Cole Jersek
Student vendors gathered at Clemson's outdoor amphitheater for the Blue Ridge Market on Sept. 19.
If you passed through the center of campus on Sept. 19, you probably saw tents, tables and loads of people at the outdoor amphitheater for the Blue Ridge Market. The market, hosted by Clemson’s Brook T. Smith Launchpad, is an opportunity for student entrepreneurs to show their products and make connections.
“The purpose of the Blue Ridge Market is to showcase and support student entrepreneurs in a unique shopping experience,” Michelle Navis, the project manager for the Brook T. Smith Launchpad, told The Tiger in an interview. “The market connects students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the local community in a fun, engaging atmosphere and provides a great opportunity to meet student entrepreneurs, learn about their businesses, try their products and connect with the hundreds of students attending.”
Navis also explained that the market has been going strong since the fall of 2019, and that student interns continue to lead the event.
The items sold by over 20 vendors at the market included clothes, jewelry, artwork, artisanal goods and food. A local artist even played live music throughout the whole event. I myself was able to nab a fashionable X-Men shirt for a reasonable price.
“I think that the Blue Ridge Market is one of the best opportunities for young entrepreneurs to find a reasonable way to sell and display their goods,” Conner Wolfe, one of the student vendors at the market, said.
Additionally, the location of the outdoor amphitheater capitalized on the increased number of students spending time outside after the reopening of the Reflection Pond, and contributed to an engaging environment on campus.
As for the organizing entity behind the market, the Brook T. Smith Launchpad is the entrepreneurial hub for Clemson University. Its goal is to connect students with industry professionals and fellow entrepreneurs to foster a community that elevates students to become business leaders.
“Its mission is to deliver content, spark connections (“collisions”), foster collaborations, and help create ventures that positively impact Clemson and the world,” Navis explained. The Launchpad hosts many events throughout the year, including markets, symposiums, internship opportunities and competitions.
“It doesn’t matter to us if you are into retail, AI, software, a product or a service, we are here to help you succeed,” John Hannon, Ph.D., told The Tiger. Hannon is the founding director of the Brook T. Smith Launchpad.
Launchpad events like the Blue Ridge Market continue to connect and support Clemson students. The market is also planned to take place in the spring semester.
To learn more about the Brook T. Smith Launchpad and find out about upcoming events, follow the Launchpad on Instagram and LinkedIn at @clemsonentrepreneurs or visit the Launchpad’s website at https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/launchpad/.