RBE MARKETPLACE

For Fall 2023, the marketplace is in person and online. Event will be advertised to campus, alumni, and community with the help of University partners. Please contact RBE Coordinator Professor Kristi Mitchell or the Innovation Lab with questions.

click here to rEGISTeR your team

Event Details

In-Person RBE Marketplace

This event hosts all RBE teams in the Dugal hall atrium. Each team receives a table and table cloth.

Consider bringing:

• Banners/signs to capture guest attention for your table

• Product and packaging/gift bags

• Prepared sales pitch

• Way(s) to take payment and/or receive feedback if not conducting sales

• Sign in sheets or laptop to collect contact information

• Any additional items necessary to help meet your proof of concept goals

• The in-person RBE Marketplace will be complemented by a dedicated online marketplace.

ONline RBE Marketplace

Early Start: November 3 - November 17

Regular Start: November 10 - November 17

The RBE Online Marketplace is a one stop virtual shop for all RBE teams. Teams receive:

• a listing that includes a business logo and two product pictures

• up to 200 word product or service description

• contact information including hyperlink to the team website site for visitors to learn more and complete purchases.

Teams are responsible for completing all online sales transactions, customer service and product/service delivery to customers. View past online marketplaces from Spring 2022, Fall 2021, Spring 2021, or Fall 2020.

Best of RBE

All participating RBE teams are eligible for the Best of RBE Award.

The Best of RBE is a people’s choice award celebrating concepts consumers enjoy and that add value to the market. Voting takes place starting 8am November 10th to 12noon November 17th. Winners announced the afternoon of November 17th.

Register:

Registration deadlines and fees are based on team choice of online marketplace options Early Start (November 3-November 17) or Regular Start (November 10-17). Follow the links to register your team.

• In Person and Early Start Online Marketplace, $35, register by November 1st at 6pm.

• In Person and Regular Start Online Marketplace, $25, register by November 8th at 6pm.

NO edits/changes are available to the information once submitted. Please confirm description accuracy, pricing, etc before submission.

additional RBE Support opportunities

The Butler University 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.

• Website Development. Innovation Fellows & Associates can assist student-led businesses with developing a website to increase awareness, test concepts and drive sales. Learn More.