By Zoe Schantz
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is pleased to announce the 2024 recipient of the Simpson-Birkestrand Endowed Scholarship for Entrepreneurs. Founded by Suzanne (née Simpson) (Social Science, '65) and Dennis Birkestrand, this scholarship honors students who exhibit a strong dedication to entrepreneurship, the values of free-market innovation, and outstanding academic achievement.
Please join us in congratulating the 2024 Simpson-Birkestrand scholar, Alina Morse.
Humble Beginnings with Big Dreams
Alina Morse (Eli Broad College of Business) is the founder of Zolli Candy. Morse, a rising sophomore studying finance with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation, grew up in Walled Lake, Michigan. She recalled “a very normal upbringing,” attending public schools and participating in various sports and activities, including competitive dance and tennis, she developed a balanced life grounded in hard work and discipline. From a young age, the influence of her hardworking parents instilled in her a go-getter attitude, which later became the cornerstone of her entrepreneurial spirit.
“I didn’t grow up with money, but my parents always taught me that hard work and a little bit of luck can make things happen,” Morse said.
This philosophy fueled her determination and creativity, leading to the creation of Zolli Candy in 2014.
A Sweet Innovation
Morse’s entrepreneurial journey began when she wanted a candy that was good for teeth. Driven by a passion for health and making a positive impact, she founded Zolli Candy, a company dedicated to producing delicious, sugar-free candy. Her vision and drive have propelled Zolli Candy to become the fastest-growing sugar-free candy company in the world.
“Being an entrepreneur means being tenacious, hardworking, and passionate,” Morse said. “It’s about making a positive impact and giving back.”
These principles have helped her overcome the challenges of building a business from the ground up and continue to inspire her as she balances student life and business ownership.
The Creative Entrepreneurial Mindset
For Morse, the entrepreneurial mindset is a blend of creativity and strategic thinking.
“As a creative person, I see a lot of parallels between the innovative, forward-thinking nature of entrepreneurship and the artistic process,” said Morse. “The best entrepreneurs are always evolving and pushing the envelope.”
Morse credits the support and resources provided by the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation with much of her growth as an entrepreneur.
“Burgess has connected me with fantastic mentors and provided opportunities to showcase my business,” she said.
Programs such as Making It in Michigan Trade Show and the Burgess New Venture Challenge, have been invaluable in helping her refine her business strategies and expand her work.
“The community at Burgess is incredible. Everyone is supportive and eager to see each other succeed,” Morse said.
This collaborative environment has fostered her development, providing a platform. for her to share her experiences and learn from others.
The Honor of the Simpson-Birkestrand Scholarship
Being awarded the Simpson-Birkestrand Scholarship is a significant milestone in Morse’s journey.
“This scholarship is not just a testament to my hard work as a student but also to my efforts as a student entrepreneur,” she said. “Balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of running a business requires immense dedication and effort, and this scholarship acknowledges that.”
For Morse, receiving the Simpson-Birkestrand scholarship is not only a recognition of her past achievements but also a motivation to keep pushing forward.
“The Simpson-Birkestrand Scholarship is incredibly validating. It assures me that I am on the right path,” Morse said. “It highlights the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit alongside academic pursuits. This support allows me to focus more on my studies and my business, and less on the financial burden of college.”
Receiving this scholarship also enables Morse to concentrate on her philanthropic efforts. As a cause-based entrepreneur, she uses profits from Zolli Candy to fuel her nonprofit initiatives, which aim to promote oral health and entrepreneurship among a younger generation.
“Being a Simpson-Birkestrand Scholar means I can dedicate more time to my foundation and business, helping more people without the constant worry of financial strain,” she said. “It’s a huge relief and a tremendous opportunity.”
Charting the Future
Morse plans to continue her studies in finance and entrepreneurship at Michigan State while expanding Zolli Candy’s reach and impact.
“I’m excited to explore new startup ideas, expand our product line, and reach new markets,” she said.
Morse envisions Zolli Candy growing beyond its current offering, this includes developing new, innovative products that align with the company’s mission of promoting oral health.
“One of my goals is to create a broader range of products that can be endorsed by dentists and health professionals,” Morse said. “I want Zolli Candy to be synonymous with both delicious treats and dental health.”
Beyond Zolli Candy, Morse is eager to delve into new entrepreneurial ventures. She plans to leverage the knowledge and skills gained from her current business to explore other innovative ideas in different industries.
"I'm always thinking about what’s next," she said. "There are so many opportunities out there, and I want to continue pushing the boundaries and exploring new horizons,” said Morse. "I want to give back to the community that has supported me," Morse said. "By mentoring young entrepreneurs, I hope to inspire and guide the next generation of innovators."
Morse’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the support of a nurturing community. Her story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs and serves as a reminder that with hard work and a bit of luck, dreams can turn into reality. As she looks to the future, Alina Morse is poised to continue making sweet strides in the world of business, proving that the horizon is indeed "sweet."
For more on Alina and Zolli Candy, checkout zollipops.com.