HooREH for Student Entrepreneurs!

This academic year has been filled with student entrepreneurship in the Reh School of Business.  Our first year program continues to give each of our students an experience in business that becomes a foundation for future learning. This year. 12 startup companies presented their business proposals to a group of alumni, each proposal including a request for funding. A variety of innovative new ideas were presented including an app to speed up food service on campus, scooter rentals, an on campus barber shop, two unique clothing brands and a social enterprise focusing on reducing stress for our students. Nine of the concepts were approved for funding, several with important conditions that helped the group to understand the importance of due diligence.

We are very excited to have the coffee shop in the atrium of Snell Hall reopening this semester under the new brand Java Stop! The COVID pandemic forced us to step away from the social hot spot but our Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, a national student entrepreneurship network that has a large chapter on the Clarkson campus, will be managing the business with the support of Sodexo, our campus food supplier. The students will be managing inventory, payroll, marketing and financial reporting activities with the support of faculty and staff advisors.  

Based on generous alumni support, the Dean’s Challenge for Business innovation recognizes a student entrepreneur who best exemplifies the traits of our most successful alumni entrepreneurs. This year Savanah Pierre has been recognized for her passionate work ethic, her sustainable business model and her commitment to adding value. Savanah received $2,000 in recognition of her tremendous success.