不良研究所

For those looking to build and grow a traditional business, the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking just launched a program designed to help students do exactly that. 

In the age of high-tech startups and digital ventures, traditional businesses 鈥�&苍产蝉辫;from brick-and-mortar shops to service-based enterprises 鈥�&苍产蝉辫;call upon a different type of innovation. The Hunter Hub鈥檚 Business Playbook, a comprehensive, hands on-program open to U不良研究所 students, faculty, staff, and alumni, is the first step towards starting a traditional business. 

Unique to the Hunter Hub, Business Playbook is the first offering of its kind here at the University of 不良研究所. In line with the university鈥檚 mission to embrace innovation with , Business Playbook was created to be the first entrepreneurial touchpoint for aspiring traditional business owners.

Making your next best move with Business Playbook

Created and lead by Alessandra Amato, venture programs specialist at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, Business Playbook is designed for students ready to hit the ground running.  

鈥淲hether you have an idea for brick and mortar, consultancy, or service-based business, this is the program for you,鈥� Amato says. 鈥淏usiness Playbook is for anyone in the U不良研究所 community who has an idea and is ready to start taking action to build that business.鈥� 

Traditional businesses are a critical pillar of economic development and social well-being. In 2023, were small businesses. Beyond their economic impact, traditional businesses foster a sense of place and community within the city.

So, what defines a traditional business?

鈥淎 traditional business can encompass so many types of businesses. This program could be for those looking to start their own consultancy firm, such as a marketing agency,鈥� Amato says. 鈥淥r maybe you're a veterinarian or a lawyer looking to open your own clinic. You could be a personal trainer looking to offer that as a service. Perhaps you want to open a cafe or brick-and-mortar store or even an online Etsy store.鈥�

A fast-track to success

Starting on Feb. 6, the program will run every Thursday. During each weekly two-hour session, participants will learn the foundational skills they need to start their business, including financial planning, market research, customer discovery, customer experience management, and more. Further, Business Playbook will feature a small cohort size, which will encourage peer learning throughout the program. 

In between sessions, participants will complete work on their own time, implementing their learnings. 

The program will also provide mentorship from seasoned business owners. 鈥淎 big benefit of being mentored is that you're working with and learning from those who have already started their own businesses,鈥� Amato says. 鈥淵ou get the chance to learn from their mistakes and apply those learnings as you build a successful business for yourself.鈥� 

Amato summarizes Business Playbook in a few words: 鈥淚t鈥檚 creative, hands-on, actionable, community-based and inspiring.鈥� By the end of the program, participants will be ready to launch their business with confidence. 

are open until Jan. 26, 2025