Students will learn about entrepreneurship

A new enterprise being developed by Southeast Missouri State University will help students learn some fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

Called a Creative Labs and Industries Incubator, the facility will allow students to participate in class activities and projects involving startup ventures, an art gallery, a retail boutique, a letter press print shop, a 3-D studio, a gourmet coffee and juice bar, commercial photography, graphic design and interior design; and marketing, human resources and accounting services.

The university is looking at a soft launch for the facility in early 2015.

The concept will help students have a chance to interact with others, ideally putting creative minds together, even allowing students to sell the products they produce.

The total cost of the project, including the building's purchase and grant administration services, is estimated at $1.73 million; private donations and grants will fund $1.25 million of this cost.

This sounds like an engaging endeavor for the university's students. We hope the students take advantage of the opportunity, and use the knowledge to go on to become successful entrepreneurs.