Embedded in schools across the Indiana Uplands, students are building real businesses—gaining skills and experiences that position them for success long after high school graduation. Students take on roles as employees, leaders, and entrepreneurs in manufacturing, machining, printing, and coffee shops.
Each student-run business is shaped by local context, providing students with opportunities to develop business plans and launch new products. With guidance from mentors and employer partners, students learn to set goals, manage teams, monitor finances, market products, make sales, and adapt to challenges—all mirroring real business responsibilities.
Uplands Made Conference & Expo
Each spring, students come together to share their experiences at the Uplands Made Conference. Hosted by Regional Opportunity Initiatives, this regional event for student‑run businesses features industry partners, student-led sessions, and peer learning.
Students take the lead throughout the day—facilitating sessions on topics such as marketing, production, technology, and sales. The event also includes a Student Expo, where businesses showcase their products and services.
Indiana Uplands Student-Run Business Directory
Brown County High School – Nashville, IN
Eagle Manufacturing: CNC Machining, Engineering Design, Graphics Design, Decals, Engraving, Banners, Apparel, and more.
Edgewood High & Junior High Schools – Ellettsville, IN
Edgewood Student-Run Businesses: Mustang Coffee Corral, Edgewood High ILC Designs, Edgewood Junior High EdgeShop
Linton-Stockton High School – Linton, IN
Miner Swag Shop
Loogootee High School – Loogootee, IN
Lion Manufacturing: Laser Engraved Wood and Metal Products, 3D Printing, CNC Machining, and more.
Northeast Dubois High School – Dubois, IN
Jeep Engineering and Manufacturing: CNC Routed Wood Products, Plasma Cut Metal Products, and Laser Engraving.
Orleans Jr/Sr High School – Orleans, IN
Bulldog Manufacturing & Design
Owen Valley High School – Spencer, IN
Patriot Manufacturing: Screen Printing, Graphics Printing, Laser Engraving, and Vinyl Printing
Shoals High School – Shoals, IN
Shoals Grounds: Coffee Shop
White River Valley High School – Switz City, IN
Wolverine Enterprises: Agriculture, Welding, Precision Machining, Fine Art, Manufacturing, Culinary, and Vinyl Printing
Student-Run Businesses in Action
Eagle Manufacturing (Brown County High School) and Lion Manufacturing (Loogootee High School) launched in 2019 as the first student-run businesses in the Indiana Uplands. Watch the video to see their beginnings.
You can help shape the next generation of Indiana Uplands makers and entrepreneurs. Connect with us to learn how you can support student-run businesses in the Indiana Uplands. Contact Emily Menkedick at emily@regionalopportunityinc.org.