SRBO Foundations Series - LEAD to learn
Coming due to popular request: How to Launch, Scale and Sustain Impactful Student-Run Business Organizations (SRBOs) like Harvard Student Agencies, a 3-Part Workshop Series and Digital Handbook with sessions launching at SURGE Expo24 .
Note: This series is focused on traditional student-run business organizations, formed similar to holding companies with subsidiary businesses led and typically operated by students. You might also be interested in our separate SOBO Foundation Series, focused on campus incubator or accelerator programs.
Contribute: If you or your organization would like to contribute insights, examples, facilitation or sponsor dollars to support this series, please contact president@srbassociation.org.
SRBO Foundations Workshop Series: 101, 201, and 301
The Student-Run Business Association (SRBA) is launching a new, robust workshop series designed to equip students, faculty, and staff with the knowledge and tools needed to launch, scale, and sustain Student-Run Business Organizations (SRBOs).
The three parts of this series are designed to address different stages of the SRBO lifecycle, from initial launch to long-term growth, ensuring that participants are supported at every step with resources, mentorship, and SRBA’s vast network.
The SRBA Foundations Series delivers the essential skills and insights needed to launch, grow, and enrich student-run business organizations over time.
Through a progression of workshops (101, 201, and 301), we cover vision development, legal structuring, operational systems, financial growth, and long-term management. Participants are equipped with practical tools and strategic guidance to ensure the success of their SRBOs.
By leveraging SRBA’s extensive resources, such as mentorship networks, financial templates, and cross-campus collaborations, participants will gain the confidence and support necessary to build impactful, sustainable organizations that thrive both on campus and beyond.
SRBA 101: Launching a New SRBO
Series Theme:
Building Strong Foundations for a New Student-Run Business Organization
Objective:
The SRBA 101 Series provides participants with the foundational knowledge required to successfully launch an SRBO. This series covers crafting a vision, selecting the appropriate legal structure, and establishing essential operational systems. Throughout the sessions, participants will learn how to utilize SRBA resources to maximize their SRBO’s potential.
Who Should Attend:
This series is ideal for students, faculty, and staff in the early stages of planning or formalizing a student-run business. Whether you are starting a new venture or looking to formalize an existing project, this series offers the foundational guidance necessary to create a sustainable SRBO.
Key Sessions:
101.1: Varieties of Vision – Explore different SRBO models, including multi-campus collaborations, and draft a vision aligned with institutional goals and SRBA’s resources.
101.2: Legal Structures – Understand legal frameworks such as Nonprofit (501(c)(3)), LLC, and Cooperative, with guidance from SRBA's legal templates and alumni advisors.
101.3: Operations for Success – Build an operational plan covering staffing, financial controls, and inventory management using SRBA’s toolkits and member resources.
SRBA 201: Shaping a Growing SRBO to Last
Series Theme:
Financial Growth, Revenue Milestones, and Long-Term Planning
Objective:
The SRBA 201 Series helps SRBOs focus on growth strategies, financial sustainability, and revenue milestones. Participants will learn how to secure funding, develop scalable operations, and reach significant revenue goals, such as their first $1 million, while leveraging SRBA’s resources for financial oversight and growth.
Who Should Attend:
This series is designed for SRBOs that have launched but are looking to grow. Ideal for leaders seeking strategies to scale their businesses, secure funding, and build a sustainable financial foundation.
Key Sessions:
201.1: Securing Funds and Avoiding Costly Mistakes – Learn how to secure diverse funding sources and avoid common financial errors using SRBA’s financial tools.
201.2: Paths to Your First $1M in Revenue – Explore real-world case studies and proven strategies for achieving major revenue milestones.
201.3: Sustaining Long-Term Growth – Maintain cash flow, build a strong brand, and replicate proven business models, leveraging SRBA’s alumni and mentorship networks.
SRBA 301: Keeping It Fresh – Transitioning to Mature, Sustaining Operations
Series Theme:
Long-Term Management and Innovation for Established SRBOs
Objective:
The SRBA 301 Series is designed for established SRBOs transitioning from startup to sustained operations. This series focuses on long-term management, innovation, and creating lasting value while maintaining a student-centered approach. Participants will learn how to innovate, retain talent, and deliver impactful student experiences.
Who Should Attend:
This series is ideal for SRBOs that have scaled and are looking to mature their operations, innovate, and sustain relevance. Leaders of established SRBOs will benefit from insights on management, talent retention, and operational sustainability.
Key Sessions:
301.1: Transitioning to Mature Operations – Scale efficiently and innovate within your operations, supported by SRBA’s mentorship network.
301.2: Staffing and Incentives that Work – Develop effective staffing models and incentives that retain top talent and encourage long-term engagement.
301.3: Enhancing the Student Experience – Continuously deliver impactful student experiences while keeping your SRBO aligned with campus needs and SRBA’s resources.
Leveraging SRBA Throughout:
Throughout the entire workshop series, participants will be encouraged to leverage SRBA’s extensive resources, including:
Mentorship Networks: Access alumni and corporate partners through SRBA’s digital roundtables and SURGE Conference, providing ongoing guidance.
Legal and Financial Tools: Utilize SRBA’s legal templates, financial management toolkits, and advice from current or historic leaders from successful SRBOs such as Cornell’s Student Agencies Inc. and The Corp at Georgetown (Student Run Business Association).
Badge Programs: Participate in Founders Badge and Builders Badge programs to gain formal recognition for leadership and entrepreneurial contributions(Student Run Business Association).
Key Takeaways from the SRBA Foundations Workshop Series:
Develop a strong vision, legal structure, and operational plan with the help of SRBA’s resources.
Build scalable, sustainable SRBOs by utilizing SRBA’s robust guidance and compiled records, mentorship networks, and badge programs.
Transition your SRBO into a mature, innovative organization that retains talent and creates lasting impact for students and stakeholders.
By connecting with SRBA’s network and utilizing its comprehensive toolkits and support systems, participants will leave the series with actionable strategies and long-term plans to ensure their SRBO’s success at every stage of growth.