What Are New Opportunities Provided to StFX Students?
/Recently, the U, the student body who works as representatives on behalf of the school’s students, is experimenting with a fresh idea to bring to the Bloomfield Centre: a site on campus which serves to ‘provide a space for those with businesses, side hustles and passion projects.’ This new idea continues to have student input as it is finalized in order to create a total student-made space.
The idea of the Entrepreneurship Hub first sparked as the latest service to replace Convenience for U, the on-campus convenience store that has been suspended indefinitely due to lack of student engagement. It brings the question - what is truly relevant to students?
I met directly with the U’s executive vice president, Alessandro D’Aquino, to attempt to answer this question. Here are the important things to know:
The Hub is a place to sell a great range of products, from paintings, old clothes, handmade goods or even furniture. Size is typically not an issue, and carts may be provided in these cases. With little limits to consumable products and school services, essentially anything can be sold. Students can also find additional services and connections through the societies present - ways to source out, how to start businesses, what materials, and more, making it the perfect place to sell and nurture ideas. The Hub will be available in the Bloomfield building throughout the day (and into the evening), typically once a week. Transactions will be catered towards cash unless Sellers rent a table through the U’s website, and the steps plan to be as simple as that. As the U reinforces inclusivity, anyone and everyone is welcome to join. Learn how to build a business, start your business and expand it - this is the place to build experience for StFX entrepreneurs. A market on campus for students, ran by students. Here, students can find items and societies that align with their personal interests, sell goods,and build innovation within the community.
As the project finalizes, attention becomes focused on the future: What are the U’s next steps? Support from school professors is in negotiation, and if approved, provides a chance to work alongside those in professional fields. Collaboration with the school regarding payments with DCB is also in negotiation. Students affiliated with payment apps may be welcome for accepting transactions via card, however, the leading mode of payment within the Hub will be cash. Additionally, local stores may be possible in the future, but not an immediate priority at this time as the Hub focuses on individual student businesses or student groups. Societies are open to become part of the market and collaborate to offer services. All in all, students are encouraged to reach out to the Student Union Board through The U’s website to learn more. Give ideas to the board, talk about your business, build a business.
