CEEDs of Success

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) fosters entrepreneurship and economic development in Southeastern Idaho through partnerships across the business and University community. One of the benefits of CEED is the opportunity for students to make real-world connections and enhance the traditional university classroom experience through community links, mentoring, and coaching. Below are three of the many students who found success through CEED involvement.

Hannah Rasmussen

Participating in pitch-off competitions since her freshmen year, Hannah Rasmussen has taken full advantage of the entrepreneurial opportunities offered to College of Business students. After winning first place in the Shark Tank Competition in 2021, she knew business was what she wanted to do long-term.

“Dr. Jeff Street [with CEED] has been my mentor ever since my first business competition with ISU. He helped me find the confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial ventures and was there every step of the way throughout my competitions,” said Rasmussen.

Kyle Collins

Kyle Collins participated in several CEED activities, but his favorite was a class that allowed him to work with a start-up company through the Idaho Small Business Development Center. In this class, Collin’s was able to do a demographic study and financial research.

“When in came to real-world application, this was my most important class,” said Collins. “I know I made a real impact on the client and community. I’m really proud of the work my group and I did. It was a great way to finish college.”

Camie Parsons

Camie Parsons participated in her first pitch-off competition in 2017, where she not only placed second, she was also introduced to several investors. These investors included a judge at the competition who was also a member of Harvard Innovation Labs. Since then, her product IUVENI, a process designed to repair damaged hair due to environmental and chemical processes, is selling across the United States with international markets in sight.

“A lot has happened since that first pitch-off, but CEED is where I got my start,” said Parsons.