The Kent State University Blackstone Launchpad began with a soft opening in summer 2012.  Since the official opening in fall 2012, many students have experienced large success.  TV2’s Robert Carroll with the story.

[bbrvideo width=”350″ float=”left” caption=”The Blackstone Launchpad at Kent State has been helping students get their business idea off the ground.  Here’s how it helped two students in particular.” ]BBR_04_Carroll_BlackstoneLaunchpad[/bbrvideo]

The Kent State Launchpad in the student center has been helping college students with business ideas since fall 2012.  Robin Bonatesta and Jada Hobson are two students that have seen great success this semester with the launchpad’s help.

“The launchpad gave me a starting place for my business idea,” said Jada Hobson, Electronic Media Production major.  Hobson said she uses her business to be an inspiration to young artists.

Robin Bonatesta, Computer Science major, uses the launchpad as a way to help make college students and professional lives easier – with business cards.  Not your ordinary everyday cards you pull out of your purse or wallet; but, electronic business cards that you can share digitally.

The Blackstone Launchpad has been in business at Kent State since Fall 2012.  Since its opening, nearly 700 students have come by, and just 15 have started a business and began making revenue.

“We are here to help students get their business ideas off the ground, and that can be tough,” said Julie Messing, Executive Director of the Blackstone Launchpad.   Messing said not all business ideas are solid enough to take off – some require more work than others.

Whatever your business idea may be – never give up on it.  Stop by the launchpad on your way through the student center one day, and see if you can get it off the ground.  Robin and Jada did just that this semester, and have seen great successes.

The launchpad has a number of advisors to help you get your business idea off the ground, also.  Each advisor specializes in certain areas; for example, Stacey Houston works with Jada Hobson.  Houston specializes in venture advising – those looking into your traditional entrepreneurship ideas.

Give it a try the next time you have some extra time, and want to see about making some extra cash with your own idea.  It may be worth it in the end.