New student org looks for entrepreneurs

One of Detroit Mercy’s newest student organizations, the Entrepreneurship Association, is also a first of its kind on campus.

New as of this semester, the group explores everything from passions and interests to potential career paths and business concepts, providing members with the opportunity to network, consult, pitch and compete.

Organizers say any student is welcome to join the Entrepreneurship Association since it’s meant to improve their creativity and problem-solving skills. Between 10-15 members attend most meetings.

“The EA is unique because it is open to all students regardless of their major or whether they are undergraduate or graduate students,” said Bianca Candela, the organization’s president and founder.

Although it may seem geared towards business students, any student can benefit from entrepre- neurial skills, such as critical thinking, communication, attending to a vision and teamwork and leadership skills.

You don’t need to have any previous experience creating or running a business to join the EA, however it is implied students should be ambitious and come to meetings ready to make a change in the community. The group holds meetings every other week.

Part of belonging to the organization involves brainstorming, and eventually executing, start-up business ideas.

The group hopes to come up with a wide variety of ideas and eventually create and run a business on campus or in the Detroit area. It also hopes to host a campus-wide pitch competition.

All of the EA’s goals intend to make a positive difference in the way campus runs or the community around the university.

“Entrepreneurship allows me the freedom to be my own boss, follow my passions and do things that have not been done before in our community,” Candela said.

She said the organization is a relatively low-commitment organization that could have long-lasting and impactful results. Real-world experiences, which the group hopes to provide, can be a differentiating factor on a resume when applying for a job, she noted.

Noah Mulligan, a junior Business Administration major and member of the group, said that the organization often brings in guest speakers with experience in the entrepreneurial field who share their knowledge and offer advice.

He said those speakers also connect the group with its surrounding neighborhoods and community.

Since the organization is new, many students have yet to hear of it.

Candela said those interested in joining can reach out to the group’s Instagram page (@udm_ entrepreneurship_club) to stay up to date and learn more about their upcoming meetings and events.