Artists were empowered. Community was encouraged. And Columbia International University’s Fellowship of Christian Professionals (FCP) Mini-Market was a success! The Mini-Market drew dozens of visitors to the Student Center during October’s Preview Day for prospective students. The Mini-Market featured the sale of custom-made shirts, posters, artwork and even offered an athletic shoe cleaning for passersby — all businesses created by CIU students.  

FCP President Colby Hull says the purpose of the event was to create opportunities for students who aren’t necessarily as familiar with the business side of things but have “awesome talents.”

“We are interested in enabling others to create,” Hull said. “Hopefully we can create more opportunities (and) make the business side accessible so students can make some money off of what they're doing already.”

Hull added that he is excited to see CIU students interested in operating microbusinesses.

“A big takeaway for me is to see just how much encouragement students were getting and to see just how many talented people there are on campus who don't necessarily get to talk about what they do,” Hull said.

Artists deeply appreciated the spotlight provided to them. Harrison Burnette, a junior in the Music program and co-creator of Qoheleth Apparel, said he was encouraged by Hull’s efforts in creating the event.

“It's pretty amazing to see his organizational planning that has made everything just go super smoothly,” Burnette said. “Having it on a Preview Day is excellent so we got a little bit more traffic.”

CIU consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.