Liberty University Center for Entrepreneurship hosted its second annual Side Hustle Expo on Wednesday, giving students a chance to showcase their small businesses with a chance to win prizes.

event, held in School of Business The main lobby features 23 different student-run businesses that offer products and services, from plant businesses to jewelry, Christian fitness apparel, photography, textbook resale, hair services, a coffee/bookshop, And much more. Many students had products available for purchase.

In addition, a panel of judges ranked each presentation and awarded first and second place prizes. Expo attendees can also vote for a “People’s Choice Award.”

Junior Connor Bradley, a civil engineering student, took gold and won a $100 Amazon gift card with his business. Old Dominion Arielwhich uses drones for agricultural applications, such as weed and pest control, seeding, and mapping analysis. Senior Guinevere Collins finished runner-up and was awarded a $50 Amazon gift card Safe babywhich sells custom self-defense chains. Vintage Restylewhich sells thrift clothing and is run by students Aaron Peet and Seth Thompson, won the People’s Choice Award.

Business professor Kristen Boyce, who serves as director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, noted that the center, and the expo in particular, provides an outlet for Liberty students to present their ideas.

“I love that we’re able to give them this opportunity, this platform, and this space to showcase their business,” he said. “A lot of them have taken up hobbies and made money from them. Then we can get behind the scenes and help them figure out what those business plans look like.”

Recognizing that entrepreneurs can come from any field of study, the program caters to any student, regardless of degree program or year.

“For some students, it’s their first opportunity to be face-to-face with clients. It’s opening the door for them to get in front of their peers,” Boyce said. Different business owners are coming in, so it can also be an opportunity for investors to expand the product in their areas and mentor students.”

writing And Theater Arts Made by freshman Madeline Pope Acts of Faith Publicationsa Christian publishing company that markets Christian music to theaters and schools.

“I’ve always loved theater and writing, and I wanted a way to combine them,” she said. “There aren’t many companies that sell Christian music, but there’s definitely a market for it.”

“I love this opportunity and the ability to get my name out there being a part of this expo,” he added. “It’s been a great experience.”

Junior Owen McCone, who is studying. Financial planning And Economicsshowcased his company Fill Your Cup (FYC), which sells spill-proof glass cups emblazoned with various Christian messages. Because of its focus on advancing the Gospel, the company also takes a portion of its weekly sales and donates it to causes such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Operation Blessing.

“We really want this to be a conversation piece,” he said, noting that he gave his life to Christ as a student at LU. “I like to think of it as nonverbal evangelism. You could be walking around with a ‘Jesus loves you’ cup, and someone might think, ‘I really need to see that today.’

Boyce encouraged students to visit the Center for Entrepreneurship or email. [email protected] To find out how they can successfully market their hobbies into profitable ventures.

“The Center for Entrepreneurship is here as a resource for all Liberty students,” he said. “We want to come with students and help them engage and feel empowered. The Expo is just another outlet and opportunity that we’ve been able to get from the center. Thinking about ways we can be innovative and provide opportunities.

The Side Hustle Expo was one of several events organized by the center to recognize Global Entrepreneurship Week. On Monday, students were invited to participate in an entrepreneurship scavenger hunt, and on Tuesday a Women’s Entrepreneurship Day webinar was held.