Texas State Founder’s Table provides community for student entrepreneurs

The Texas State Founder’s Table held its first informational meeting this past Monday.

Student entrepreneurs received an invite to the event to learn more about a program by Randy Haran. Haran has developed a program for student entrepreneurs to come together and collaborate on business related issues.

The selective program provided an environment for students to gain insight from like-minded student entrepreneurs, while also developing mentorship and experienced guidance, and accountability and structure to strengthen their businesses.

The Student Founder Table is a startup program looking to expand throughout Texas State University and around the country.

Participants ranged from established businesses to just starting up, providing a wide range of ventures.

One of the participants, Israel “Izzy” Trujillo, runs an online vintage upscale clothing resale store called, EZT Vintage. Recently Trujillo won the $6,500 top winner prize in the ROI pitch competition.

Another participant, Kevin Hernandez Iglesias, owns a 3D printing business.

At the informational meeting, the student entrepreneurs participated in what a typical meeting would look like.

They began by going around the table saying one word on how they were feeling. Many participants expressed “nervousness” to “curiosity.”

Then, the entrepreneurs went around the table providing updates on where their businesses stand. Following this the entrepreneurs discussed issues they were seeing while running a business.

Anything from looking for customers, marketing, to initial funding was discussed amongst the group. Other participants were able to input on what has helped their business in situations like these, leaving the student entrepreneurs with an abundance of ways to further grow their business.

By the end of the meeting, the students went around the table to share one word on how they were feeling now. Students voiced “excitement” and “eagerness” to join this program.

The startup program will host two more meetings for students before the targeted launch of January 1, 2026.

For more information about the CIE events and activities, check out our upcoming events.

Follow us on all of our socials - LinkedIn and Instagram. To find our events list, visit our linktr.ee for a full list of events.

About the CIE:

“Where underestimated talent becomes unstoppable.”

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship follows a mission of providing hands-on experiences to turn into something meaningful and impactful. The CIE supports “underestimated people and early-stage ideas with strategy, grit, and belief.”

The vision of the CIE is to make Texas State University “a place where entrepreneurship and innovation are real and accessible to anyone with the courage to create.” The CIE provides opportunities for students, faculty, alumni, and the community to turn ideas into lasting ventures.

Media Contacts:

To become involved in the CIE as a student, faculty or staff, alumni, or community member, connect with the CIE team - Quinn Valentine, Director for the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, McCoy College of Business, at quinn.valentine@txstate.edu

Kendall Perkinson, CIE Program Coordinator

Email: kendallperkinson@txstate.edu