Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship recently began a partnership with Student-Made. A custom online marketplace where FSU student entrepreneurs can sell and promote their products and services at scale.
Founded in 2019, Student-Made is a student-created and student-run program. The platform connects students, alumni and the local community, providing students with real-life experiences and opportunities to share their passions, products and services with others. FSU is one of 14 campuses across the nation that participate in this marketplace.
“Student-Made establishes a community of inventors and innovators, provides exposure to creators’ products, and gives students the opportunity to gain the skill sets they need to be successful entrepreneurs,” said Kirsten Harrison, associate dean for academic and student services. “Student-Made is a safe place to start a business with low risk and maximum support.”
The FSU program has 16 student entrepreneurs and seven student managers who run the Student-Made platform. Administrative staff positions are open to any FSU student who does not have a business or product, while student creators are FSU student entrepreneurs who can register alone or in groups.
“We wanted to provide an e-commerce platform where all of FSU’s student entrepreneurs could engage with customers,” Harrison says, “where students could gain real business experience, either as creators or as student managers providing back-end logistical support.”
All sellers have access to Jim Moran College InNOLEvation®The Student Engagement Center helps Florida State University students launch their own ventures regardless of their department or major. It provides entrepreneurial opportunities for all FSU students to develop and showcase their business ventures.
“My experience has been nothing but great,” said Alfredo Rosing, a Student-Made manager majoring in retail entrepreneurship. “It was a great experience to be in an environment where we are all striving to be better. The program gave me valuable connections and a team of managers who are motivated to do their best for creators. They inspire me every day to be a better leader and entrepreneur.”
Located within the InNOLEvation® Center, the Blackstone LaunchPad is dedicated to helping diverse and underserved students build entrepreneurial and innovation skills. The LaunchPad is home to a business incubator and mentor network, and also hosts events and competitions aligned with the InNOLEvation® Center.
“We want to inspire and support all FSU students with an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Morgan Rogers, Blackstone Launchpad program coordinator, “through individualized mentorship and workshops to turn ideas into established businesses. Student-Made expands this mission by bringing together alumni, faculty, students and community members to discover and support the entrepreneurial spirit at Florida State University.”
“We are proud of all the work JMC is doing to help student entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses across campus,” said Susan Fiorito, dean of Jim Moran College.
For more information, Student Maid Florida State.com.
