MSU BCC is an organization that specializes in helping students become successful entrepreneurs. Their main goal is to provide a starting base for students and to assist them with networking skills.

Members can expect to receive business cards, assistance with building a website and being paired with other entrepreneurs as mentors, depending on the career they desire. Members of MSU BCC will most likely be paired up with other members of the Lansing chapter of BCC, or someone else who is affiliated with MSU.

MSU BCC is the first collegiate chapter in the nation. It is a fairly new program to the campus that has been around for two years. Plans are in the works to add two more chapters in Michigan this year—to U-M in the fall, then Wayne State in the spring.

Journalism junior Jalen Walker, an aspiring member, said the importance of black ownership and entrepreneurship on campus should be strengthened. He wants to raise awareness, as he said he feels the incentive for it has dwindled over the past few years.

“To kind of revitalize (black entrepreneurship), and to start here on this campus would be a good source because we are high-achieving students,” Walker said.

The organization plans to collaborate with The Hatch, which allows students to hatch their small businesses, along with Lansing Economic Area Partnership. Advisors of MSU BCC will create an avenue of mentorship for students and development of social relationships with top business owners in the state and country.

Forrest Carter, faculty advisor of MSU BCC, stressed how speaking face-to-face with a CEO of a company, or being engaged with a director of program is more beneficial than just being in an open meeting.

“Those personal relationships and your personal integrity goes a long, long way when it comes down to getting business done,” Carter said.