Launching a Business in College: Insights and Resources for Student Entrepreneurs

Balancing coursework, a social life, and business responsibilities requires careful planning. Time management is crucial, and I’ve found that digital planners and time-blocking techniques help me stay on track. Prioritization is key but so is scheduling time for rest. Burnout is a real risk, and making time for self-care ensures sustainable productivity. I prefer to keep my Fridays completely free from academic or professional responsibility so that I can spend time with my friends and enjoy New York City.

Funding a start-up on a student budget can seem daunting, but NYU offers several resources to support aspiring entrepreneurs. The Wasserman Center for Career Development provides grants and scholarships to help students in unpaid internships or low-paying jobs. The Mark and Debra Leslie Entrepreneurs Lab (Leslie eLab) also offers financial assistance for new businesses, helping cover some of the initial costs. These resources make it possible to pursue business ideas without significant personal financial strain.

Every successful business starts with an idea, but coming up with the right one requires a mix of creativity and strategy. Identifying market gaps and aligning them with personal passions is key to building something meaningful. Personally, I have always loved reading and writing, and I am deeply committed to uplifting my community. By combining these passions, I was able to create both my nonprofit organization and my medical scribe business. A purpose-driven business idea not only fuels motivation but also leads to a venture that can create a lasting impact.

Once you have an idea, the next step is to develop a well-structured business plan that provides direction and clarity. For my nonprofit, I set clear yearly and monthly goals focused on fundraisers, school literacy activities, and social media engagement. Meanwhile, my medical scribe business requires a more flexible approach, so I prioritize weekly check-ins with employees and ongoing collaboration with my cofounder to ensure everything runs smoothly. By structuring my schedule around these responsibilities, I can maintain a balance between my business, academics, and personal life.

NYU provides invaluable social resources that can help student entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality. For example, networking events and student clubs create a supportive environment to connect with like-minded individuals. Building a strong team is essential, and NYU is full of talented students eager to collaborate on innovative ventures. Taking advantage of these resources can make the entrepreneurial journey much more manageable and rewarding.

The NYU Entrepreneurial Institute and Leslie eLab offer start-up bootcamps, coaching, and venture programs. The Leslie eLab serves as a collaborative workspace, providing access to a pre-money conference room and a “need it/got it” board for networking and finding students with the skills necessary to help build your business. NYU Tandon Future Labs are excellent for tech-focused start-ups, offering incubators and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, programs like the NYU Startup Sprint and Summer Launchpad help early-stage businesses refine their strategies and scale up.

Networking is a crucial part of entrepreneurship, and NYU offers various student organizations that facilitate connections. The NYU Entrepreneurs Network (NYUEN) links students with industry professionals and peers. One of my favorite clubs is the Women Founders club, where I serve on the e-board as the vice president of digital marketing. Being involved in these communities has been invaluable in building connections and gaining industry insights.

Starting a business in college can be such a transformative experience. Beyond financial benefits, it provides professional insight, networking opportunities, and skill-building. Despite the challenges, it is absolutely possible to succeed as a student entrepreneur. My journey has introduced me to incredible people, increased my financial independence, and ultimately made me a happier, more fulfilled individual. If you have a passion and a vision, there’s no better time to start than now!

Starting a business in college can be such a transformative experience. Beyond financial benefits, it offers invaluable professional insight, networking opportunities, and skill-building. Despite the challenges, it is absolutely possible to succeed as a student entrepreneur. My journey has introduced me to incredible people, increased my financial independence, and ultimately made me a happier, more fulfilled individual. If you have a passion and a vision, there’s no better time to start than now!