11 Reasons to Start a Business In College

Is right now a good time to start a college business?

Short answer – yes. Each semester, university students all over the world are brave enough, inspired enough, and passionate enough to take their business idea and turn it into a real business. I know a lot of college students who come up with great business ideas all of the time but don’t know where to turn for guidance.

I am really starting to get pumped up about Start It Up TV! We are well under way with the development of the site and we are beginning to build an awesome list of totally brilliant college entrepreneurs ready to share their experiences with you! The goal of the interviews is to provide our viewers with rich content related to starting a business while in college and inspire them to chase their passions. All of the guests will be speaking about their experiences as a college entrepreneur and will undoubtedly touch on many of the benefits – as well as some of the negatives – of launching a business in college.

But since we are still a few weeks away from the official launch of Start It Up TV, here is a quick list of 11 reasons you should pack those fears away, organize your life, and start a college business now!

1. It looks really great on your resume

Let’s start with the not-so-right answer – it adds some serious weight to your resume. It shows that you have the creativity, determination, and confidence to carry out a vision. During interviews, most of the time was spent on the interviewer asking me about my business. It’s so easy to talk about what you are completely passionate about, but this should not be a driving factor in your decision to start a business in college.

2. You Build an Insanely Valuable Network

You will meet more professors, students, and business professionals than you ever thought possible. All of a sudden you will notice you are surrounded by people who want to help you succeed – and it forces you to be more accountable with your business and carry through with it.

3. Wait, I Get Paid to do This??

If you start something you’re really into, then it’s not really “work” work. Because of this, you actually want to dedicate tons of time and resources to your business. By building your business, you will (hopefully) make a profit. It’s a great way to make some extra money to fund those crazy weekends you have…or help pay rent.

4. Be Your Own Insurance

You build something that you can fall back on even after you graduate. Come on, in this economy you shouldn’t put all your hopes in landing that dream job as soon as you graduate. And even if you do, perhaps you can continue your business on the side to earn some extra income…or sell it!

5. It’s Interesting Being Interesting

You become more interesting to others when you are doing things that are rare or unconventional. When someone asks you, “so what have you been up to lately?” you can mention that really cool project you’re working on…that’s making you money…that you created all on your own. I bet whoever you are talking to will be impressed by your entrepreneurial spirit and certainly remember you much better.

6. Practice What You Learn

If you are a Business major, then you get to put what you learn in class into practice. This was a huge benefit for me because my grades actually got better the semesters I operated my cookie business and I really do think it’s because I was applying everything I learned in class to my business. If you’re not a Business major, it’s okay. There are still substantial opportunities to gain the knowledge you need and find business development resources at your college to help you with your business.

7. Resources and Resources for Free!

Spinning off of that, your college offers you a substantial amount of FREE resources to help aid in the development of your business. You have professors on campus everyday who are more than capable of answering questions for you. If you are looking for interns, well, they are right there for the taking. Your college provides you with a bunch of free resources you would otherwise have to pay for if not a college student. Really, anything you need assistance with you can find it at your school 99 out of 100 times. For me, I was able to utilize the services offered by the University of Delaware’s Venture Development Center.

8. Read All About It

There is a good chance your business will make it into the headlines of your school newspaper!  They are always looking to cover fun and unique stories about their students. Sure, if you start a business outside of college there will be opportunities for media coverage. However, it can be easier reaching out to your school newspaper for some coverage rather than other media outlets. Who doesn’t like some free press?

9. The Timing is Right, Do it Now

You barely have any responsibilities of your own right now other than making sure you go to class and you don’t spend all of your grocery money on beer. Don’t wait until you are married with kids and have tons of other responsibilities that make it difficult to start a business. Don’t be fooled, it takes a lot of hard work, time and motivation to do this. It’s not impossible to do when you’re older, but you do have to realize there are other priorities and responsibilities in that stage of your life. This is the perfect opportunity to really do it right and you can use your free time as a huge advantage.

10. It’s Easier as a College Student

It’s kind of strange, but when I was running my college business it seemed every time I needed something or asked for help, people were really excited to lend a hand. I think it had a lot to do with the fact I was a student. People like helping people, especially young people who are trying to make something of themselves. It is inspiring. A lot of doors can open up to you playing this card. Take advantage of it and use it to help grow your business!

11. It’s a lot of Fun

It really is one of the coolest experiences taking a fresh idea, getting others excited about it, and  going through the steps of making it happen. You will feel an overwhelming amount of pride and satisfaction creating a business that is all yours. That’s the beauty of it: everything about this business is yours and only you can bring it to where you want it to be.

But hey, if this list doesn’t quite do it for you, I have a feeling upcoming Start It Up TV episodes will make you want to get out there and start something up.

This is where you come on…Why do you think starting a business in college is beneficial? What else can you add to this list? Feel free to comment!