(Q4 2024) - Member Update
SURGE Expo, New Corporate Members, Product Updates and More!
Dear SRBA Members and Supporters,
As we advance through our fifth year since founding, I'm excited to share the incredible progress we've made, building on the strategic plan set earlier this year, and our ambitious roadmap for the future. Your continued support has been, and will always be, central to our growth, and I'm thrilled to outline how we're expanding our impact and reach.
Key Q4 Achievements
National Exposure through Shark Tank: Our collaboration with ABC’s Shark Tank production team will feature a segment expected to reach an average of 4 million viewers; based on the current script, we expect this will bring national attention to SRBA and highlight our members' work and impact.
Launch of Top-Requested Turn-Key Solutions: Addressing one of our most requested member services, we've launched Turn-Key Solutions through our partnership with Storage Scholars. This initiative provides members with low-risk opportunities to expand their operations and revenue streams.
Enhanced Member Services: We've made big upgrades based on your feedback introducing Stan the SRBA Navigator Chatbot (v1.0), several new resources, our Foundations Series, and networking opportunities tailored to your needs.
Digital Presence Expansion: SRBA now ranks top on Google for terms like “student-run” and “student-run business,” making it easier for potential members and partners to find and engage with us.
Strategic Partnerships and Revenue Growth: Our corporate memberships and partnerships are projected to bring SRBA an additional $20,000 in annual revenue by 2026, directly supporting member initiatives and enhancing the resources available to you.
Progress on Q3 Initiatives
In our Q3 update, we outlined several initiatives to transform SRBA and better serve our community. Here's how we've progressed:
Refined Focus: We're embracing a narrower purpose that engages a wider variety of organizations—helping students learn through launching and leading. This mission now includes incubators, accelerators, and student-run media outlets.
New Board Members: We've welcomed new board members, including Jim McKellar from Harvard Student Agencies and Mehrad Yaghmai, bringing seasoned experience to our leadership team. See our full team HERE.
Strategic Vision Implementation: We're on track to help 10,000 students learn by launching and leading businesses worldwide by 2030.
Enhanced Resources: We've overhauled our digital platforms, adding new sections like Tools and SURGE, to provide more value to our members and their students.
Membership Growth Highlights
Student Impact: Our initiatives now reach thousands of students annually, providing them with unparalleled real-world business experience.
Resilience: We've successfully navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging stronger and more focused than ever.
Strategic Partnerships and Turn-Key Solutions
Corporate Memberships: We launched corporate memberships, inviting values-aligned companies to support and engage with the SRBA community. We're excited to welcome Storage Scholars as our first corporate member.
Turn-Key Solutions with Storage Scholars: Addressing one of our top requested member services, our partnership with Storage Scholars launched our first Turn-Key collaboration. This initiative provides SRBA members with a Mark Cuban-invested model for summer storage businesses, with options to expand regionally. This program offers benefits to members with low risk, projected to bring SRBA an additional $20,000 in annual revenue by 2026, directly supporting member initiatives. Special thanks to Stanford Student Enterprises (SSE) as the first signing program partner, with additional SRBA members preparing for launch.
Event Highlights: SURGE Expo24
Expanded to a 4-Day Event: This year, we've expanded SURGE Expo to a 4-day event, incorporating new competitions like the Student-Run Cup and a Google.org-sponsored Impact Datathon. Special thanks to SSE for being incredible hosts and to all teams flying in from across the country to attend.
High-Profile Guests and National Exposure:
ABC’s Shark Tank Production Team: Recording a Storage Scholars update segment on Day 1, expected to reach an average of 4 million viewers. This exposure will shine a spotlight on SRBA and our members, showcasing your incredible work to a national audience.
Happy Hour Networking Event: Featuring Storage Scholars and other prominent founders in our network.
Virtual Interview with Mark Cuban: On Day 3, Mark Cuban will join us virtually for an interview, a panel with Storage Scholars, and a Q&A session.
Announcing SURGE Expo25 at Penn: Penn Student Agencies will host SURGE Expo25 in Philadelphia, bringing our primary event back to the East Coast in 2025.
New Initiatives and Programs
SURGE Streams Podcast Series: Our new podcast series, SURGE Streams, highlights students learning by launching and leading organizations. We've recorded seven episodes, featuring SRBA leaders and supporters, including Seth Godin, Mark Cuban, and other key voices in our community.
Launching Founders Badge Pilot: We're launching the pilot for the Founders Badge program at SURGE Expo24. This user-driven pilot will include live feedback and testing with member organizations, gathering insights to refine and enhance this core credentialing initiative.
Foundations Series Workshops and Handbook: We're excited to announce the Foundations Series Workshops and accompanying Handbook, already being utilized by prospective new members like Bentley University. Preview the working drafts here and add your comments.
SRBA Advisory Board: We're establishing an Advisory Board with 15 members supporting quarterly strategy meetings, including representation from at least seven different SRBA members. Apply HERE.
Global Expansion of Support for Student-Owned Business Organizations: Our reach is extending to support student-owned business organizations domestically and internationally, with initial interest and support from the Miller Center at Santa Clara University.
Student VP Recruitment for 2025: We're actively recruiting a student VP to join our leadership team for the 2025 term, beginning in spring.
SURGE Expo24 Competitor Acceptance Rate: We're proud to report a 90% acceptance rate among the outstanding student-owned businesses invited to compete at SURGE Expo24.
Emphasizing Financial and Operational Impact
Our new initiatives are designed to provide tangible benefits to our members:
National Exposure for Members: The Shark Tank segment will provide unprecedented exposure for our organization and members, potentially opening doors for partnerships, investments, and increased recognition.
Addressing Member Needs: The Turn-Key Solutions partnership directly responds to member feedback, offering one of our most requested services to help you expand your operations with minimal risk.
Projected Revenue Growth: These initiatives are projected to bring SRBA an additional $20,000 in annual revenue by 2026, which will be reinvested into member services and resources.
Enhanced Resources: The expansion of our digital presence and the addition of new tools and programs aim to provide members with the resources you need to succeed.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we're committed to sustainable growth, expanding our reach, and delivering value to members through strategic enhancements to our technology and partnerships.
Get Involved
Your continued engagement is crucial to our success. Here are some ways you can contribute:
Sign-Up to Participate in the Founders Badge Pilot: Get involved in shaping this core credentialing initiative by providing live feedback and testing at SURGE Expo24.
Apply to the SRBA Advisory Board: Join our Advisory Board to contribute to quarterly strategy meetings and represent your organization. Apply here.
Attend SURGE Expo24: It’s almost but not too late :)
Mentor and Advise: Share your expertise with the next generation of business leaders. We're always looking for mentors and advisors for our member organizations.
Spread the Word: Help us grow our community by referring new member organizations, especially those in underrepresented regions or institutions.
Contribute to the Foundations Series: Preview the working drafts here and add your comments to help us refine these valuable resources.
Thank You
Thank you once again for your continued support and participation in the SRBA community. Together, we're shaping the future of experiential business education and empowering the next generation of business leaders.
With gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead,
Owen Raisch
President, Student-Run Business Association (SRBA)
Gary Burns
Creative Director, Student-Run Business Association (SRBA)
SRBA Board of Directors
Claire Williams, Sambhav Bansal, Macy Buck, Davis Marklin, Jim McKellar, Mehrad Yaghmai