Small startups don’t usually have a high success rate.
So when a student-led business venture benefits the company, students and local businesses at the same time, it is important that the University take note and encourage similar ideas to help foster positive creativity around campus.
Buzz Rides provides quick, safe and free transportation services to UNC students.
With the help of student business incubator 1789, the founders of this operation, Joey Skavroneck and Parker Draughon, were able to come up with and successfully implement an idea that benefits the whole campus rather than a specific niche market.
Roote, the first company to partner with Buzz Rides, proved to be the perfect fit because its market for local produce seamlessly meshes with the idea of a sustainable, student transportation service.
Additionally, Roote is also a completely student-run business venture between Kenan-Flagler Business School and the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
This emphasis on student collaboration is an important way for students to get real-life business experience and work with professionals to gain insight into how social innovation can benefit multiple groups of people at the same time.
Buzz Rides is using UNC as a pilot before expanding to other universities.
Its founders are using the opportunity as a learning experience, which is exactly why it is important for universities to support students in gaining valuable experience with real-life entrepreneurship.
