TU Students Build Campus Businesses Through Entrepreneurship Training

WVSTU - Students at William V. S. Tubman University are producing and selling goods while developing campus businesses through the mentorship of the Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Incubation Center (EIIC).

The Center's Entrepreneurship Skills Development Program provides hands-on training in liquid soap production and tie-dye making. Participants have already sold their first batch of products, taking an important step from learning production techniques to serving customers.

EIIC Director Ben K. Collins said the work reflects TU's Entrepreneur Enterprise strategic pillar, which encourages students to combine academic learning with practical skills for income generation and employment creation.
"The vision is to build a culture of innovation, production, and entrepreneurship on campus," Collins said. "These trainings provide students with real-world experience, helping them develop products, understand markets, and gain confidence as future business owners."

The skills program is one of three incubation and mentorship initiatives currently supported by the Center. Another is the TU/SAF Students Entrepreneurship Club Product Development Program, through which students produce peanut butter.

The Center also provides business incubation services to two previous Entrepreneurship Week competition winners who received startup grants.

One operates a financial services business on campus, while the other runs a shoe design and cleaning enterprise. MTN Liberia's Regional Office supported the financial services venture by providing a kiosk.

Meanwhile, Collins disclosed that arrangements are underway to bring automated peanut butter production machines to campus with support from TU President Dr. Olu Q. Menjay. The equipment is expected to improve efficiency and expand production capacity.

Together, these initiatives give students opportunities to earn income, test their business ideas, and gain experience managing enterprises while completing their studies.