HOOKED ON BUSINESS AND FOCUSED ON THE LORD
IWU alumni aren’t the only ones making waves through entrepreneurship. Thanks to projects like the Launch It Pitch Competition, not only are students able to run a business on-campus, but they’re actively encouraged. The first winner of this competition, Elijah Myers (’24), created a card-building business. Freshman Ella Wortley (’27) has also presented an exciting idea through the Launch It Pitch Competition called Weather Buddy which could continue to show promise as she develops it. Luke Ash (’24), another Launch It Pitch winner, developed a product for soccer goalies in collaboration with IWU's engineering division. Finally, the Launch It Pitch Competition helped to launch student Tony Myers’ business centered around a drink of his own making called XtraRep. These are just a few examples of the ways in which the Launch It Pitch Competition provides opportunities for students to begin businesses.
Not every student at IWU with a business started it due to the Launch It Pitch Competition. Recent Spotted Cow vendors Holly Ford (’25) and Gracie Nelson (’24) began product development and merchandising through a love for creating handmade gifts.
The ways students at Indiana Wesleyan University approach both beginning and running their businesses are almost as the students themselves. Whether they start their businesses in fourth grade or sophomore year of college, whether they pitched their idea through a competition or launched a business all on their own, IWU provides the perfect home for student businesses. Not only are students able to cultivate their entrepreneurial skills at IWU, but the intersection between business and faith becomes apparent in their stories.
XTRA REP
Tony Myers ’24
Business Administration
Myers first created the idea for XtraRep thanks to one of his entrepreneurship classes with Dr. Jen Bennett. As part of an assignment, Myers brainstormed one hundred business ideas and chose his favorite. He landed on XtraRep because he believes the sports drink industry needs a revolution. Myers intends to accomplish this is by making XtraRep from 100% natural ingredients. Since having the idea for this business, Myers feels extremely supported by both peers and faculty at IWU. Myers' inspiration, supported by the help and guidance of his IWU community, pushes him to achieve his goals and turn his dreams for XtraRep into a reality. After he graduates, Myers intends to continue growing his business so it can be the face of the sports drink industry, one day.
HOLLY'S COZY CROCHET
Holly Ford ’25
Marketing and Business Administration
Ford taught herself to crochet during her sophomore year of college to help cope with stress. Over the course of the year, this slowly evolved into a business. As a student entrepreneur, handing her business over to God proves the most challenging, but IWU helps her keep God at the center of her enterprise as she relies on prayer. Even praying through small obstacles boosts her faith and brings great comfort. Ford's ability to adapt to market trends serves her well, and she enjoys the learning process. The unpredictable nature of individual products’ popularity has also provided a lesson in constantly pursuing new ideas and trends. After she graduates, Ford isn’t certain what she’ll do with her business, but she trusts that God will make things clear and appreciates the way crocheting relieves her stress while teaching her valuable lessons in business.
GRACILYN'S CORNER
Gracilyn Nelson ’24
Senior Christian Worship & Pastoral Ministries
After learning how to crochet in fourth grade, Nelson opened the Etsy shop Gracilyn's Corner. Running this business for so many formative years blessed and challenged Nelson as she grew into adulthood. When she arrived at IWU, her shop came with her, and Nelson quickly learned the difficulty of running a small business amidst academic responsibilities. For a while, Nelson considered closing her shop, but the encouragement she’s received at IWU from both friends and strangers has motivated her to keep going. While it may not be the biggest business, her shop provides an outlet for her to spread joy through her creativity. After graduation, Nelson would like to continue to grow and change her business as she adapts her mission and vision to fit within whatever new context God places her.
Students pitch business concepts in sixty seconds or less with an audience of business professionals who judge which student delivers the most promising plan. The competition offers students an opportunity to boldly share their innovative business plans born from the creativity of their problem-solving skills. It also serves as inspiration to listen to the diverse and promising business plans of peers. The best part? The winning pitch receives a $1,000 jump-start to fuel the dream!