Students Turn Creativity Into Commerce at Future Cats Market
Student creativity and entrepreneurial spirit took center stage at the Future Cats Market on April 17, an event designed to make starting a business feel accessible—no licenses, websites or elaborate setups required. Hosted from 5–8 p.m. in collaboration with the Eller College of Management McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship and the Coalition Space, the market brought together 40 student artists from across Tucson alongside community partners including DJ B, Devynn Brankel, the Pima Community College Dance Club and You Sly Dog Food Truck.
The market ran smoothly throughout the evening. Vendors set up without issues, performances stayed on track and every student artist made at least one sale. You Sly Dog Food Truck, which joined the event with a goal of selling 60 hot dogs, exceeded that mark.
More than 150 people attended, and student vendors brought in over $2,500 in total revenue in just three hours. Student Made Arizona generated more than $600 of that total. The event also had an impact beyond sales. Of the 19 students who didn’t already have a business, 12 said they would be very likely to start one after the experience. Vendors ranged from middle school students to graduate students, and all said they would participate again.
“I was absolutely thrilled with the impact this market made, and I was so inspired by all these ambitious students who were willing to give entrepreneurship a try,” said Hannah Contardi, who spearheaded the whole event. “Thanks to their effort and hard work, I’m now intent on hosting the Future Cats Market at least once more before I graduate. I’m currently planning on doing one next spring, but I might actually do one in the fall too if I’m feeling ambitious.”
