Starting a business during your BBA in Entrepreneurship isn’t just a possibility; it’s smart. This is the point where academic learning meets practical execution. Whether you’re modernizing a family business or launching something new, college can be your most resource-rich place to begin.
Here’s a practical guide to help you turn your student years into your startup years:
Apply Your Learning in Real Time
Your coursework is more than academic theory; it’s a toolkit for real business.
- Business Planning: Use models like SWOT, PESTLE, and Lean Canvas to map your ideas.
- Finance: Manage cash flow, pricing, and forecasts with concepts you learn in class.
- Marketing & Sales: Translate your digital marketing lessons into Instagram ads or email campaigns.
- Leadership: Apply people-management skills while running your team or collaborating with peers.
- Networking: Build relationships with faculty, alumni, and visiting entrepreneurs, who can be future collaborators or advisors.
Many students at EIMR use their coursework to actively work on business ideas, turning assignments into growth steps for their startups.
Start with a Real Problem
Look for problems around you, in your community, public spaces, or any specific industry.
Identify pain points, research your target audience, and test early demand. Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) using simple tools to validate your solution quickly.
Build the Right Foundation
Before you scale, get the basics right.
- Business Plan: Keep it focused with clear goals, target audience, and revenue model.
- Funding: Bootstrap using savings or explore startup contests and early-stage grants. Platforms like Startup India Seed Fund can be helpful.
- Legal Compliance: You can register your startup as a sole proprietorship or a private limited company. Tools like Vakil search simplify the process.
Use Your Campus as a Launchpad
Colleges are natural incubators for startups if you know how to leverage them.
- Join entrepreneurship cells and incubators for resources, mentorship, and visibility.
- Participate in pitch competitions hosted by colleges for early feedback and funding.
- Use faculty connections and guidance; many are well-connected in industry.
Sync Your Startup With Your Curriculum
You don’t need to choose between studies and business; blend them instead.
- Build a social media presence as part of your digital marketing project.
- Pitch your business idea in your business strategy presentations.
- Use financial coursework to build real-world projections for your startup.
At EIMR, students routinely pitch to actual investors and founders during Business Challenges, gaining both insight and real feedback.
Leverage No-Code Tools and Digital Platforms
Even without technical skills, you can build digital-first businesses.
Website Builders: Wix, Webflow, WordPress
- App Builders: Glide, Bubble
- Productivity Tools: Notion, Trello, Zoho
- Payment/Logistics: Razorpay, Instamojo, Shiprocket
Balance Smart, Not Hard
Balancing studies with a startup is about clarity and discipline.
Use tools like Notion or Google Calendar to block study and work time. Delegate or outsource tasks where necessary. Focus on essential activities, avoid overdesigning or overthinking.
Build a strong support system. Professors, founders, and peers across all departments can offer critical help, skills, or connections when you need them
Keep Iterating
The first version of your business won’t be the final one, and that’s expected.
Engage with customers early. Listen to feedback, tweak your product or model, and stay adaptable. Follow startup trends and insights on platforms like Inc42, YourStory, and TechCrunch.
Think Digital from Day One
Building a strong digital presence can put your startup ahead from the start.
- Share behind-the-scenes updates on Instagram and LinkedIn
- Use tools like Google Analytics or Meta Insights to track what’s working
- Focus on storytelling and relatability over perfection in early content
Final Thoughts
A BBA in Entrepreneurship isn’t just a degree; it’s a launchpad. You have time, access to mentors, and freedom to experiment. Don’t wait for graduation or funding. Start now, with what you have.
Classroom in the morning. Boardroom by evening.
Build while you learn. Grow as you go.
