Hosted by: Neville de Lucia, Dale Carnegie Training

This session will equip participants with practical tools and techniques for navigating social situations with ease. You’ll learn how to confidently represent yourself and your organization while building meaningful connections. The session also highlights how to recognize natural openings in conversations, helping you engage with others and foster a comfortable, welcoming environment.

Hosted by: Steven Sparling, Accredited Brand Storytelling Coach & Author of “The Thriving Creative”

This workshop will explore ways to build a sustainable marketing ‘habit’ instead of a ‘one and done’ approach, which is seldom effective. Drawing upon principles of storytelling and ‘show and tell’ you’ll walk away with ways to promote your work that feel authentic instead of salesy. We’ll wrap it all up with some tested strategies so you can craft a realistic, and repeatable, marketing plan.

Hosted by: Lori Fischer and Student-Made MSU Managers, Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship

This session highlights how thoughtful design, student needs, and strategic partnerships shape successful on-campus retail. Hosted by Lori Fischer, Gina Keilen, and Yuktha Pulavarthi from MSU, this session draws on their experience expanding Student-Made MSU to six retail locations across campus, offering practical insights into building vibrant, student-centered retail environments.

Hosted by: Steven Sparling, Accredited Brand Storytelling Coach & Author of “The Thriving Creative”

This active workshop will use the Japanese philosophy of IKIGAI to construct a sustainable creative career as well as building a life worth living! Participants will walk away with a clearer idea of how they can build a career in the creative industries and/or be a creative entrepreneur. Students can use this as a planning and strategizing tool while staff may find it useful as a classroom teaching exercise.

Hosted by: Erika Austin, MSU Licensing + Nick Oertel, Foster Swift

This session breaks down the essential legal and financial steps student entrepreneurs need to operate confidently. Hosted by Erika Austin (MSU Licensing) and Nick Oertel (Foster Swift), this session offers clear, practical guidance on trademarks, business structures, and tax basics to help creators build their ventures the right way.

Hosted by: Nick Chagin, The Startup Bug

An Interactive Pricing Workshop for CreatorsIn this hands-on workshop, student creators and entrepreneurs will learn how to build a realistic pricing model for their product using a simple step-by-step framework. Participants will use AI to create a pricing model that is logical, justifiable, and aligned with the value you’re creating. By the end, you will leave with a personalized pricing model that you can immediately put into practice!

Hosted by: Neville de Lucia, Dale Carnigie Training

This session will explore practical strategies for boosting productivity so you can accomplish more each day and feel as if you’ve gained an extra hour. Participants will learn how to enhance their professional credibility by becoming known for efficiency, organization, and timeliness. We’ll also cover techniques for prioritizing and delegating effectively, helping you create space to focus on personal well-being and the long-term success of your business.

Hosted by: Janay Brower, Public Thread

Join this session to learn about a unique social enterprise that has been operating for almost 10 years in West Michigan. Public Thread is a circular design and manufacturing learning lab. They work in the areas of textile upcycling and re-use, cut & sew manufacturing, training, upskilling & education related to sewing and upcycled product development. Janay Brower is the Founder and CEO and she will share about the history of Public Thread, their unique collaborations and ways to embed caring for people and the planet in your supply chain and business operations.

Hosted by: Ryan McElhinney, Student-Made co-founder

Small Steps, Big Growth brings together a panel of Michigan State University student creators who are building their own ventures through Student-Made. Moderated by Ryan, Co-Founder of Student-Made, this session explores how small beginnings, consistent effort, and campus creativity can lead to meaningful personal and entrepreneurial growth. Attendees will hear firsthand stories, practical insights, and advice from student entrepreneurs turning their ideas into impact.