Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Getting the chance to taste what it’s like to not only market a business, but launch one, is not always easy to come by.
But for six students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), they get the opportunity, plus credit for exploring it.
Fourth-year marketing students Laura Vivian, Valerie Doise, Kevin Garcha, Steven Gosal, Sandy Gill and Tegen Adajania were told they had four weeks to launch a successful company that markets itself both online and in person, and eight weeks to sell a product. Oh, and that they had just $200 to get everything up and running.
“It’s truly amazing what you can do with $200,” said Doise. “We want to show people that if six students can juggle an online startup, as well as other classes, personal lives and part- or full-time work, anyone can do the same. Becoming your own boss is attainable.”
With just over two weeks left, the students and their company Pacific Tea & Co. are climbing the 'steep' hill to success. Their online storefront offers a variety of organic loose leaf teas – from raspberry cream to chai – and with colder weather and the holiday season on the horizon, business is as strong as a cup of Earl Grey.
“It’s been such an interesting experience to see everything we’ve learned over the last four years finally come together,” said Vivian.
To learn more about Pacific Tea & Co. and to check out their fine selection of teas, visit pacificteaandco.ca.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships.Learn more at kpu.ca.
A photo of the Pacific Tea & Co. team is available on Flickr.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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