Michigan Tech College of Business Newsblog

Tag: College of Business

Husky Innovate Business Pitch Competition Is November 20

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The annual Husky Innovate Idea Pitch Competition will take place Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 5-7 pm in the M&M Building, Room U115. Hosted by the College of Business and the Office of Innovation and Commercialization, the pitch competition is a platform for students to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

The event encourages participants to present innovative, creative business or product ideas that address real-world problems and opportunities. Participants will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and cash prizes will be awarded to the top ideas. Supported by expert guidance and feedback, participating students will gain valuable experience in a professional setting, enhance their skills, gain recognition, and make an impact.

The pitch competition is open to all enrolled Michigan Tech undergraduate and graduate students. Participants can compete individually or on teams of up to three members. Each pitch should be a maximum of five minutes and supported by up to five presentation slides. Pitches must adhere to Title IX University guidelines for student conduct.

A mandatory pitch preparation session takes place November 15 from 5:30–7:30 pm in M&M U113. The short seminar will share information about event set-up and design, present pitch idea reviews, and explain the scoring format.

To participate, please register and send pitch slides by Friday, November 17, at 11:59 pm.

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SBDC Internship with Accounting/MIS Student Henry Basala

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Accounting with Data Analytics and Management Information Systems Student, Henry Basala.

As a fourth-year College of Business student with a passion for helping others, I was
thrilled to begin my internship with the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI
SBDC) last October. This role has allowed me to use the knowledge I have gained at Michigan
Tech to assist small businesses in their growth and development. It is my pleasure to share with
you some of the experiences that have shaped my internship journey so far.


In my role as a business consulting intern, my primary responsibility is to provide
comprehensive support to small businesses throughout the Upper Peninsula. From helping
them with their daily accounting and record-keeping tasks to conducting market analysis and
creating detailed reports, I get to provide a wide variety of assistance to these businesses.
Throughout my work, I am committed to ensuring that these enterprises have access to the
resources they need to thrive in this growing economy.


One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship is assisting entrepreneurs in writing
business plans. Collaborating with small business owners, I have helped transform their visions
into well-structured, actionable plans. These business plans serve as roadmaps, guiding them
toward sustainable growth and facilitating better decision-making. As well in many cases,
allowing the business access to capital to further business operations.

Additionally, I actively contribute to small businesses by providing assistance in
accounting and record keeping. Leveraging tools like Quickbooks and Wave Accounting, I not
only streamline financial processes but also devise effective management and collection
protocols. This facet of my role enables me to directly apply the knowledge I’ve acquired
through my major in a practical and impactful manner throughout my internship.

Furthermore, developing effective marketing strategies is a crucial aspect of my role. By
leveraging data-driven insights and understanding their target audience, we craft customized
plans that not only elevate their brand presence but also lead to higher customer engagement
and increased sales. The primary assistance I serve during this process is providing industry
and target market reports delivering comprehensive information of the industry.

During my internship, I have had the privilege of working with over 50 small businesses,
each with its unique set of challenges and aspirations. Being a part of their journey, witnessing
their growth, and contributing to their success has been incredibly rewarding. Recently, I was
presented with the opportunity to speak at the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce. Addressing
the local business community, I assisted another consultant in emphasizing the vital role that the
MI SBDC plays in supporting small businesses. This experience was both humbling and
empowering, as it showcased the impact our consulting services have on local businesses. As
well, I was also able to see Governor Whitmer address the recent improvements made to

Michigan’s infrastructure at the UP State Fair. This provided me with the opportunity to see state
representatives discuss projects that will affect the clients I work with directly.
In conclusion, my work at the MI SBDC has been an eye-opening and transformative
experience. I must credit the MI SBDC team for being instrumental in my development as a
young professional in the business. My mentors have provided invaluable insights, sharing their
knowledge and expertise. Their guidance has been pivotal in shaping my consulting approach,
enabling me to deliver impactful results to the businesses I work with. Witnessing their success
has reinforced my commitment to supporting small businesses, knowing that they are the
backbone of vibrant and thriving communities.

The life of a business consulting intern
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Student Impressions: Summer Study Abroad Germany

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Students in Germany with MTU flag
For three weeks over summer 2023, a group of Michigan Tech students across majors experienced Germany’s supply chain and logistics systems.

The second-annual faculty-led study abroad to Germany, hosted by Dr. Ulrich Schmelzle, assistant professor of supply chain and operations management, exposed Huskies to new cultural and industrial experiences that shape their personal and professional worlds. Read a recount of their travels:

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Second-Gen Involvement = Sweet Success(ion) for Family Business

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strawberries
Following a bountiful strawberry season, Heidi’s will bring sweet cherries and blueberries to market. (Image courtesy Heidi’s Farmstand and Bakery)

Second-generation family businesses play a crucial role in family-owned enterprises’ stability and growth. As highlighted in the Harvard Business Review, the second generation can make or break a family business’s future. While they inherit a legacy, they also face extraordinary challenges, such as managing relationships, implementing changes, and establishing their own identity. Research from the Smith Family Business Initiative at Cornell emphasizes that only about 30 percent of family businesses survive into the second generation. This brings to focus the importance of effective succession planning. Second-generation family business leaders can create a lasting and prosperous tradition by leveraging their inherited wisdom and adapting to market changes. 

Ivy Stoller in front of Husky statue
Ivy Stoller ’23 celebrates earning her Michigan Tech degree. (Image courtesy Ivy Stoller)

As a native Michigander, Ivy Stoller was born in downstate Lowell and made the trip up north to Houghton to pursue her education. Ivy graduated from Michigan Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, concentrating in data analytics, in the spring of 2023. During her time at MTU, Ivy was active in various clubs and student organizations. She participated in Kappa Sigma Iota (KSI Accounting Club) and was a member of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helping with tax returns for fellow MTU students and local community members. Additionally, Ivy was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an honor society for business students. Beyond academic achievements, Ivy cherished her time at Michigan Tech as a period of personal growth and building lifelong friendships. 

Ivy’s family owns a business called Heidi’s Farmstand & Bakery located on 30 acres in southern Lowell. The family farm was founded in 1949 with many functions: raising cattle, running a dairy operation, and growing corn, soybeans, and wheat. Its business operations were started in 2006 by Ivy’s parents in collaboration with her mom’s brother. Later in 2007, the business was sold to Ivy’s twin uncles. Now, since Ivy has graduated, the family plans on changing it to a joint venture between the uncles, Ivy, and at least one of her siblings. 

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