Introducing a business model to develop and operate a microenterprise incubator using experiential learning in higher education

![CDATA[Student enterprise is a common practice at universities to complement entrepreneurial learning. This paper presents and discusses an innovative business model to establish and operate a student enterprise. While the venture is based on campus, this student enterprise incorporates the mission of a social enterprise to maximize profits and benefits for educators, students, vendors, and other community partners. Focusing on assisting new and existing small ventures, this microenterprise incubator offers vendors opportunities to test concepts and products in a controlled environment. Course materials and activities directly link to the operation and management of this microenterprise incubator led by students and faculty. Vendors receive and exchange information with students and faculty through monthly reports and annual meetings. Challenges and barriers of the microenterprise incubator include lack of support and acknowledgement from peers and administrators, lack of long term planning, and lack of incentive and rewards for faculty and students to participate.]]