Building Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs
Minneapolis College offers industry-focused business degrees and awards. These programs provide comprehensive training in business functional areas, career skills, and relevant technologies to prepare students for jobs in the business world. The college's proximity to major industry players in Minneapolis offers students a chance to be directly involved in the city's business landscape.
A newly designed Management Education Center is a combined business school building for Minneapolis College and Metro State University providing accessible resources and learning pathways that allow students to pursue an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level education on the Minneapolis College campus. Housed within the new building is a bustling Entrepreneurship Center that hosts students from across both colleges, providing space to gather to build skills and connections, an integral part of learning.
Entrepreneurship Event – Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m.
Business faculty at Minneapolis College and Metro State University invite students to the Entrepreneurship Center on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 6-8 p.m. during Global Entrepreneurship Week to establish connections in the Twin Cities entrepreneurship and innovation community, practice networking skills, and gain exposure to community entrepreneurial resources.
“This collaborative event is meant to empower students toward success and will feature more than a dozen local business leaders, alumni entrepreneurs, resource tables, snacks, and giveaways,” said Jason Cussler, Minneapolis College business and faculty. “Every student is welcome to join us and learn about our community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Attendees needing support preparing to put their best foot forward can receive tips on networking via an easy-to-access online link they can watch prior to the event.”
A host of other business-focused events are contributing to a busy fall both on and off campus, setting a tone for the academic year.
Midtown Global Market Field Trip
The Introduction to Business class participated in an experiential learning trip, visiting the Midtown Global Market. The excursion provided students with insights into the entrepreneurial journeys of owners Rashmi Bhattachan and Manny Gonzalez, alongside understanding the Market's role in fostering new businesses.
Manny Gonzalez, best known at the Market for Manny’s Tortas, first came to the United States to study English for four months at Hamline University. Forty years later, he still proudly calls Minnesota home and in 1997, as developers prepared to open Mercado Central, Manny secured one of the highly sought-after restaurant spaces. He distinguished himself from other Mexican eateries by building his restaurant around his signature tortas—a creation inspired by his mother and perfected in his own kitchen.
Rashmi Bhattachan envisioned MomoDosa long before it opened at the Market. Her momos—beautifully pleated steamed dumplings filled with locally sourced meats and vegetables—first became a hit 16 years ago at the Mill City Farmers Market. Building on that success, Bhattachan opened Gorka Palace, where her beloved dumplings became a menu staple. Her dream of creating a fast-casual, momo-focused eatery eventually came to life at the Market.
Build Your Dream - Business Idea Adventure
The Build Your Dream: Business Idea Adventure held was a dynamic, hands-on business plan competition where students formed competitive teams and designed innovative business ideas using a Lean Business Plan framework. Guided by expert faculty and community participants, students developed their business ideas, received live feedback, and built valuable entrepreneurial skills. This event was held in the Entrepreneurship Center and was hosted by Metro State University and Minneapolis College.
Michael Bui - Entrepreneur Visit
Vietnamese immigrant and entrepreneur Michael Bui visited Minneapolis College to share his personal journey with business students. He recounted moving to Minnesota when he was six years old and the subsequent experience of a difficult and lonely childhood.
In college, Michael Bui found a wealth of new ideas, connections, and knowledge. His education began at Anoka Ramsey Community College before he transferred to the University of Minnesota for his bachelor's degree. He later earned a law degree from Hamline School of Law and an MBA from Capella University. Bui's experiences with entrepreneurial failures taught him key lessons, including the need to differentiate a business, master public speaking, and build community connections. He urged students to learn from his errors and even gave out his contact information so attendees could ask follow-up questions.
Bui is married with four children and is now the proud owner of several successful businesses in Eden Prairie’s Asian Mall including Pho Mai, Bober Tea, Mochi Dough, and Keefer Court. To guarantee high quality and efficient service, Bui distinguishes his restaurant by maintaining a small menu, good products, and a large staff with streamlined processes. He encourages reinvesting in the business and giving back to the community. Beyond his restaurant, Bui is also expanding his ventures as a partner in the upcoming second Asian Mall in Blaine.
Current and prospective students interested in learning more about studying business at Minneapolis College as well as upcoming events can reach out to business faculty members Jason Cussler or Jennifer Malarski.