Lake Walk and Texas A&M Partner to Cultivate Student Entrepreneurs

IBE Student Businesses at The Local at Lake Walk

This fall, Lake Walk continues its mission to nurture the next generation of business leaders by extending its partnership with Texas A&M University’s McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship. Together, they’re bringing student-run businesses to The Local, giving future entrepreneurs a chance to learn business by doing business—all while supporting local non-profits in the Brazos Valley.

Lake Walk’s monthly artisan market, The Local, has long been a hub for creators, makers, and local entrepreneurs to connect with the community. This year, however, it’s becoming more than just a destination that showcases local small businesses—it’s transforming into a real-world classroom. Texas A&M students enrolled in the Mays Business School’s Integrated Business Experience (IBE) program will set up shop at The Local, offering them a unique opportunity to put theory into practice, refine their business skills, and engage directly with customers.

“The Local will always be a place to uplift entrepreneurs and creators in our community,” said Tristan Estrada, Community Coordinator for Lake Walk. “Being able to watch these students, at the start of their journeys as future business leaders, receive mentorship from the artisan vendors and encouragement from our community is such an inspiration.”

This partnership first took shape in 2020, and since then, it’s become a launching pad for the next wave of Aggie entrepreneurs. By blending experiential learning with mentorship from Lake Walk’s established vendors, students gain invaluable insights into running a business—from product development to customer service and everything in between.

“The collaboration between the Integrated Business Experience and Lake Walk creates a real-world platform for our students to refine their business acumen and leadership skills,” said Blake Petty, instructor for the Integrated Business Experience course at the Mays Business School. “It’s more than just selling a product—it’s about understanding the responsibility of being an entrepreneur and positively impacting the local community.”

The impact of this partnership goes beyond personal growth and business knowledge. These budding entrepreneurs are also channeling their profits towards charitable causes, benefiting Brazos Valley non-profits. It’s a hands-on experience that teaches students the mechanics of entrepreneurship and the value of social responsibility.


You can catch the student-run businesses in action this fall at The Local, beginning October 15th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with their grand finale at the Holiday Night Bazaar on December 7th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. If you want to follow their journey, visit thelocalbcs.com/IBE for more information.

Lake Walk isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a place to see the next generation of entrepreneurs in action.