Student- and alumni-owned businesses gathered in the Hawk’s Nest cafeteria on Thursday to sell homemade products at HawkTrade, AACC’s annual business trade show. 

The Entrepreneurial Studies Institute hosted HawkTrade to help showcase the products created by student entrepreneurs.

“I want [students] to see that there is opportunity here,” Stephanie Goldenberg, the department chair for entrepreneurial studies, said. “If they want to be involved, they have these great opportunities to be supported. … We’re here to help guide them.,  help them make money … help them refine their presentation skills and allow them to connect with one another.” 

The entrepreneurs set up tables around the space to display their products, selling a wide variety of items, from crocheted coasters to jewelry to extra-virgin olive oil to baked goods. 

“These are my favorite events to attend,” Rachel Boord, a fourth-year hospitality student, said. “You get to see all the cool things your peers have been working on. It’s inspiring.”

Janeziqa Dickey, a first-year business student, displayed her asymmetrical jewelry line for the first time at the event. 

“I sell handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry,” Dickey said. “I like them a lot, and I don’t … see many people doing it. There’s a market for it.”

Goldenberg said one of the most fulfilling parts of hosting this event is seeing the entrepreneurs “collaborate with one another. So they’re buying from each other, they’re giving each other ideas.”

First-year business owners  Robert Cummings, and William Sedgwick, both culinary students, sold cookies and brownies at their table, along with 3-D toys and figurines.

“[Business has] been going very well,” Sedgwick, a pastry and baking student, said. “I made a decent profit.”