Discovering Opportunities at UCF's Market Day
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a vibrant platform for student organizations and local vendors to connect with the campus community through its popular Market Day. Held on specified Wednesdays during the Fall and Spring semesters, Market Day provides an exceptional opportunity to showcase products, promote organizations, and foster a lively atmosphere on campus.
Market Day: A Weekly Highlight
There's almost nothing better than walking through the Student Union Patio on a hot day and realizing what day of the week it is. As students make their way across campus, sometimes trudging along after a long math class, they are greeted with an array of products, perfect for window shopping. The first semester is often the most shocking for new students. Imagine the same boring walk, day after day, until one day a turn reveals a bustling atmosphere filled with color, music, and creativity.
Event Details
Market Day takes place from 9 AM to 5 PM every Wednesday, providing ample time for vendors and students to engage with the UCF population. Vendors are allowed to set up their spaces between 8 AM and 9 AM. The event is strategically located on the Student Union’s outdoor South Patio, a high-traffic area ensuring maximum visibility.
Space Reservations and Requirements
Student organizations and vendors can reserve a 10x10 space to set up their booths. Each reserved space includes a 6’ x 30” table and two chairs, providing a basic setup for showcasing products or organizational information. When requesting a Market Day space, it is essential to provide the organization’s name, address, contact information, and a description of the company or organization. The Student Union maintains the right to deny or discontinue business at its discretion, ensuring a high standard for the brands and businesses present on campus.
Financial Details
Market Day spaces are not confirmed until reservation charges are paid in full. Payments can be made via credit card over the phone or through company checks payable to “UCF Student Union.” It is important to note that personal checks or cash are not accepted. For vendors requiring parking, a daily parking pass can be purchased in advance for an additional $3.00; this excludes UCF students, who likely already possess parking permits.
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Insurance and Liability
Vendors may be required to provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance with additional insured endorsement. The Coordinator of Outdoor Events will inform vendors if this is necessary for their reservation. The University of Central Florida Board of Trustees, University of Central Florida, and the State of Florida must be listed as additionally insured during the event, including setup and breakdown. A copy of the certificate must be received by Student Union Event Services at least seven days prior to the event.
Safety Measures
Depending on the nature of the vendor's activities, they may also be required to fill out a SAFE (Safety and Awareness For Events) Form. The Coordinator of Outdoor Events will inform vendors if this form is required for their reservation.
A Platform for Budding Entrepreneurs
UCF Market Day serves as an incubator for student businesses, offering discounted booth rates to encourage participation. Andrew Nino, owner of Nino’s Market and a graduate student pursuing a master’s in aerospace, has been a regular participant for two years. He emphasizes the importance of starting early, stating, “If you’re a student who wants to start a business, do not wait. I started my business two years into my undergrad because I never felt like I was ready before. What I didn’t realize is that waiting two years didn’t change anything; I still wasn’t ready when I launched.”
Diverse Offerings
Market Wednesdays at UCF offer something for everyone. Attendees can find a diverse array of products, including jewelry, clothing, accessories, press-on nails, spices, herbs, and handmade knitted plushies. This variety ensures that students always have something new and interesting to discover.
Vendor Experiences
Creeden, a vendor who has been attending Market Days for almost five semesters, attributes their success to the vibrant UCF atmosphere. Their booth, known for its gorgeous pieces, is consistently full of customers. Creeden always knew they wanted to own a business, stating, “I knew I wanted to own a business from a pretty young age because I always knew I didn’t want to work for someone. I pushed myself to be a business owner since I used to run a store and was a store manager for five years. I realized: why am I making them so much money when they don’t treat me well?”
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Dom Griffin, who has been attending UCF Market Days for six years, was inspired by his mother to become a business owner. He highlights the supportive environment at UCF, noting, “UCF has been such an awesome place for me and many other small businesses to grow.”
Nicholas Bright, co-owner of Dime Finds, along with his friend Uzi Puente, has been participating in various markets around Central Florida, including the Florida Vintage Market, Lakeland Vintage Market, and Off the Rack Market. They create a memorable experience for their customers by taking polaroid photos and displaying them with the student’s Instagram handle, offering a 10% discount for participating. Bright appreciates the large and diverse community at UCF, stating, “It’s one of the biggest campuses in America, so there’s a lot of people to meet, things to do, and things to see. My buddy got me into it. Then, I decided, ‘screw it, let’s do it together.’”
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