A team of business students (see photo below) from Fox Valley Technical College completed an inaugural semester in helping area nonprofit organizations advance their marketing and fundraising operations.

BizSquad is a grant-funded initiative that utilizes the skills of FVTC business students in supplemental, hands-on learning projects above their regular coursework. The added learning experience provides opportunities for students to help local organizations reach their business goals.

The first BizSquad team worked closely with ARC of the Fox Cities to develop a marketing brand campaign for the nonprofit organization’s upcoming name change to SOAR. The ARC helps people with developmental disabilities.

FVTC’s Seeds of Hope fund, established to help students in need of emergency assistance, also received a boost from BizSquad. The students offered their skills in marketing, promotions, and customer service during fall fundraising events for Seeds of Hope, in addition to other activities for the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.

BizSquad students Joanne Anderson, Accounting; Erin Condon, Web Development & Design Specialist; Jody Congdon, Administrative Professional; Alexandria House, Business Management and Marketing; Jessica Meshke, Computer Support Specialist; Brittany Steinert, Business Management; and Kristina Wilson, Professional Communications received special certificates from FVTC President Dr. Susan May for completing the program.

Another group of BizSquad students will embark on new community projects beginning in February.
 

FVTC’s inaugural group of BizSquad completers: (front row, left to right) Dar DeBruin-Hein (instructor), Kris Wilson, Jessica Meshke, Joanne Anderson, Brittany Steinert, Rose Guthrie (instructor); (back row, left to right) Jody Congdon, Erin Condon, and Alexandria House