LaunchNET’s Small Business Showcase event on Nov. 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the DI Hub, allows entrepreneurs to display their businesses.
Alizeh Khalifa, assistant director of marketing at LaunchNET, said the showcase aims to highlight various businesses.
“The main goal with our clients is just getting their names out there, getting their products and services in front of potential customers,” Khalifa said. “So, we thought a showcase kind of tabling style event would be a great opportunity for them to have that kind of space.”
Khalifa said Kent State students, alumni and staff could register to table at the event; it is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to get feedback on their business ideas, make sales and network.
According to Khalifa, entrepreneurs from different industries are expected to showcase their work, such as apparel, jewelry, crafts, cosmetics, service providers, food and beverage.
“Of course, they need to increase that awareness and hopefully make some sales in the process,” Khalifa said. “They can hopefully get some potential future customers, but they can also connect with other entrepreneurs who are in a similar space as them and kind of build out their network.”
LaunchNET hired Rolling Refreshments to cater drinks at the event. This beverage business was founded by Audrey Ernst, a Kent State alum, and Vaunden Brunn, a senior entrepreneurship student.
“It’s cool that we can support our [alumni’s] businesses … and now they’re graduated and they’re doing bigger things,” Khalifa said. “So, it’s nice to bring them back and support them.”
Teddi Wilson, a senior visual communications design and graphic designer at LaunchNET, is another entrepreneur returning to the Small Business Showcase. Wilson is the founder of Star Bear Inc., an entertainment production company, and she will sell some of her crafts and other products at the event.
“Last year, I didn’t actually sell any physical products or products, but I had my sketchbook, some brief ideas, animatics and turnarounds I had for my characters,” Wilson said. “It was really exciting because even though I didn’t necessarily have anything super interactive or merchandise itself for people, I still had people coming up to me and asking me about my enterprise.”
Wilson said the feedback and the networking opportunities were vital to her and her business, and she is excited but nervous about returning to the Small Business Showcase this year.
“This is supposed to mark a milestone for me to have purchasables, and to show the evolution from last year’s showcase to this year’s showcase,” she said.
Wilson said she is also looking forward to seeing entrepreneurs she saw last year at the showcase.
“What I love most about it is like it’s such a collaborative experience across the board,” Wilson said. “All the entrepreneurs show great attitudes. They’re excited to not only showcase what they’re doing but to get around and to see everyone else’s table, to support where they can.”
Ana Julia Cechin Facco is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
