259 BUSINESS FAIR Welcome to HU-VILLE The College of Business Administration promotes student entrepreneurs. The Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration (COBA) hosted an event for students who owned small businesses to promote their products before the student body left for winter break in November of 2020. COBA searched for ways to advocate for entrepreneurs during a challenging semester. Due to COVID-19, community building was difficult in fall 2020. To combat the trials of the fall semester, COBA hosted an event titled HU-Ville Holiday Showcase. Eighteen students participated in the event hosted in the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Business building to boost awareness for their small businesses. COBA invited students to reserve a booth and display their businesses. Senior Sally Roach set up her booth to display her earring business, which she started in September 2020. “My favorite thing was to see so many students and teachers supporting their peers,” Roach said. “I loved seeing so many of my peers support me.” Senior Maddy Byrd promoted her jewelry business, BYRD, at the showcase. The HU-Ville Holiday Showcase brought awareness to her new social media outlets, which led to an increase in sales during the holidays. “It was fun to interact with other businesses and learn their tips and tricks for growing their own place within the market, and even gain a new customer exposure experience,” Byrd said. After promoting his workout business AMT Fitness for four months, senior Toni Montez used his booth to promote his website, workout app and personalized fitness plans. “I think it was great for getting my brand name out,” Montez said. “Running this business has helped me learn how to better communicate with others, create systems and build relationships.” The HU-Ville Holiday Showcase was a success and opened the door for more events to promote the students who were looking to boost their businesses. “I’m thankful for the HU Waldron Center and the support they’ve given me and many other student owned businesses,” Montez said. “It has inspired me to try my best in my business endeavors and has driven me to pursue different avenues of the business.” The students who participated in the event saw an increase in their revenue and sales. Both COBA and the small business owners hoped to have more opportunities to showcase their accomplishments in the future. story by Sophia Toth Sophomore Matthew Maynard, senior Bryson Gentry and juniors Ethan Day and Cole Williamson gather at the HU-Ville Holiday Showcase in the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Business Building on Nov. 17, 2020. The event raised up entrepreneurs. | photo courtesy of Emily Hook Junior Kendra Neill’s art booth displays her work at the HU-Ville Holiday Showcase in the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Business Building on Nov. 17, 2020. Neill sold frames, pictures, and postcards using pictures she took while abroad.| photo courtesy of Kendra Neill
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==