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APSU Students Establish Internship Program for Local Businesses

News Summary

Austin Peay State University business students have partnered with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center to launch an internship program aimed at supporting local businesses. This initiative offers students practical experience while assisting businesses in developing growth strategies. Interns engaged with various local companies to create business plans and marketing strategies, resulting in tangible improvements for the businesses involved. Emphasizing community collaboration, this program seeks to promote sustainable economic growth and enhance students’ education through real-world applications.

APSU Students Launch Internship Program for Local Business Growth with TSBDC Support

Tennessee—Austin Peay State University (APSU) business students have teamed up with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) to develop a new internship program aimed at fostering growth among local businesses. This initiative is designed to benefit both the community and the students by providing them with practical experience while supporting business development.

The internship program’s successful implementation required extensive collaboration between APSU and TSBDC to align their objectives of educational and business assistance. This partnership highlights the role of community support in enhancing the local economic landscape.

Interns from APSU, including Citlali Dominguez, Donald Morse, Tonya Mull, Jaire Tariq Richardson, Madysson Tibbs, and Kade Tjaarda, engaged with five local businesses as part of their internship. They worked on developing comprehensive business plans, marketing strategies, and business websites, along with providing essential financial insights to their clients. This hands-on experience enabled students to apply their academic knowledge in practical business scenarios, making the learning environment both engaging and enriching.

Among the notable achievements of the interns, a local business reported that it had begun generating revenue following the interns’ support, illustrating the program’s immediate effectiveness. These experiences not only enriched the participating students’ educational journey but also contributed positively to the local economy.

The interns collaborated across various academic disciplines, allowing them to present multifaceted solutions to business challenges faced by local establishments. Additionally, they developed valuable resources such as a “Concepts to Capital” funding guide and a marketing guide, further enhancing the program’s impact on the local business community.

TSBDC Center Director Dave Dessauer emphasized the significance of the program’s community-focused approach. He noted that the contributions made by the interns have established a high standard for future participants, ultimately recognizing the substantial influence that student talent can have on local business growth. The program is anticipated to be both sustainable and impactful, promoting continued economic development in the area.

Overall, this initiative represents a thoughtful collaboration designed to connect the talents of students with the needs of local businesses. As APSU and TSBDC continue to forge paths for educational support and business development, the internship program stands to benefit the community for years to come.