By Katie Haley
Alina Morse, sophomore at Michigan State University (MSU) and founder of ZolliCandy, has been awarded the inaugural Entrepreneurial Excellence Award by the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at MSU. The award is given to a student entrepreneur whose journey in innovation and growth has made an impact to set them apart. Morse was presented the award during the university’s premier student pitch competition, Burgess New Venture Challenge. Receiving the award was a proud moment for Morse as she celebrated the recognition of her hard work and innovation.
“Being honored with the inaugural Entrepreneur Excellence Award is so meaningful to me for so many reasons. Being an entrepreneur for over 10 years and a lifelong Spartan I am so grateful to have been acknowledged out of all the incredible entrepreneurs considered. Being a young woman disrupting a traditionalist industry, the road has not been easy to say the least and to know that the place I consider my second home (MSU and Burgess Institute) are supportive of my journey means the world to me,” tells Morse.
ZolliCandy, is a simple, yet innovative idea that has turned it into a thriving business. The candy company is dedicated to creating sugar-free, dental-friendly treats. Her entrepreneurial journey began at just 7 years old, driven by her own experience with cavities, food allergies, and the lack of healthy candy options. With a desire to create a solution, Morse created candy that not only contains no sugar but also includes ingredients that help clean teeth while consuming. Today, ZolliCandy is available in major retail outlets like Whole Foods and Walmart and the company continues to launch new products and ideas all while making a difference.
“This recognition will continue to fuel my passion and purpose for furthering education and access to entrepreneurship for young people across the globe,” shares Alina. “On a more granular level this scholarship allows me to focus on the most important priorities of my journey right now which are my studies and my business. I don’t come from money, I am the product of very hard working parents and grandparents that have supported me my whole life so to be able to lessen that financial burden is something I am so grateful for.”
Despite the demands of running a successful company, Alina has continued her studies at MSU, balancing her academic responsibilities while refining her entrepreneurial skills. She is an active member of the Burgess Institute, serving as a welcome speaker for the 2024 Venture Summit, and competing as a semifinalist in the 2024 Burgess New Venture Challenge, as well as selling ZolliCandy with Student-Made Michigan State. Outside of her involvement in entrepreneurship on campus she is also a member of the competitive Club Tennis and Wake Teams. Her entrepreneurial journey has continued to garner well-deserved recognition. Morse has been recognized by Inc. Female Founder 500 list, has been awarded the Her Campus E.L.F.ing 22 Under 22 Award, and was the youngest person on the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine. ZolliCandy has also been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for the fifth consecutive year.
“One of the primary factors that influenced my commitment to MSU was the myriad of opportunities provided through the Burgess Institute. What I did not foresee was the connections and friendships I would make through this program. Entrepreneurship can be isolating, especially in my experience as a young woman in a very traditional industry, finding people my age that are equally as passionate about entrepreneurship has been transformative to my experience at MSU and my perspective on the importance of entrepreneurial ecosystems,” said Morse.
This award highlights Morse’s outstanding efforts and contributions to the entrepreneurial space at MSU and beyond. She aims to inspire young female entrepreneurs to take risks and dream big.
“I appreciate the support and guidance of the Burgess team throughout my time as a student this far and I plan to participate in and contribute to this ecosystem for years to come,” states Morse. “I am going to continue to climb and accelerate growth personally and professionally with the aid of this recognition, more specifically in taking our team and operations to the next level.”