Innovative Student Entrepreneurs Shine at Texas A&M Expo

Innovative Student Entrepreneurs Shine at Texas A&M Expo

College Station, TX – The McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship was alive with creativity and ambition this past Monday as students from Texas A&M University showcased their entrepreneurial prowess at the annual Integrated Business Experience 2024 Expo. This vibrant event was a culmination of hard work by 12 teams of graduate students enrolled in the Mays Business School’s innovative program, where they take their ideas from mere concepts to tangible businesses ready to sell.

A Hands-On Learning Experience

The Integrated Business Experience program has been fostering entrepreneurial spirits since it was launched in 2016 in collaboration with Aggieland Credit Union. Over the course of the semester, students dive deep into the world of business, starting from brainstorming ideas to actually creating, marketing, and selling their products.

“I’m looking for students to invest themselves in this experience,” said Blake Petty, Executive Director of the McFerrin Center. “Each year, I contend that it gets even better. These students are constantly improving and it’s fantastic to see!”

From Business Plans to Real Products

The entrepreneurial journey begins for these students by crafting a solid business plan, which is then presented to secure a loan from Aggieland Credit Union. Rachel Bond, Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement for the credit union, shares, “We are the financial supporter, the benefactor. We lend the money, help with accounting, and ensure that they learn how to manage their finances.”

Once they’ve secured their loan, it’s time for the magic to happen. The teams hustle to manufacture their products, diving headfirst into what feels like the real business world. Whatever profits they generate, after paying back the loan, get donated to local charities, giving a feel-good factor to their entrepreneurial journey.

Innovative Products Galore

The products at the Expo were as diverse as the teams that created them. For instance, Tradition Trays offered handcrafted ceramic trays shaped like Reveille, designed for jewelry and watch storage. As Mariam Kundi, the CEO of the team, expressed, “We realized how few jewelry-related products A&M had and thought our design would fill that gap nicely.” The profits from their sales will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Brazos Valley.

Another exciting venture was Whoop Wearables, a group dedicated to enhancing game day experiences with their “12th Pack,” a stylish clear belt bag that doubles as a beverage holder. “We wanted to create the ultimate fanny pack and add a coozie to the mix. It’s all about making game days more fun!” said Madison Miller from the team. Profits will support the Special Olympics of Texas, showing their commitment to giving back.

Puzzles and Buildable Fun

JigSaw Em Off, featuring the beloved Reveille surrounded by Aggie memorabilia. Inspired by local artist Benjamin Knox, team member Logan Kettle stated, “The journey has had its ups and downs, but we’re all proud of our progress.” They aim to contribute a portion of their profits to the OnRamp organization, helping those in need.

Additionally, an incredibly fun idea from Build-A-Rev combines Legos with A&M spirit. Their product comes with blocks to build a charming model of Reveille. Luke Preston, Chief Cultural Officer, shared, “It was cool to see our brainstorming session turn into a real product. We sold 600 sets!”

A Promising Future

As the teams wrap up their sales by January 9, 2024, it’s estimated that together, they will generate around $55,320 in profits for local charities. It’s fascinating to see these students turning their entrepreneurial dreams into reality while also giving back to the community.

With 60 students participating this year, the Integrated Business Experience program continues to grow, providing students with essential skills they’ll carry into their careers. As Bond put it, “This class builds real-world experience; it’s like a crash course in what it takes to be a successful business leader.”

This year’s expo was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Cheers to these aspiring business leaders whose journeys are just beginning!