UCCS Farm created an opportunity for student entrepreneurs to launch their small businesses without overhead costs at a series of farmer’s markets over the summer.
On Sept. 20, the last farmer’s market, around 20 vendors and three food trucks were present with a sizeable turnout from UCCS students and faculty. The Farm worked with students and staff as well as community members to bring in market vendors.
UCCS Farm Manager Polly Knutson said the farmer’s market was intended to connect with students and give them the opportunity to grow as entrepreneurs. Student vendors were provided with tables and tents and had their fees waived to participate.
“It’s a very collaborative event,” Knutson said. “The wellness center helps out, sustainability helps out, the family development center, parking, the police, so it is a full campus integration.”
“My main goal for the farmer’s market is awareness for the farm. That’s why we have it in the UCCS parking lot right next to the farm – a year ago no one even knew we had a farm, and this is the way of connecting the community to [it],” Knutson said.
Brooke Hand, a grad student who assists at the farm, felt that community engagement was an important aspect of the event. “The best part of the farmer’s market is students coming together and getting involved,” she said.
Ashley Fairbanks, a psychology and criminal justice major, had a booth with handmade jewelry and clothes at the market. She registered as a student vendor after receiving an email that went out from the Farm.
“It was relatively easy [to get set up],” Fairbanks said, adding that the Farm provided tables, chairs, and tents for any vendors that needed them.
When asked about success at the event about halfway through, Fairbanks said: “I have not sold a single thing, I wish I did.”
According to Knutson, the farm is always welcoming new volunteers. “We can’t survive without volunteers up here,” Knutson said.
Additionally, they will be hosting weekly Farmhouse Friday events from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the UCCS Farmhouse, which will provide farm-to-table meals for students.