SFA students learn side hustle tips from Lufkin, Nacogdoches business owners

Key Takeaways:

• Nearly 20 SFA students took part in semester-long entrepreneurship lessons.
• Participants came from diverse academic backgrounds.
• Local Lufkin and Nacogdoches business owners offered practical guidance.
• Entrepreneurs built successful companies from side-hustles.
• The experience emphasized the rising importance of real-world learning in education.

Understanding the Power of a Side Hustle

Nearly 20 students from Stephen F. Austin State University spent their semester exploring the world of side hustles, guided by the expertise of successful entrepreneurs in Lufkin and Nacogdoches. These students, hailing from diverse majors, discovered how even a small idea could launch into a thriving business with the right dedication and strategy.

Local Mentors, Real-World Lessons

Entrepreneurs from across the region shared stories of starting out with part-time projects that soon evolved into full-fledged enterprises. Given their firsthand experiences, these local mentors offered authentic insights students could apply to future endeavors—whether they plan to overcome common pitfalls or expand gradually once a venture shows promise.

A Broader Educational Perspective

With participants majoring in anything from business to the arts, the one-semester program underscored how universally relevant entrepreneurial thinking has become. Students saw that building a successful side hustle goes beyond traditional business disciplines, incorporating creativity, community engagement, and self-motivation.

Reflections on the Student Experience

Although the original news feed did not include direct quotes, the overall sentiment suggests that SFA students valued this up-close look at local business development. Talking to entrepreneurs who genuinely tested the waters of part-time projects gave them tangible lessons on perseverance, resourcefulness, and the importance of balancing risk with reward.

Looking Ahead

Their semester-long immersion in entrepreneurship tactics may prove valuable not only in the students’ future careers but also in shaping their outlook on community partnerships. By seeing how small-scale side projects can spark bigger opportunities, these aspiring professionals have walked away with a deeper appreciation for local innovation—and a stronger sense of what it takes to turn a simple idea into a sustainable business.