By Mara Waire, WaireM@Findlay.edu
In August 2021, the BRITE Center (Business Resource for Innovation, Teamwork, and Entrepreneurship Center) was established at the University of Findlay in the College of Business Building to support student entrepreneurs.
The center was founded by Carla Treadway, Assistant Professor of Teaching in Business and the Director of the BRITE Center, with the help and collaboration of the entire business faculty, involving every college within the University of Findlay, not just the College of Business. The center aims to help student entrepreneurs wherever they are on their path, in recognition of the lack of available support for students already involved in business.
Treadway, who started as an entrepreneurship instructor at UF sought to establish something within the walls of the University to aid such students using her knowledge, experience, and skills in the entrepreneurial field.
In the year 2020 Treadway approached Kirby Overton, Dean of the College of Business with her idea. Due to COVID-19, this idea was put on hold but brought back in August of 2021 and Treadway’s Idea came to life as The BRITE Center was established.
The center offers support and guidance to students interested in entrepreneurship. Freshman Cecilia Palm is a business major who intends to pursue her own business a few years after graduation.
“Learning all of the behind-the-scenes and starting that now would definitely be beneficial,” Palm said.
Treadway’s mission for the BRITE Center aligns with the University’s mission to make students more functional and apt for success after graduation.
“If we don’t provide this for our students, I think we are doing a disservice,” Treadway said.
Overton and Treadway identified the need for a physical space and a knowledgeable person to run this center. A room was available already in the College of Business Building, a space intended for entrepreneurial reasons. Treadway could use her experience, knowledge, and skills in the entrepreneurial field to guide students.
The BRITE Center’s approach is to assist students at any stage of their entrepreneurial path. It’s a huge undertaking to know all aspects of business. As an entrepreneur herself, Treadway knows the process of launching and running a business.
Senior Entrepreneurship Minor and Business Owner, Maggie Tuttle says Treadway helped her as a business owner.
“She tailors her advice depending on everyone’s situation and wants to see my business succeed,” Tuttle said. “She is very intelligent and owns a few businesses herself.”
The BRITE Center has not taken off as much as Treadway wanted as she has taken on a full-time role at the University of Findlay, teaching several classes, taking over programs, and starting another program held under the BRITE Center called Pivot; a 10-week class for athletes, discussing morals and values and how they will pivot into the real world after graduation.
Treadway also took over the Innovation Competition that has been around for a while, in which students pitch their business ideas and receive funds to jump-start their business. These other programs under the BRITE Center are helping its growth.
More is coming for the BRITE Center, as Treadway plans to introduce more events, speakers, and marketing initiatives to reach those students who could benefit from the resources offered within the center. Treadway hopes to create a supportive community of business owners and entrepreneurs at the university.
“I should know of all students who are already business owners,” Treadway said.
Her goal for the BRITE Center is to support all endeavors, not take students’ ideas, but support them.
“The more people who leave as successful business owners or in the entrepreneurial mindset is a win for us,” Treadway said.