13 Entrepreneurship Everywhere

FEATURE STORYSpirit of South Dakota

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EVERYWHERE

Last year was a long year for everyone, bringing about even more changes to the world around us, but we at the VCDC sincerely believe that Vermillion is weathering the storm and continuing to grow stronger as we approach 2023. While there are many factors that led to this growth over the last year, it’s due in part to the fact that entrepreneurial spirit abounds in Vermillion. People are interested in promoting small businesses, shopping locally, supporting economic development projects, and even starting businesses of their own! Despite the ongoing pandemic, there’s been a spike in entrepreneurship and the desire to see businesses succeed.

The VCDC takes great pride in helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals, and one of our services that may not be as well-known is our incubator downstairs in the CoLab at McVicker. This space—which we lovingly refer to as “The Cube”—has served in many different capacities since its creation, from housing startups to hosting temporary office space for already-established businesses.

Currently working in the cube is Sue Galvin, a former educator and elementary school principal, who is using the space to develop educational games that teachers can use to help empower children. “Big FUN Toybox believes that confident kids learn and understand more in and outside of the classroom. This revolutionary technique builds confidence by blending celebration and play with enjoyable games where kids learn how to learn at a higher level.” Partnering with the VCDC gave Sue the ability to connect with people and resources that would help her develop her product, and working in the middle of another business’ space allows her to meet other people and get ideas to better her business.

“The incubator is actually a pristine model in the sense that it’s kind of the heartbeat of the community; it sits right in the middle of everybody and everything. It’s such an asset just to listen to the day-to-day transactions at Charlie’s, to listen to what’s working and what’s not working. Every time I walk down the street and visit with community members... they help redefine my thinking so we can make this possible. For anybody that has an idea, I would encourage them to pick up the phone and call the VCDC and just say ‘Hey, I have this idea,’ because they can really make your dreams become reality.”

Another business that has recently found success in Vermillion despite the pandemic is Outside of a Dog Books & Games, which hosts game nights and literary events, and has supplies for everyone from the smallest readers to the most devoted tabletop gamers. Though his wife had encouraged him many times over the years to open a bookstore, owner Mike Phelan had never even considered starting a business until he moved to Vermillion. After finding out that there was interest in the community for a bookstore, and after receiving support from other small business owners, he started Outside of a Dog, and it’s been growing ever since.

Vermillion’s entrepreneurial spirit even extends to the youth in the community. Every spring, the VCDC collaborates with the high school to teach students about business. As part of an economic development unit, students present ideas for businesses, products, or apps, and receive professional guidance to help them succeed in their endeavors. Students that are interested in pursuing these ideas outside of the classroom are given the chance to develop them further, then present them to a panel of judges in a Shark Tankstyle event.

FEATURE STORYSpirit of South Dakota

This year’s event saw so many interesting ideas, from heated scissors to mental health services to apps for finding local babysitters, and awards were given for Best Research, Best Presentation, and Best Investment. Best Research went to ASAP Jewelry, who, after surveying their classmates about safety and discretion, developed the idea for a necklace that contains technology to alert trusted contacts if the wearer feels unsafe. Best Presentation went to the Bedside Pholder group, who 3D printed a phone holder that can stick to walls and other surfaces. Best Investment went to the Stud Finder Drill Battery, which combined a stud finder with a rechargeable drill battery for convenience in home improvement and construction projects.

These events encourage students to collaborate with their peers and think critically about business. Those that are serious about their ideas are invited to work with the VCDC to bring them to fruition. There are so many resources in Vermillion to help people become entrepreneurs, we at the VCDC want to make sure they’re available to everyone who needs them—including students! Economically, the city and the state are in a good place as well. South Dakota as a whole saw $4.4 billion in tourism revenue for 2021, generating $345 million in taxable revenue for the state. Vermillion itself collected over $5 million in first-, second-, and third-penny sales tax for 2021, an increase of $660,000 from 2020.

There’s never been a time quite like this for business owners. Vermillion’s entrepreneurial spirit, combined with the recent economic growth in town and across the state, has helped supplement the environment needed for businesses to thrive. It’s this kind of environment that can truly help build the community and make Vermillion a great place to live and work.

Pictured: Sue Galvin and Sally Hakin, Entrepreneur Major at USD Business School Pictured: Mike Phelan, Phelan family and VCDC crew at official ribbon cutting

Pictured: Sue and Sally working in “The Cube,” the VCDC’s incubator.