Huizenga College promotes student entrepreneurs

Academy’s Shark Cage program allows students to create their own businesses.

This program provides a 3+1 accelerated degree and academic minor with the on-campus experience of running a business.

Jordy Aristizabal, senior marketing major, talks to another student about his business Jag Photography.

Jordy Aristizabal, senior marketing major, showcases his business, Jag Photography, on campus. COURTESY OF NAJEEB AHMED.

Through Shark Cage, students can become the CEOs of their own on-campus business. As of now, 18 student-run businesses are on campus.

The opportunity is available for those in the HBIA. Students enrolled in an experiential venture creation minor go through a series of courses while being mentored by faculty and staff.

Once ready, students can pitch their idea to the university for a micro-loan of up to $5000. If selected, they can purchase inventory and equipment and begin their business during their third year in the program. Monica Paneque, director of the Business Innovation Academy, oversees the program.

“Students have the opportunity to not only learn about entrepreneurship but actually practice entrepreneurship through launching an on-campus business,” said Paneque. “Students go through a series of coursework that takes them through the stages of entrepreneurship, from ideation to maturing and scaling their business.”

The program was established in 2019, and the first batch of students who have completed the program are set to graduate this May.

NSU’s HBIA plans to stay in contact with them in order to follow their entrepreneurial journey after NSU.

Restaurants, such as Razor’s Grille, Kat’s Asian Kuisine and Mako Milkshakes, all operate on a schedule based on when the Shark Cage’s kitchen is available. Meanwhile, other businesses, like Island Exotics, Sol Luna or Sweet Tooth Candy Shop, get small spots where they can sell their products.

Julian Ferrer, third-year senior entrepreneurship major, appreciates working in Razor’s Grille.

“It’s been a blessing. Being part of HBIA has changed my life completely. It’s helped me for my career and helped me develop personally. I made a lot of friends here, and, of course, it’s taught me a lot about running a business,” said Ferrer.

Ferrer encourages students to apply for the program if they are looking for experience in running their own business.

“I would 100%, no, 200% recommend this program to whoever wants to be an entrepreneur.” Ferrer said.