University of Arizona Launches Student-Made Arizona: A student-run platform for student creators

The University of Arizona is bolstering student innovation and creativity with the launch of Student-Made Arizona, a new online marketplace that will showcase and sell products and services created by U of A students. This initiative, a collaboration between Student-Made and Startup Wildcats (part of Tech Launch Arizona (TLA), the unit of the university that works with students and faculty to commercialize the results of research and innovation), officially launched on August 26, 2024, offering a platform for student entrepreneurs to reach a broader audience both on and off-campus. 

The Student-Made Arizona marketplace is part of a growing national movement that began at Elon University in North Carolina in 2017. Co-founded by former Elon student Lindsay Reeth, Student-Made was designed to help college entrepreneurs—many of whom do not have formal business training—market their goods and services. Since its inception, Student-Made has expanded to over a dozen universities across the country. 

“The launch of Student-Made Arizona is an incredible opportunity for our students to explore their entrepreneurial potential in a supportive environment,” said Julie Barbier Bularzik, Venture Development Education Coordinator for Startup Wildcats at TLA.  

A unique element of Student-Made is that it is managed by students themselves. A team of seven student managers runs everything from social media to the website to planning events. “Whether you participate as a student creator or manager, this program gives students hands-on experience in running a business, from product development to marketing, all while building a community that celebrates creativity and a willingness to try,” said Bularzik. 

In addition to the online marketplace, Student-Made Arizona will host pop-up markets on and off campus. This will allow the university community to interact with student entrepreneurs in person and purchase a variety of handmade goods. “We’re excited to partner with the Campus Store for an all-day pop-up shop on September 27 from 7:30 am- 7:00 pm and we would love to see the U of A and the Tucson community come out and support our creators,” said biomedical sciences sophomore, Kat Toth, who is the inaugural Events and Partnerships Manager for Student-Made Arizona. The pop-up market promises to be a vibrant showcase of Wildcat creativity, offering everything from art prints to crocheted accessories to beaded jewelry to carved wood.  

Startup Wildcats is spearheading the launch of Student-Made Arizona. The TLA team provides immersive experiences that empower U of A students to unlock entrepreneurial possibilities and inspire the courage to venture. Their vision is for all Wildcats to be equipped with an entrepreneurial mindset to implement ideas that create positive economic, cultural and social impact. 

“We are excited to partner with Student-Made to offer our students a platform where they can bring their ideas to life and develop essential entrepreneurial skills,” said Bularzik. “This initiative aligns with our mission to nurture the next generation of innovators and leaders.” Bularzik is also excited about bringing together students, alumni and the broader Tucson community.  

Student-Made Arizona accepts applications from students interested in selling their products and services on a rolling basis. Applications can be submitted through the Student-Made Arizona website or by emailing studentmadearizona@gmail.com. 

As of August 26, the online shopping site is open for business. For more information about the September 27 pop-up market at the Campus Store (1209 E University Blvd), follow Student-Made on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/studentmade_arizona/ or visit https://www.studentmadearizona.com.