This spring, more than 60 student teams at the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno turned $250 into more than $19,000 in revenue, gaining an unforgettable hands-on learning experience as they built businesses from scratch.
Entrepreneurship (ENT) 200, a long-standing course in entrepreneurship fundamentals, introduced a new experiential learning model. For the first time, teams each received $250 in startup funding and were challenged to launch a real microbusiness. Their goal was to generate at least $400 in sales using the University’s maker resources, startup mentorship and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Students got to work researching products, sourcing materials, managing inventory, and designing everything from custom apparel to laser-cut home goods. They produced their products using tools at the DeLaMare MakerSpace and Innevation Center, including 3D printers, embroidery machines, laser cutters and more. Some items students created were tote bags, customizable keychains and custom hats.
The semester culminated in the first-ever ENT 200 Sales Expo, where student teams transformed the KC Lawn into an outdoor marketplace. In just two hours, they made more than $4,000 in sales, which brought their semester total to over $19,000.
“It was incredible to watch students take an idea and turn it into something real," said Gianna Hutton, coordinator for first year programs. "They weren’t just learning business skills. They were having fun, getting creative and building something they were proud of.”
Some teams exceeded their revenue goals, while others gained valuable insights into pricing, marketing and customer interaction: all lessons they can carry into future ventures.
“I wish this class had been available earlier in my college career," said graduating senior and teaching assistant Vedant Malhotra. "It was an amazing experience to see it firsthand and support students as they built real businesses from the ground up.”
At the Expo, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Success Jeremy Tiedt walked from booth to booth asking a single question: “Did you have some fun?”
The answer from every team: “Absolutely.”
All revenue earned will be reinvested into seed funding for future student-led microbusinesses, ensuring this new model of experiential learning continues to grow. Plans are already underway to expand the initiative next year with more teams, greater goals and an even bigger Expo.
