By Erin Timmerman
Student-Made Michigan State has expanded into two new market locations on Michigan State University's campus. This expansion highlights the marketplace's impact and success over the past year, proving to be a crucial collaboration with the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
Student-Made Marketplace
Student-Made is a platform designed to empower student entrepreneurs by allowing them to sell their products in a retail space. The marketplace connects Spartan creators with a broader audience, offering them exposure and retail experience. Since its creation, Student-Made has made significant strides, contributing to the growth of student-led businesses and promoting an entrepreneurial and supportive spirit on campus.
Recent Expansions
Student-Made Michigan State's expansion into two new markets shows the growing popularity and demand for student-created products. Their new locations at the MSU Dairy Store and Union Sparty's Market, both popular meeting spots on campus, are expected to significantly increase awareness for the marketplace and student creators. Student-Made hopes that by placing student-created products in high-traffic areas, a conversation will be started and motivate individuals to support student ventures.
Pop-Up Events
In addition to its market locations, Student-Made has been actively engaging the campus community through pop-up events, like the Union Arts and Crafts Show. In partnership with the East Lansing Arts Festival, the event brings in 40,000-60,000 people and 330 artists and crafters. The show offered a busy venue for student entrepreneurs to showcase their products and engage with a wider audience. These pop-ups have helped build excitement for student-made goods and have allowed creators to build lasting relationships with individuals and other businesses while receiving feedback on their ventures.
Impact on Student Entrepreneurs
One of the most impressive aspects of Student-Made's inaugural year at MSU is the remarkable performance of the campus despite its small team size. Of all the campuses participating in the Student-Made program, MSU's team achieved the highest revenue, a testament to the dedication and drive of the students and team. This success story reflects hard work and the unique opportunities Student-Made and the Burgess Institute provide students.
Several student entrepreneurs have seen substantial growth and success through their participation in Student-Made.
Megan Timmerman, Student-Made creator and owner of Bluthreads and co., a handmade embroidered apparel brand, said, "Being a part of Student-Made has introduced me to countless opportunities." Last year, Timmerman collaborated with Ella Lynch, owner of Stuck On You Design Co., participated in pop-ups, and received incredible engagement from being in the markets - showcasing Student-Made's impact on her business development.
The expansion of Student-Made and its strong performance in the first year on campus demonstrate the effectiveness of teamwork and the importance of supporting student-creators at MSU. With the highest revenue of all participating campuses, MSU's achievements showcase its students' impressive potential and talent.
As Student-Made grows, there will be more opportunities for students and a broader impact on MSU's entrepreneurship education programs.
More information is available via Student-Made Michigan State, and to stay up-to-date with on- and off-campus Student-Made events in the Lansing area, follow @studentmade_michiganstate on Instagram.