Blue Streak Venture Studio (BSV) is a collaboration that combines the expertise and resources of Boler College of Business at John Carroll University (JCU), the John Carroll University Entrepreneurship program, and a studio-based fund, AnD Ventures. BSV’s mission is to support JCU students and alumni ventures in securing their next round of funding while providing them with a unique experiential opportunity in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Serving as a catalyst for entrepreneurial success, BSV offers mentorship, funding opportunities, and a structured pathway for startups to scale and grow.
Learn more about Blue Streak Venture Studio: bluestreakventures.jcu.edu
Campaign Goal
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive marketing strategy to engage aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and the broader business community. BSV partnered with B_Inspired Digital Marketing Agency to develop and execute a comprehensive launch campaign. The goal was to drive awareness and engagement among multiple stakeholders.
Strategic Approach
Our strategy aimed to showcase BSV’s unique value proposition as a student-focused entrepreneurial incubator that combines the expertise and resources of the Boler College of Business at John Carroll University, the JCU entrepreneurship program, and a studio-based fund, AnD Ventures.
Through compelling brand storytelling, multi-channel marketing, and community engagement, we positioned BSV as a catalyst for fostering innovation, creating and expanding new entrepreneurial opportunities for JCU students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
The campaign targeted three core audiences:
- Aspiring Entrepreneurs & Applicants – Engaging JCU students, faculty, staff, and alumni interested in starting their own businesses, as well as local entrepreneurs who are exploring the opportunities offered by BSV studio.
- Established Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders – Connecting with experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders to mentor and advise studio members while supporting BSV.
- Investors & Donors – Expanding visibility, securing funding, and reinforcing BSV’s role in fostering startup growth.
Marketing Solutions
1. Establishing BSV’s Brand Identity
Digital deck
A strong brand identity is essential for attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners. We created a comprehensive studio pitch deck that:
- Clearly defined BSV’s mission, vision, and core objectives
- Highlighted the unique value proposition for applicants, mentors, and funders
- Provided a professional and compelling narrative for presentations, meetings, and outreach effort.
This deck sets the foundation for all BSV communications, ensuring consistency in messaging and effectively conveying the impact and opportunities the studio offers.
Digital and print flyers
For applicants: outlined the unique value propositions and benefits of BSV and the application process. The materials were tailored to JCU students and local entrepreneurs, ensuring relevance to each group.
For advisory members and mentors: highlighted the impact of supporting local entrepreneurs, the expectations of advisory members, and the value of mentorship within BSV.
These materials were tailored to resonate with each audience, positioning BSV as a unique incubator for growing student startups and impact in the community.
Designing the physical studio space
We designed the BSV studio space within the Boler College of Business, ensuring that it reflected the collaborative, high-energy environment. This involved:
- Creating a functional and visually appealing space that promotes productivity, networking, and innovation.
- Aligning the studio’s aesthetics with BSV’s brand identity for a seamless digital and physical experience
- Display banner
To enhance campus awareness, we created a branded banner displayed at the Boler College of Business, reinforcing BSV’s presence.
2. Applicant-Focused Recruitment Events
To attract aspiring entrepreneurs, we developed marketing assets to promote and facilitate key recruitment events, including a campus luncheon and an information session, targeting student entrepreneurs and business students.
We executed promotional email campaigns, created digital materials, and implemented in-person marketing efforts to boost engagement and attendance. These strategies effectively increased student and faculty awareness of BSV
3. Launch Event Marketing
We managed email campaigns and developed marketing assets to promote BSV’s official launch, targeting JCU students, faculty, staff, alumni, local entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. Our efforts included:
- Segmented email outreach to drive audience attendance.
- Marketing materials & event presentations to introduce BSV’s and its opportunities
- Post-event PR to maximize visibility and awareness.
4. Fundraising and Awareness Campaign
To increase financial support and enhance brand visibility, we launched a strategic fundraising campaign for BSV centered around JCU’s “Day of Giving”.
Key initiatives included:
- A dedicated donation page with clear, compelling messaging on BSV’s impact
- Two professionally produced promotional videos featuring the Dean of the Business College and the Director of the Entrepreneurship Program, highlighting the importance of entrepreneurial support.
- Social Media & Digital Awareness – We executed a countdown campaign leading up to the Day of Giving, leveraging student testimonials and strategic content to encourage participation and support.
These efforts not only drove financial contributions but also reinforced BSV’s visibility and credibility among potential donors and stakeholders.
5. Pitch Day Virtual Event
The campaign concluded with a virtual pitch day event, where BSV presented and showcased Klout Machine, the first startup that completed the program, to attract potential investors.
We managed the email campaigns and developed marketing assets to highlight BSV’s support for the startup and further promote BSV’s value among key stakeholders.
Campaign Timeline
The full campaign stretched out over nine months with both online and offline touchpoints.
- Digital Deck and Flyers: August 2023
- Studio Space Design: September 2023
- Student Recruitment Luncheon: September 2023
- Launch Event: November 2023
- Student Info Session: March 2024
- Day of Giving Fundraising Campaign: April 2024
- Pitch Day Virtual Event: May 2024
Campaign Results & Impact
- 14,000+ impressions across email and organic social media
- 130+ attendees at offline events, including entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors.
- $2,400+ raised through the fundraising campaign.
- Successfully attracted local startup applicants, with one startup completing the program within 10 months of the studio’s launch.
- Increased engagement among student entrepreneurs through strategic campus marketing and recruitment efforts.
- Strengthened industry connections, creating mentorship and investment opportunities through targeted outreach.
Let’s Build Something Great TOGETHER
Transforming ideas into impact requires strategy, vision, and execution. Whether you’re launching a venture, growing your network, or building a brand, we create solutions that drive success.