Proving Ground
Several times a year, the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship hosts "Proving Ground" events. The Proving Ground is a vendor expo for student startups (makers, app creators, food entrepreneurs, social enterprises, game designers, fashion designers, and more) from across Drexel University. Student entrepreneurs are each given a free table to display their businesses, sell their products, gain valuable feedback, and to network.
Proving Ground events are held in the lobby of the Pearlstein Building, The Close School’s home base on Drexel’s University City campus. Yearly all-day events such as Startup Fest (held during the Fall Term) and Future Fest (held during the Winter term) always include a Proving Ground.
A special female edition of the Proving Ground occurs annually during October’s national Women’s Entrepreneurship Week. And new for 2025: a collaboration with Drexel’s Barnes and Noble bookstore where a portion of the Barnes and Noble store is set aside for Proving Ground pop-ups.
Do you have an idea you would like to debut at a future Proving Ground event? If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a vendor, email Melissa Tevere (Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship Programs) at mt3288@drexel.edu.
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“The Proving Ground Pop-Up was the very first place I sold my products, and it’s become the inspiration and momentum behind launching my small business!
I came into Future Fest with no expectations of selling anything I had made, I was just hoping to get a feel for the selling side of the craft markets I’ve always loved and have a fun, low-pressure experience.
To my surprise, not only did I make sales, but I also connected with so many supportive people who gave me valuable feedback and encouragement. The Proving Ground experience has taught me a lot about customer service and communication in the pop-up market business, which has grown my confidence and helped me make important decisions as I continue to develop my business.
What I value most about the pop-ups is how welcoming and empowering they are for new makers like me. I have learned something new both from customers and other sellers each time I have participated in the pop-ups, and my business is always evolving because of it. Proving Ground is a space where entrepreneurs can learn, grow, and become a part of a creative student community that wants to see each other succeed!”
– Anya Niven, Close School of Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Major
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"On the first day of the pop-up experience for my small business, Sophfabcreations, I was nervous to even begin ...I was able to learn so much about how opportunities arise when participating in these pop-up shops.
I’ve learned that grabbing the attention of passersby is essential for making sales. Without their attention, how would they know what you're selling and the purpose behind it?
I gained valuable feedback that I never considered when launching my idea: crocheted scented shapes. The pop-up connected me with individuals experienced in my field, providing crucial information that I wouldn't have otherwise received.
With this pop-up, and future pop-ups, I will now take with me the importance of communicating the power of my product to potential customers and demonstrating why I’ve dedicated time to selling these curated pieces.
Pop-ups are a learning experience, and I’m glad that Proving Ground has allowed me to experience it."
– Sophia Diaz, Close School of Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Major
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