When Boise State MBA student Hunter Chapman joined studio\Blu’s launch team, he expected to learn about entrepreneurship. What he didn’t expect was how quickly his classroom lessons would turn into real-world impact. “Collaborating with real companies on market research, web design, and business strategy has transformed classroom concepts into hands-on experience,” Chapman said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities to learn, grow, and apply my skills in meaningful ways.”
That blend of learning and application is on full display at Boise Entrepreneur Week, Sept. 29 to Oct. 3, 2025, where studio\Blu will once again showcase the TRAIL Wagon (Taste, Research & Insights Lab). Designed and operated by Boise State students, the TRAIL Wagon is a mobile consumer-testing facility that gives Idaho food entrepreneurs access to real-time consumer insights to refine their products. The trailer debuted at the 2024 Boise Entrepreneur Week, supporting local startup Idaho Barkery, and will again serve as the prize for the Trailmix Pitch Competition winner at this year’s festival.
For MBA student Sydney Reinert, the experience of working on studio\Blu projects like Trailmix has been career-defining. “I’ve been with studio\Blu for four years, and during that time I’ve had some of the most influential experiences of my life,” Reinert said. “Through engaging with leaders in Boise and working within the field of graphic design, I’ve grown not only as a professional but also as a person. The professional I am now is deeply credited to the opportunities, lessons, and growth I’ve gained at studio\Blu.”
The TRAIL Wagon reflects studio\Blu’s broader mission: to connect students with Idaho businesses through applied, project-based work. Unlike traditional internships, studio\Blu functions as a fee-based professional services studio with student teams aligned around the stages of product development: design, create and launch. The launch team is where College of Business and Economics students are most active and focuses on market research, branding and digital strategy, helping entrepreneurs validate and prepare products for market success.
“Studio\Blu partners with Idaho manufacturers, putting students to work and enabling them to apply their skills to real-world projects,” said Catherine Cantley, studio\Blu’s center director. “It’s truly inspiring for students to see the impact they can make in the marketplace.”
For MBA student Kassia Cummings, that impact has been deeply personal. “Working with TechHelp and studio\Blu has enabled me to continually learn and experiment in a real-world setting. Not only have I strengthened my design and leadership skills, but also my confidence in my abilities, especially knowing that I’ve made a tangible impact.”
Julieanna Castillo echoed that sentiment, noting how the experience has shaped their future: “studio\Blu pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me build leadership skills I’ll carry into any career I pursue.”
Beyond Boise Entrepreneur Week, October also brings a statewide series of National Manufacturing Month events led by TechHelp, including leadership simulations, industry tours, food business workshops and compliance training. Together, these efforts showcase how Boise State connects education with entrepreneurship and industry, strengthening Idaho’s economy while preparing the next generation of leaders.
Brad McDonald, TechHelp’s executive director, sees both sides of the impact. “TechHelp’s mission is to serve small- to medium-sized manufacturers, many of whom are in rural Idaho. The TRAIL Wagon strengthens those connections while also creating a valuable touchpoint for Idaho’s future workforce.”
For the public, Boise Entrepreneur Week offers a chance to see this innovation firsthand. Community members can attend the Trailmix Pitch Competition on Oct. 3 at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place and cheer on Idaho entrepreneurs as they compete for access to the TRAIL Wagon. A full calendar of TechHelp’s National Manufacturing Month events is also available through TechHelp’s website, offering opportunities for businesses and the community to engage in Idaho’s manufacturing story.