Real Business Experience
We Learn Business by Building Our Own
All students in the Andre B. Lacy School of Business take the Real Business Experience, EI-201. This sophomore-level course encourages teams of students to develop a viable business plan, run the business for credit and profit, and present the concept to a panel of executives. Students learn how to make educated risks, market themselves, finance and manage a business, not just from a textbook, but by actually doing it. Learn more about the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Curriculum or contact RBE Coordinator Professor Kristi Mitchell.
Spring 2024
28 Real Business Experience Teams are in full swing, running their businesses. Please attend the in person RBE Marketplace Friday, April 5th 10:00- 1:30 in the Dugan Hall Lobby or SHOP ONLINE (external site)!!
past ONLINE RBE MarketplaceS
additional RBE Support opportunities
The Innovation Lab is pleased to offer Real Business Experience teams support during your Proof of Concept efforts.
Post Fliers and Business Information. Teams are welcome to post their business information in the designated areas within the Innovation Lab (Dugan Hall 135). Items posted incorrectly will be removed. DO NOT POST FLIERS ON ANY WALLS! Building services will remove and teams may be required to pay for any resulting damage.
Pop Up Shops. Need more than virtual engagement? There are limited opportunities for in-person sales and/or feedback through socially-distanced pop-up shops and mini-tests in the Innovation Lab and Butler’s off campus space at 16Tech. All pop-up shops and mini-tests in the Innovation Lab must be scheduled. Contact the Innovation Lab for more information.
Rapid Prototyping and Micro-Manufacturing. The Innovation Lab can assist with concept development through rapid prototyping or small batch creation using a 3D laser printer or 3D printer. Contact the Innovation Lab for more information or to schedule a time to discuss your needs.
Bulk/Wholesale Purchases. Pitch your business to the Innovation Lab for bulk purchase to be included on the Shop section of our site after the Marketplace is over. Pitch Days are by appointment. Team representatives must prepare a 3 minute pitch and be prepared for a q&a following the pitch. This will also help you prepare for your Lending Panel/Demo Day pitches. Contact the Innovation Lab for more information or to schedule your pitch.
Visual Merchandising in the Innovation Showcase. Products eligible for display in the Innovation Showcase during and after the RBE Marketplace.
Rapid Prototyping and Micro-manufacturing. Take control of your concept and supply chain. Teams can make their own prototypes using a 3D laser printer or filament based 3D printer. The Car Carryall (below) was developed, prototyped and manufactured by the team using the Glowforge 3D laser cutter.
The Innovation Lab site and pop-up shops allowed me to use this platform to reach a whole new customer base. Since there were a variety of products all student run businesses were promoting, multiple different people were able to see my product. This gave it the exposure it didn't have before.
Allie Rosati, Co-Founder Just Baked, Entrepreneurship & Finance Major.