On April 25, Belmont opened up the Freedom Plaza for student and alumni entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and sell their products to passersby on campus. This year marks the 9th annual Entrepreneurship Village Showcase following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Cone Center for Entrepreneurship provided the participating businesses, ranging from hot sauce companies to jewelry boutiques, with tents and booths to meet new customers and promote their businesses in a way they may not previously have been able to. The entrepreneurs included 21 students, 11 alumni and one professor and represented various majors across campus.
“For Belmont to be so supportive of our endeavors and provide us with tents and tables is amazing,” said junior audio engineering major and entrepreneur Haley Tidd. Tidd’s booth displayed her beautiful artwork of butterflies painted on glass frames.
Despite not being a business major, Tidd speaks of Belmont’s entrepreneurial community as one of support and acceptance, “Always be kind; being kind will get you further. It’s not about competition, and that’s what I love about Belmont—it’s all about the love.”
Tidd wasn’t the only person who shared this sentiment.
Junior nursing major and entrepreneur Giada Fantoni spoke highly of the support of the Belmont community and the growth she’s experienced the past few years while serving as the events coordinator at the Belmont student-run business, House Of. “I started working at House Of my freshman year, and it’s definitely been really great learning marketing and communication skills.”
Fantoni currently sells her custom-made jewelry, Giada’s Gems, at House Of. When Fantoni first started selling her jewelry, she worried that she wouldn’t have time to be a student while also running a business. However, having the opportunity to sell her products at House Of has given her a chance to be both a full-time nursing student and an entrepreneur. “Don’t let your dreams die,” advised Fantoni.
The Entrepreneurship Village will return next fall and spring semesters. Belmont students and alumni of all majors and backgrounds are encouraged to participate. Learn more by getting involved with the Cone Center for Entrepreneurship.
