RSB students partner with local entrepreneurs to bolster small businesses

February 25, 2021
'It's important to collaborate with budding entrepreneurs in RVA as not only am I encouraging innovation in my local community, but working with people who have engaging, high-growth ideas has always been a passion of mine,' said Sabina Vohra, '22, who helped jumpstart the program this fall.

With COVID-19’s impact on small businesses, students in the Robins School wanted to help make a difference for start-ups in the Richmond community. 

“It's important to collaborate with budding entrepreneurs in RVA as not only am I encouraging innovation in my local community, but working with people who have engaging, high-growth ideas has always been a passion of mine,” said Sabina Vohra, ’22, who helped jumpstart the program this fall.

She, along with about a dozen other students, started working with four entrepreneurs in the middle of the pandemic. Among those entrepreneurs are Bernie Richardson, owner of Bernie’s Baked Goods, Irish Samuels, owner of Sam’s Stitch and Sew, Sylvester Howell, CFO of Hopscotch Cannabis Club, and Gretchen Johnson, who recently launched a line of skin care products. Vohra partnered with Howell to help develop his business.

“We got connected with RVA Works in an effort to help uncover some blind spots in our planning for the future while developing some of our current systems and processes,” Howell said. “This has allowed us to become creative in our approach to expansion and how we navigate this untapped venture. With the help of the community and with friends such as RVA Works and the University of Richmond, Hopscotch will be making a lasting impact that's sure to create opportunities for those who once thought they had none.”

Madelyn Grassi, '23, Phoebe Horne, '22 and Callie Wehr, '24, are working with Irish Samuels of Sam’s Stitch and Sew. Grassi recently set up Facebook and Etsy pages for Samuels to help her expand her online presence.

“There are so many different people in Richmond with so much talent in various areas,” Grassi said. “By helping entrepreneurs get comfortable using social media to market their products and services, we can build their business and reach a greater audience. The growth of small businesses in RVA is not just beneficial to the business owner – it fosters growth of the entire community by investing into Richmond’s wellbeing in the future.”

Grassi also shared how grateful she is to work with such a driven and inspiring entrepreneur like Irish Samuels.

“The passion and drive Irish has for her small business is an inspiration to all of us working with her, and our hope is to be able to help her in even some small way to give Sam’s Stitch & Sew the recognition it deserves,” Grassi said. “I am very grateful to RVA Works for the opportunity to work with Irish in marketing Sam’s Stitch & Sew, and I hope she feels we are helping make a small difference in the growth of her business.”

Trey Sutton, assistant professor of management, has been spearheading the effort at the Robins School. 

“The business clinic provides several important benefits to our students and to the entrepreneurs. The projects give students an opportunity to apply what they have learned, and application is a great way to develop both a broader and deeper understanding of concepts,” Sutton said. “The projects also provide an opportunity for our students to connect with community members. As for the entrepreneurs, the business clinic is a wonderful way for them to receive assistance from talented college students at no cost. Both sides really should benefit from these relationships.” 

Bernie Richardson, owner of Bernie’s Baked Goods, has been with RVA Works for five years, and appreciates everything the students have done for her this year.

"I have learned a lot with their help," Richardson said. "I can update my social media when I want to and I am not scared to try things now. I would recommend this program to everyone."

Dean Mickey Quiñones is hopeful that the effort will grow into a business clinic hosted by the Robins School which can make an impact on small businesses in RVA long term.

“We want to do everything we can to help our local business community to thrive,” Quiñones said. “The partnerships we establish through the business clinic will give our students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom and make a real impact.”

For more information about how you can support the Robins School and its efforts to help the community, click here. Want to support Spider businesses? Find a list here.