Waynesburg U.’s entrepreneurial programs provide impactful opportunities for student-run businesses

Entrepreneurship has been around for centuries as a tool for brainstorming and constructing business ventures from a foundational concept. Ancient civilizations and medieval guilds utilized entrepreneurs in trading goods and services on routes like the Silk Road. Although Waynesburg University’s exceptional student entrepreneurs have moved past ancient trading practices, today, the eHIVE and other resources on campus aid students’ individual journeys as they work diligently to build and promote their businesses for others to enjoy.

Our services and our learning labs offer hands-on learning that allows students to explore, experiment, make mistakes, learn, and grow all in a safe environment

Cassy Dorsch, Director of eHIVE and Nest

Waynesburg University offers students of all majors the unique opportunity to create, build, promote and facilitate any type of business. Through the Approved Student Business application process, and with resources provided by the eHIVE like one-on-one coaching, students can start testing their ideas and shaping their passion into something they can one day make a profit from, right on campus.

“I think that the resources the eHIVE offers are an incredible resource for students launching businesses. Our services and our learning labs offer hands-on learning that allows students to explore, experiment, make mistakes, learn, and grow all in a safe environment,” explained Cassy Dorsch, director of the eHIVE and Nest at Waynesburg University.

Waynesburg’s immersive environment is the perfect place to launch and cultivate any student business, as long as they have a goal in mind.

“My overall goal is to deliver a quality service at a low price. I know how being a college student can affect students’ pockets, so I try to benefit both of us with my pricing,” explained Reggie Branson, a senior entrepreneurship and management major from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Branson launched his car-detailing business as part of an entrepreneur class during his sophomore year.

With the aid of eHIVE services, Branson and other creative students have had hands-on opportunities to brainstorm and develop products that will further customer satisfaction.

Services offered through the eHIVE and learning labs include a state-of-the-art Makerspace, custom micro-production, 3-D printers, an on-site apparel store and many more. Soon, the eHIVE will also be implementing a student loan program to support business growth. With experienced coaching and hard work, students can utilize the programs offered at WU and transform their ideas into reality.

“The eHIVE has helped me grow my business venture by providing me with the right tools and resources to successfully succeed,” explained junior forensic investigation and criminal justice double major Diana Gurecka. Gurecka founded Hudas Creations LLC. and became an official business in July 2024 with the goal of providing 100% sustainable products directly sourced from the United States. Gurecka’s aspirations combined with the eHIVE’s resources encouraged her to learn how to market and expand her business opportunities.

Minus occasional guidance meetings and approval requirements, a student’s business is entirely up to them to grow and maintain.

“They still need to go through the proper campus protocol for requesting a table, having their marketing materials approved, etc. but the eHIVE is there to help walk them through and navigate how to operate a business on campus,” said Dorsch.

If you want to start a business, be passionate about it, and be dedicated

Diana Gurecka, junior forensic investigation and criminal justice major

Although it is recommended that students apply to become an Approved Student Business, it is not required to receive one-on-one coaching for beginning entrepreneurs. Along with the coaching opportunities, learning lab locations such as the Makerspace, where students can develop their items, and the Nest, where students can learn how a small-scale retail business runs, provide interested entrepreneurs with chances to learn the ins and outs of product development and manufacturing.

With the aid of the various learning labs, the eHIVE and hands-on entrepreneurial programs, students can pursue their aspirations of starting a business or serving the community through passion and hard work.

“Take every opportunity you can get,” shared Gurecka. “If you want to start a business, be passionate about it, and be dedicated.”

For more information about launching an Approved Student Business, contact Dorsch at cdorsch@waynesburg.edu.