UVa-Wise business students using class project to raise money for hurricane relief

Professor Achua's Small Business Institute (SBI) class.

Business students at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise are using a class project as a creative way to help raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

This year, in addition to working toward a good grade, students in the Small Business Institute (SBI) class, are working to help Gulf Coast residents impacted by the hurricane.

The SBI course requires students to participate in a real life entrepreneurial venture. With guidance from Chris Achua, professor of business administration, students conceive a business idea, develop a plan for its implementation, and put the plan in action. Start up capital for the business comes from individual student contributions roughly equal to the price of a textbook.

“In the SBI class, we have to set up a business and make it as profitable as possible,” explained Kathy Smith, a UVa-Wise senior from Abingdon. “At the time we were deciding on our business, Hurricane Katrina had just happened and we decided as a class to donate all profits.”

The group of 19 SBI students came up with a plan to sell three items: t-shirts imprinted with the word “Wise;” red, white and blue bracelets, and discount cards supported by area merchants.

“Each one of us put $100 into the class bank account,” Smith said. “We want to be able to recover our investments and everything above the expenses will be donated to the Red Cross for victims of Hurricane Katrina.”

The SBI team has already sold $1,706.50 in t-shirts, bracelets and discount cards.

“We all work together and encourage each other as much as we can,” Smith said. “Each student has a job to do but everyone knows that help is available if needed. Many of us have jobs and other obligations, but this project has helped us all to work as a team, just as we would need to do in the real business world.”

SBI students involved in the project include: Facilitators Chad Horvat and Dana Stein; the Finance/Accounting Team: Elizabeth Boyd, Tonya Ison, and Wade Nairn; the Marketing Team: Bridgette Carter, Jarret Riordan, Kim Ratliff, Nathan Rust, and Sam Ostrander; the Product/Service Design Team: Brandon Taylor, Chris Gupta, Matt Henderson, Nick Richards, Joseph Emond, and Zane Perkins; and the Abingdon Team; Jennifer Coe and Kathy Smith.

Area businesses participating in the discount card include: Shannon's, Mi Finca, Papa John's, Dari-Barn, Arby's, Bonanza, Golden China, Cafe Bonterra, Geneses, Soft Petals, The Cleaners, and Lee's Quick Lube.

Items may be purchased by contacting students Chad Horvat or Wade Nairn on campus or call Professor Achua at 276-328-0276.

For more information, contact the Office of College Relations at 276-328-0130.