Center for Entrepreneurship assists in Buzzy’s grand opening
Belmont’s Center for Entrepreneurship and sweets lovers everywhere celebrated today the grand opening of Buzzy’s candy shop, a new student-operated business on Belmont Blvd. Located in the Curb Event Center across from Bongo Java, Buzzy’s Candy will sell gummis, chocolates, old fashioned candy, popular wrapped candies and jelly beans. The students behind the Buzzy’s venture are Areej Rabie, a finance and entrepreneurship major, entrepreneurship major Julia Cecere and marketing major Mandy Strader, all of whom were smiling from ear to ear at the long line of customers inside their store for opening day.
“The story of Buzzy’s is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit of the students coming to Belmont,” said Dr. Jeff Cornwall, Massey Chair in Entrepreneurship at Belmont University. “The proposal for Buzzy’s was developed and pitched by a freshman, and the start-up team includes another freshman and a sophomore. Like so many of our students, they came here not only ready to learn in the classroom, but ready to get their hands dirty and learn through experience.”
Three student-run businesses–Boulevard Studios, Buzzy’s and Feedback Clothing Co.–are currently operating in the Curb Event Center space which has been set aside by Belmont University. This program gives students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in operating a small business. When a space in the Curb Center opens, a Call for Proposals goes out to students across Belmont’s campus. Students submit plans to the faculty and staff of the Center for Entrepreneurship, and those selected are interviewed. Selections are made based on viability, sustainability, research and fit for the university. Click here for photos from the Buzzy’s Grand Opening.
