Reboot in Progress
October 27, 2025
How a Bold Relaunch of the Student-Run Enterprise Model is Reimagining Entrepreneurial Practice
At the University of Louisville College of Business, experiential learning isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the business model. Revived and reimagined under the leadership of Executive Director of Undergraduate Programs Raymond Green, the college’s Student-Run Enterprise initiative is designed to give students real ownership of revenue-generating ventures that are student-led, community-rooted and financially sound. In this inaugural pitch round, three dynamic student teams presented bold proposals for businesses that blend innovation with impact. Here’s a quick look at the teams who took the stage:
Red Feather Roast creators Kaylee DeWeese, Jacob Slone and Laura Worth brewed up a mobile coffee trailer concept that prioritized simplicity, speed and affordability while targeting high-traffic downtown office zones and event spaces. By offering a limited, streamlined menu and sourcing through bulk and local partners, the team emphasized cost control and customer convenience as their competitive edge. Their circuit-based scheduling cleverly navigates local vendor regulations, while a focus on repeat customers and high-quality, locally roasted beans keeps the model both scalable and sustainable. The approach was grounded, well-researched and refreshingly realistic.
The Halal Bird founders Mohammed Alyasseri, Zakariya Hassan and Petra Limbong set their sights on inclusivity with a halal-certified Mediterranean food trailer designed to meet the cultural, dietary and spiritual needs of UofL’s growing Muslim population – and beyond. Their customizable wraps, bowls and salads cater to vegan, vegetarian and omnivore eaters alike, with speed and trust as central pillars. This team didn’t just talk food; they spoke to identity, equity and authenticity, building their brand around cultural education, community partnerships and values-driven leadership. Their growth plan smartly incorporated catering, UofL’s Registered Student Organizations and loyalty-based return traffic, making it a concept with both heart and hustle.
Home by the Ville, a bold vision conceptualized by Abby Horn, Thunvi Kulkarni and Mariana Meneses, is a student-run bed and breakfast just blocks from campus that blends boutique hospitality with hands-on management training. With themed rooms, dynamic pricing and potential partnerships with local sponsors, this venture would serve guest speakers, presenting faculty and other university visitors looking for a stay that’s personal, convenient and distinctly UofL. Students would rotate through roles in operations, marketing and finance, making the property both a business and a learning lab. While the startup cost was steep, the team demonstrated a clear understanding of occupancy strategy, revenue projection and how to position the B&B as a community-driven differentiator.
While the student presentations featured fresh ideas blended with business acumen, the relaunch of the college’s SRE reflects a deeper commitment to reshaping business education at UofL.
Revived with fresh purpose by Green, the SRE has evolved into a bold initiative designed to elevate hands-on learning, entrepreneurship and applied innovation. We recently spoke with Green, who shares what inspired him to bring the SRE back to life, how Louisville’s economic landscape supports student-led ventures and why this initiative is positioned to become a defining differentiator for the college.
College of Business: When did you first identify the need for our students to develop a student-run enterprise, or SRE, as part of the College of Business?
Raymond Green: The idea came early; I just reintroduced it. The CoB ran a successful SRE for years in the early 2000s called “The Card Shirt Store,” selling apparel with licensing approval from the athletic department. When I began as the inaugural Executive Director of Undergraduate Programs, I surveyed Colleges of Business around the country and noticed pockets of entrepreneurship and applied/engaged learning, but nothing widespread. I thought then (4.5 years ago) that an SRE could be a differentiator for us, given our reputation and history of success with entrepreneurship. The idea has been confirmed over the years, whether in reading AACSB accreditation standards, seeing students create businesses or speaking with prospective students and employers.
College of Business: Why do you believe the University of Louisville and the city of Louisville are well-positioned to support this type of student entrepreneurial endeavor?
Raymond Green: I believe the University of Louisville and the city of Louisville are well-positioned to support this type of student entrepreneurial endeavor because Louisville is the economic hub of the Commonwealth, the CoB has a long history of success with entrepreneurship and market shifts. The first two are obvious, but changes in expectations of higher education demand we evaluate our curriculum relative to the student experience and employer expectations. The SRE programs helps propel the CoB toward becoming the region’s premier College of Business, that is, becoming the engine for applied innovation forging entrepreneurial leaders through collaboration "here and beyond." In short, there is an opportunity to fill a much-needed void in the market for both students and employers.
College of Business: Three teams of CoB undergraduate students presented great proposals for viable enterprises. Why were these students selected as founders for the SRE?
Raymond Green: The students selected are the embodiment of the vision I just spoke about (premier, entrepreneurial, innovative, etc.). Each student excels academically, are enrolled in multiple majors and/or minors, are risk-takers and hard workers. Some have created their own businesses while others plan to or are minoring in entrepreneurship. These students are leaders among peers, many of whom work as CAPS ambassadors. They contribute unique perspectives and skills, hail from all over the globe and Commonwealth and are committed to bringing this program to life.
College of Business: What kinds of support will the selected team and their enterprise receive throughout the year to bring their vision to life?
Raymond Green: The SRE is grateful to have an advisory board comprised of faculty, staff, campus partners, students and alumni totaling 20 people who provide monthly feedback.
For this semester, the students are enrolled in a Special Topics course and the textbook for the course is Disciplined Entrepreneurship: 24 Steps to a Successful Start Up. We are also thankful to receive feedback support from the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship.
College of Business: How do you hope to see the CoB’s SRE evolve over the next few years?
Raymond Green: The next few years will include exciting opportunities for current and future students. Beyond creating employment for students, we expect revenue to be directed toward scholarships, curricular advancements and integration, brand development and differentiation for the College of Business and establishing [us] as the leader for applied business education through innovation and entrepreneurship.
About the UofL College of Business:
Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people.
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