Students from the Design and Entrepreneurship course at the exhibition “Building Brands Together.”
Empowering Arkansas Entrepreneurs through Creative Collaboration
The School of Art at the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences has launched a groundbreaking **Design and Entrepreneurship** course aimed at empowering small businesses in Arkansas. This innovative program marries **design thinking** with **entrepreneurial spirit** and community engagement, creating a ripple effect of positive change across the region.
A Fusion of Design and Business
In collaboration with the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Entrepreneurial Law Project, the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP), and Thrive Inc. in Helena, students applied **community-centered design** principles to deliver impactful branding solutions for the state’s early-stage entrepreneurs.
Real-World Impact
“This course exemplifies the **power of cross-disciplinary collaboration**,” says Rachel Debuque, director of the School of Art. “By integrating design thinking with entrepreneurial strategies and community focus, our students not only acquire invaluable real-world experience but also contribute meaningfully to new businesses across Arkansas.”
Hands-On Learning Experience
Senior program manager Elizabeth Quinn played a pivotal role in bringing this collaboration to fruition. She highlighted the pressing unmet needs of entrepreneurs: **“Accessing affordable design resources is a significant hurdle for startup businesses.”** This course offered a **pilot program** that proved to be invaluable for both students and entrepreneurs.
Under the guidance of professors Nadia Issa and Jessica Miles, students engaged closely with emerging entrepreneurs during their early business development stages. This hands-on experience proved instrumental in helping entrepreneurs define their visions and values.
Creating Meaningful Connections
Among the entrepreneurs who participated were notable figures such as Misti Staley of Staley House LLC, creator of FreeArm; Marcus Nelson of **Making Teachers Great Consultants**; and Joseph Haney of **ARKIE Cypress River Expeditions**. Each entrepreneur was strategically paired with student teams to co-create branding and visual assets that would drive their growth.
**Market research** and **SWOT analysis** were integral components of the project’s framework, providing students with crucial insights into client needs. Moreover, guest speakers from the Entrepreneurial Law Project delivered essential knowledge on legal considerations like **copyright** and **trademarks**, enriching the students’ learning experience.
The Design Journey
“Students had to navigate uncertainty and embrace the responsibility of their work impacting real businesses,” stated Issa. “They adapted quickly and showcased creativity that was both **thoughtful** and **impactful**.” The course was more than just a classroom experience; it became a real-world application of design skills in a professional setting.
From Concept to Creation
The collaborative process necessitated ongoing communication, project management, and coordination with various stakeholders, ultimately leading to the development of **promotional assets** such as website graphics, branding guidelines, and merchandise. This immersion provided students a glimpse of their future careers as **professional designers**.
“Working with inspiring design students to support entrepreneurs was incredibly rewarding,” said Miles. “The progress they made throughout the course was impressive and indicative of their potential.”
Celebrating Success: “Building Brands Together”
The culmination of this impactful journey was showcased in the final exhibition, **”Building Brands Together.”** This event highlighted the significance of collaboration and trust in building brands and community connections. It reinforced the idea that **success is rarely a solo endeavor**—it thrives on diverse perspectives and collective effort.
“I wholeheartedly recommend this program for any entrepreneur struggling with technology or design,” enthused Haney of **ARKIE Cypress River Excursions**. Staley of **FreeArm** echoed similar sentiments, noting, **“This experience was enlightening and required minimal input from my end.”**
A Model for Future Initiatives
As a reflection of the course’s success, there is a strong interest in expanding this initiative to include more cross-campus collaborations. **Rachel Debuque** envisions a future where more such courses flourish, enhancing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem while providing students with transformative learning experiences.
In summary, the **Design and Entrepreneurship** course is not just an academic offering—it’s a testament to the positive impact that **collaborative creativity** can have on communities. By marrying art and business, this initiative paves the way for entrepreneurial growth and cultural relevance across Arkansas.
