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Have you ever had an awesome idea that you really wanted to pursue but didn't know where to even begin? You're not alone. Fortunately, East Lansing has great resources available to help YOU see your idea get off the ground. Today's post comes from Kelly Steffen, co-director of the Hatch and co-founder of Spotlight Campus. We've also included examples of students that are getting out there and making their ideas a reality. If you're interested in innovation and new business, be sure to RSVP to Eve of Ignition and see what students in the area are doing. 

MSU Junior, Eric Jorgenson, founded GoBoo Clothing to promote and provide means to a more “green” lifestyle. GoBoo clothing is an ecologically responsible company that sells bamboo clothing and aims to make the world a more sustainable—and comfortable—place.

The Hatch, a subsidiary of the already successful Technology Innovation Center above Barnes and Nobles in East Lansing, is just this. The Hatch will offer office space and resources to MSU and LCC students that want to develop their idea.  Similar student business incubators have proven successful in Ann Arbor, Madison, and other college towns. However, the Hatch would dwarf these other incubators in size, number of tenants and resources provided.

Student-run businesses are sprouting up all over the Lansing community this semester. They are based out of students’ living rooms, coffee shops, the library and any other ad-hoc locale with internet and electrical plugs. These students are figuring out how to create revenue streams, write financial plans, file their legal paperwork, etc. But what if this process was completely streamlined? Students could focus on developing their ideas and needed networks instead of trying to figure out all the burdensome, but necessary, steps to creating their own first business. Can you imagine what 25 passionate, driven, energetic students placed in one creative space could accomplish?

Spartanicity is a grocery delivery service founded by three MSU students that were sick of inflated prices in the stores near campus. Their company allows anyone in the East Lansing area to order food online and have it delivered right to their doorstep.

So why pay rent for office space when these other ad-hoc locations work?

The collaboration found in these types of co-working environments is unparalleled by any other location.  While the tenants will come from a variety of different disciplines and be equipped with wide range of skills, they all will have incredible passion to do something cool. When creating a business, creative sounding boards are needed to further develop and refine ideas. The active collaboration of these different disciplines is crucial to maximize a businesses full potential. 

In addition, speaking from first hand experience, figuring out the necessary steps to incorporate, receive an EIN number, open a bank account, find a web developer, etc., etc. is chaotic, boring and tedious.  The Hatch would guide individuals through this process, as well as help provide all the necessary contacts and discounts for legal, financial and technical services. 

Do you have an idea that could be the next great East Lansing business? What are you waiting for? Why now? 

Why not now? In an article “Why you should be an Entrepreneur in College”, the Under30Ceo blog claims that students have free time to cover their probable funding deficit.  Not having money isn’t such a bad thing for them and they don’t’ have to worry about the high fixed costs that many established adults face. Also, starting early better prepares students to take on the business full-time right as they graduate, instead of having to face the current brutal job market.

So if you have an idea to better yourself or society, why are you sitting on it? Apply for the Hatch here and start making these ideas a future reality for yourself and the rest of society.