First annual “Market Day” inspiring, successful for Sonoma State student entrepreneurs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2014

First annual “Market Day” inspiring, successful for Sonoma State student entrepreneurs

Rohnert Park, CA – Close to 30 student- and alumni-run businesses and organizations showcased and sold their services and products to upwards of 250 students yesterday at Sonoma State University’s first ever Market Day.

“Market Day was literally a dream come true for me,” said Patrick Maloney, student lead and board director of Entreprenoma, Sonoma State’s student-run business incubator. Inspired two years ago by the entrepreneurial projects many of his friends and colleagues were undertaking, Maloney and the Entreprenoma team organized Market Day to display Sonoma State students’ talent and ideas.

“It was great to see so much support from students and faculty,” said Cassie Faulding, art director of “Primitivo PR,” Sonoma State’s student-run public relations firm. “A few people took some of our flyers and business cards and said they’d be in touch, so we’re hoping we have some new clients and business connections.”

Garrett Gooch, who sells customized vintage shorts with his girlfriend Caylee Southland, said their “Every Booty Included” table was also getting a lot of traffic. “We’ve already sold half of our inventory,” said Gooch, who later high-fived Southland after making another sale.

Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Robert Brunner, noted designer and founder of The Ammunition Group. He relayed inspiring and valuable lessons from his impressive career in industrial design—which spans across Apple, Inc. and Beats by Dr. Dre headphones—about effective branding, marketing and evolving technology.

“Entrepreneurs now have a seat at the table,” he told the students, alumni, faculty and community members in the audience. “It’s a tough career. But if you work hard, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.”

Entreprenoma is one element of Sonoma State’s plans to promote on-campus innovation, serving as the support system for like-minded students.

 “What’s different about what we’re doing is that this is cross-disciplinary,” said Kirsten Ely, faculty lead of Entreprenoma. “Any student who wants to start a business or act entrepreneurially can participate, not just those who are taking our courses.”

More than half of the student vendors at Market Day were non-business majors. Justin Bell, for example, was promoting his organization “Noma State NMBS,” an art collective for Sonoma State students to collaborate and cross-promote amongst each other.Maloney said Market Day was intended to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that many Sonoma State students possess. “Next year, Entreprenoma’s Market Day will definitely be bigger and better,” he said. “I’m anticipating twice the number of vendor applicants!”

Missed Market Day? Keep in touch with Entreprenoma and get updates on more events and news by e-mailing entreprenoma@gmail.com.­

Full list of student vendors:
NOMA State NMBS, contract art services; Eye Guide, ultrasonic obstacle detection; Thrift Shop, clothing swap; College Outlet by Tyler Carl, jewelry sales; Moonman Productions, videographer; Josh Cantu Photography, photography; SenCell, GSM data locator; The Smarden Project, smart garden/water detection sensor; VinData, winery POS system; SoulClothingCo., online women’s boutique; PrimitvoPR, student-run PR firm; Off the Map, clothing; Lumber Love, woodburned tree ring discs; Poppies, seasonal fruit popsicle; Gumdrop Parties, children’s parties and accessories; Robbie Geiss Art, digital art/sculpture; Abelar Music, music promotion site; Lindseyvee Jewelry, handmade jewelry; Blue Owl Vines, organic hot sauce; SSU Growers Cooperative, produce growers; Service with Style, mobile bartending service; Farceur Cellars, winery; DJ Swirl Time, DJ/event music; School-U, Facebook application; Invincible Leaders, leadership coaching; Gino Luigi Photography, photography/videograpahy; contract art services; Student Storefront, student storefront; Every Booty Included, vintage altered clothing

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For more information about Market Day or SSU's current entrepreneurial endeavors, contact Kelsey Koon at koon@seawolf.sonoma.edu or visit sonoma.edu/entrepreneurship.

About Entreprenoma
Entreprenoma is a student-run, co-curricular organization to support entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial thinkers, and those interested in the entrepreneurship at Sonoma State University. Entreprenoma serves as a platform for opportunities like speakers, workshops, networking and mentoring. sonoma.edu/entrepreneurship

About Sonoma State University's Community for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Learning (CELL)
Sonoma State University's Community for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Learning (CELL) is leading a three-prong entrepreneurial movement in education. CELL's goals are to launch and support entrepreneurial careers and businesses out of Sonoma State, infuse entrepreneurial thinking into the educational system, and accelerate entrepreneurial action in the North Bay. Students will spend their time at SSU becoming entrepreneurial thinkers who have launched their own businesses or are job ready as they step out on their career pathway. The School of Business and the School of Education are partnering to develop cross-disciplinary curriculum that supports entrepreneurial thinking for educators. CELL is an active member of the North Bay iHub and Sonoma County BEST, supporting entrepreneurship as a key ingredient for regional growth and prosperity.  sonoma.edu/entrepreneurship