The Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation (E+I) at Grove City College is launching its first online e-commerce marketplace in conjunction with the Department of Entrepreneurship at Grove City College.
The Venture Village Launch Party at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, on E+I’s website at gccentrepreneurship.com will feature business ventures developed by students in the E-Commerce course taught by Assistant Professor and E+I Executive Director Yvonne J. English ’97.
The virtual launch party is open to the public. Those interested in attending can register at https://bit.ly/venturevillage.
Through the E-Commerce course, students of all majors learn what it takes to start and run a real e-commerce business from ideation and product manufacturing to order fulfillment and customer service. Businesses created during the class serve the community by partnering with local charities, which receive all the proceeds from the projects. Over the last three years, businesses created in the class have generated over $19,000 in revenue, with almost $9,000 going to local charities.
“The best way to learn entrepreneurship is just to roll up your sleeves and do it. In this class, our students learn the concepts and apply them immediately in their own ventures. COVID-19 has made an in-person pop-up shop impossible, so we’d love it if the community could log on to support our student teams as they strive to have a positive impact in our community,” English said.
The business ideas featured at the Venture Village Launch Party include:
- Environmentally friendly, sustainable tote bags that showcase local artwork. Proceeds benefit Parents in Toto, an autism resource center in Zelienople, Pa.
- Custom washer bracelets. Proceeds benefit Lydia’s Love Moments, providing love and comfort to cardiac patients at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital and the families in the Ronald McDonald House.
- Fun, quality heat packs. Proceeds benefit the Miracle League of the South Hills, because “Every Child Deserves the Chance to Play Baseball!"
- Handmade stamped metal bracelets. Proceeds benefit Light of Life Rescue Mission, a faith-based crisis center and shelter for families in need.
- Symbolic bar necklaces. Proceeds benefit Reaching Up & Reaching Out, helping those recently leaving a life in prison for a new beginning in Christ.
- Quality macrame products. Proceeds benefit The Arc of Mercer County, serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1952.
- Healthful tea products. Proceeds benefit Grove City Area Meals on Wheels, addressing senior hunger and isolation.
- Creative, sustainable accessories for the modern consumer. Proceeds benefit The Genius Corps, an accessible and inclusive lab program for middle school students.
For more about Entrepreneurship at Grove City College, visit www.gccentrepreneurship.com.