The growing representation of the small family businesses is taking shape with a new organization for students who are passionate about their own small family business.
Throughout Rawls College of Business, students come from diverse backgrounds within the world of business. The start of a business often stems from family roots and develops into a flourishing venture for future generations. One way Rawls College supports these family-rooted ventures is through the new Family Business Student Organization (FBSO), which helps students pursue their passion for family businesses.
FBSO became an official student organization in January and operates within the Alderson & Griffin Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurship under the leadership of Associate Director Anish Quenim and Professor of Management Claudio Muller. The organization focuses on providing students with networking opportunities, mentorships, and the chance to expand their knowledge and expertise in family businesses. Through these experiences, students can build their family business legacies while engaging with fellow students, Rawls College alumni, and the community.
FBSO is quickly growing into an outstanding organization, attracting students from across the college who seek to develop their skills as future family business leaders. The student officers leading the program include Cameron Patton as president, Clover Doherty as secretary, Izzy Zevallos as treasurer, Danielle DeMarco as marketing and media coordinator, and Abby Neaves as outreach coordinator. These student leaders guide the organization in developing impactful programming and events that bring attention to family businesses.
One such event was the inaugural Rawls College Marketplace, which took place March 12. Fourteen student entrepreneurs participated in the marketplace, collectively earning a total of $8,259.95, an average of $590 per vendor.
Many students who own product- or service-based businesses often struggle to find a place to sell. Securing large investors or retail partnerships takes significant networking and time, so this marketplace provided them with an invaluable opportunity to showcase and sell their products. Through the FBSO and other organizations such as the Scovell Business Leadership Program and Raider Entrepreneurship Club, students can build networking and sales skills through events like The Marketplace. Beyond generating impressive revenue in a short period, student business owners were able to build new connections, attract customers, and gain long-term marketing exposure.