Sponsored by the Economics and Management Department, Gustavus will be home to its first ever Gustie Entrepreneur Cup. 11 teams of students will compete on Saturday, May 9 in the Beck Hall Atrium for The Cup. The event runs from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is open to all.

“The cool part about our project is that even if we don’t win, we will still be around next year.”—Liz Strom

The Gustie Entrepreneur Cup is an opportunity for Gusties taking the Entrepreneurship Seminar class to showcase their business projects they have been working on for the semester. Additionally, students are competing for cash prizes to help jump-start their business. Senior Management and Political Science Major Jack Anderson and partner Liz Strom have submitted an entry entitled, “So You Think You Can’t Dance.”
“Our business is a dance company for couples who can’t dance. Basically, we have instructors teach couples different dances including the merengue, salsa, and the waltz, “ Anderson said.
Anderson and Strom had the opportunity to test run their business for Gustavus students. They held four weeks of dance instruction for 11 Gustie couples where they were taught how to dance. The class ends this week giving couples the opportunity to dress up and showcase their skills.
“The cool part about our project is that even if we don’t win, we will still be around next year. Our business will be run by the Gustavus Social Entrepreneurs, and we plan to expand our business and offer more classes. Plus, all proceeds will go to Royal Kids Family charity in Mankato,” Strom said.
Junior Communication Studies and Management Double Major Casey Lindquist is also a competitor entering her business called Breezy Willow.
“Breezy Willow is a handcrafted home decor with a country vintage touch that provides products ‘to make your house a home,’” Lindquist said.
As a part of the Entrepreneurship Seminar, Lindquist has been hard at work creating a business plan, website, and figuring out the best methods for distributions.
“The biggest challenge was the short time frame to create a company,” Lindquist said.
Creating a business takes a long time, however Gusties rose to the occasion and did it during a semester.
Lindquist is looking forwarding to speaking with the judges and getting feedback.
Prominent Gustavus alumni and President Bergman are among the judges for the event. Alumni include Margaret Anderson-Kelliher ’90, President & CEO of Minnesota High Tech Association; John Bergstrom ’82, Partner at RiverPoint Investments, Inc.; Sara Elenkiwich ’10, Operations Analyst at Sparboe Farm; Brent Harms ’82, Founder and CEO at Tecmark; Larry Lukis, Chairman at Proto Labs; and Jim Vos ’84, Principal at Cresa Minneapolis.
With a diverse and distinguished judge panel, students have the opportunity not only to present their projects, but also gain valuable feedback and network.
“If you want to witness creative and amazing ideas come to life, I would encourage all Gusties to come watch the Gustie Entrepreneur Cup,” Lindquist said.
Join Lindquist, Anderson, and Strom along with other Gusties Saturday, May 9 from 2-7 p.m. in Beck Atrium Hall to see them share their business project and to compete for a $3,000 grand prize.

-Nusla Mohamed