Carroll’s Enactus club has been looking at creative ways to help foster success for small businesses in Helena. As part of a Step Up for Small Business grant from Sam’s Club, Enactus members have created a series of podcasts on iTunes, which provide perspectives and offer advice on resources available for small business owners. Interviews of local bank presidents provide information on lending and additional assistance for small business owners in the community. Also, representatives from the Montana Business Assistance Connection, Small Business Development Center and the Montana Community Finance Corporation provide insights to help Helena’s small businesses learn about the resources available to them.
Colton Welhaven, a junior finance and accounting major from Billings and vice president of Carroll Enactus, is spearheading the project. “We are excited that these podcasts have turned out so well.They would not have been possible without the help of so many people. We are thankful for the business professionals who offered there time to be interviewed for these podcasts. Small businesses are the backbone of local communities and we hope these podcasts will help and encourage the growth of small businesses in the Helena area,” said Colton.
In addition, another project Enactus has undertaken as a component of the grant is working with the Helena Industries Thrift Store in an effort to help with merchandising and the processing of donations. The students were met with the challenge of helping Helena Industries Thrift Store maximize their business potential.
“Students worked hands on with donation processing to get a feel for the everyday routine at the store. They also made recommendations to help improve donation processing, store layout, social media marketing and merchandising. Many of the recommendations have been implemented in the store and the managers indicated they have seen an increase in sales as a result,” said Dr. Annette Ryerson, professor of marketing and faculty advisor for the club.
Enactus is a community of student, academic and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. Enactus students leverage their classroom experience, the expertise of their faculty advisor and business advisory board, and the resources of their university to develop projects that empower people to live better lives.
Partners in the Spring
Two Carroll clubs, Green Honors and Enactus teamed up for an early 2016 spring activity in the Cube. The event provided an opportunity for flower and herb planting in recycled glass containers and marked the third time that these clubs provided this bi-annual activity at Carroll. Enactus fosters entrepreneurial spirit by helping small businesses, while Green Honors seeks to encourage and educate on environmentally friendly practices on campus and throughout the community.
The containers for the event were provided by Helena Industries and the flower and educational brochures were courtesy of Green Honors. Carroll students potted over 100 flowers, all provided free of cost. In addition, Green Honors took advantage of the early spring weather to pick up litter on their section of highway.
