Entrepreneurs
We are Monarchs — we are risk-taking entrepreneurs and researchers who will invent our own tables rather than wait for a seat at another's. Through ODU's Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, faculty experts, staff and students from any major collaborate and launch innovative businesses. We are developing entrepreneurs who will create jobs and strengthen Virginia's economy. To support student businesses and start-ups, ODU opened THE Monarch Way, one of the nation's only student-run retail spaces, to give ODU student and university-innovators a brick and mortar location to sell their products to the public.
Richard
Communication major
Food influencer and blogger
Photographer and videographer
"[ODU Professors] really teach you the hands-on experience, especially with what I do behind the camera. And that was able to build my skill set so that when [restaurants] wanted to do video, they weren't getting an amateur, they were getting somebody who actually had hands on experience already with professionals that have been in the field."
Koby
Theatre Major
Owner of Ardent Candle Company
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Scholarship Winner
"When I got to ODU, things just took off. I just started meeting the right people. My favorite part about being an entrepreneur is watching my business grow."
Jack
Physics major
Owner of Flying Fitz photography
Local finalist in the Entrepreneurs' Organization's qualifying rounds of the Global Student Entrepreneurs Awards
With a childhood fascination with anything that could fly, Jack became interested in aerial photography. Through the Strome Entrepreneurial Center, Jack collaborates with other talented student entrepreneurs and has space to build drones.
Janay
Management major
Owner of Full Belly Delights
National winner of 2017 American Small Business Championship
Student entrepreneur Janay is founder of Full Belly Delights, a gourmet bacon company. Janay chose Old Dominion University for its Strome Entrepreneurial Center. With help and advice from other entrepreneurs, educators and resources at the Strome Entrepreneurial Center, she is working to grow her online presence to a storefront.