Schulze Innovation Scholarship Awardees Spring 2021 Alexis Burstad My name is Ali Burstad and I am from Elk River, MN. When I was in middle school, I began my small business, Ali B’s Baking. I began with baking cupcakes for family and friends. During my sophomore year, my business really took off! That year I took my first DECA class and used the business skills I learned to grow my venture. I specialize in making cake pops for events like graduation parties, baby showers, holidays, birthdays and more. However, after the pandemic hit, I pivoted my business strategy to reach families at home. I started offering six-packs of cupcakes with a variety of flavors and bouquets of a dozen cake pops with contactless delivery and pickup. I am beyond excited and thankful to spend my next four years at the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship as a Schulze Innovation Scholar.
Nate Charles My name is Nate Charles and I am from Robbinsdale, MN. I began my entrepreneurial journey during high school. I entered the Business Professionals of America (BPA) entrepreneurship competition, where I created a full business plan for an imaginary business. I had just returned from college tours in Chicago and heard about a student business that sold cold brew coffee on a bike. I created a bike business for my BPA project, and this was the beginning of Minne-soda Beverage Bikes. I wanted to use Minnesota’s amazing outdoors with its beautiful lakes and parks as my market. I chose to sell beverages to those who exercise or just want something cold during Minnesota’s warm weather. This particular business plan got me to the state competition where I pitched the imaginary business. After the competition, I decided my business plan was actually viable and created Minne-soda Beverage Bikes. Throughout this journey, I have learned how important it is to create a strong network of mentors, advisors, and vendors. My family and friends have all pitched in to help grow my business. I would not have been able to achieve my dream without these people.