build skills and open international opportunities. Aureus acts as a catalyst for talent and a driver of impact, contributing to a more inventive and sustainable society. Learn more at linkedin.com/company/aureus-ars-scientia.