Starting a Student Business
If you are interested in starting your own business, your first stop should be the Department of Student Engagement. Brandeis encourages all types of learning, both inside and outside of the classroom, including entrepreneurship; however, students must gain approval for all personal income-generating activity that uses university property. This authority is given to staff within the Department of Student Engagement, as found in Section 14 of Rights and Responsibilities.
Before you embark on your business you must meet with the Department of Student Engagement. To schedule a meeting, you may call 781-736-5065 or email studentengagement@brandeis.edu.
You will be asked to develop a business plan that includes:
- Item or service for sale
- Detailed description of that item or service
- Marketing plan
- Brandeis resources needed for the enterprise
- Business licensing
- Business insurance
- Other information, as needed
In addition, we advise that you review the following sections of Rights and Responsibilities so that you are aware of policies and limitations that might impact the approval processes:
- Section 6: Care of University and Personal Property
- Section 9.7: Distribution of Postings
- Section 9.11: Solicitation in the Halls
- Section 12: Use of Campus Facilities
- Section 15: Conduct Affecting the Name and Tax-Exempt Status of the University
- Section 15.5: Guidelines Concerning Use of University Facilities, Name, Seal or Logo
If your enterprise is approved, you will be given a letter outlining all of the procedures and limitations concerning the business. This must be reviewed annually.