NMU students support area nonprofits while learning business best practices

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – Northern Michigan University students are using what they’ve learned in class to serve the community.

An Intro to Entrepreneurship class challenged eight groups to start their own businesses. The goal was to create original businesses and donate the proceeds to area nonprofits.

Sophomore Danny Martin and his group created Wildcat Snow & Lawn.

“Throughout this semester, we did learn a lot. We had to go through a lot of obstacles. It was hard getting it started, but once you get it started, it was running pretty smoothly,” said Martin. “Something to be learned is how satisfying it is to actually create something and complete the job and see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”

The group provided lawn care services for people at a more affordable price. Ultimately, they donated $1700 in net profits to Habitat for Humanity of Marquette County.

Martin said his group is considering taking their business beyond the classroom by continuing as a nonprofit.

“We would do this and donate still to Habitat for Humanity. Or we were thinking of doing this for the school and turning it into more of a charity foundation where all the NMU students could help out,” Martin added. “And the money that everyone does around the Marquette area, all the proceeds would go.”

Course professor Corinne Bodeman said the project taught students real-world business skills.

“They learned about their finances; they learned, of course, about marketing; they learned about operations and inventory,” said Bodeman.

Bodeman said businesses offered services and handmade products.

“I’m all about experiential learning and this is probably the best experience they can get,” Bodeman added.

Additional chosen charities include Alger County Communities That Care and Room at the Inn.

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