Eight third-year Cambrian College Graphic Design students have teamed up with local businesses to give them an online edge.
The program operates thanks to support from the college’s applied research arm, Cambrian Innovates, and funding from Ontario Centres of Excellence’s (OCE) Voucher for E-Business and Technology Adoption (VEBTA) program.
Under the mentorship of Graphic Design professor Sean Grant, students skilled in web design and visual communication will work with local business owners who are ready to create or ramp up their business’s online presence, integrate new web apps and social media, or add new technology in digital communication to enhance their brand and business.
“One of the most valuable experiences in a designer's education is the opportunity to work directly with a client,” said Grant, in a press release.
“This project is labour-intensive, but it’s built into the curriculum, offers paid work experience, and allows students to develop crucial skills in interpersonal communication, project management, and executing creative design solutions for small business.”
Client meetings begin this week and projects will wrap up Dec. 1.
Sudbury Regional Business Centre co-ordinator Judy Benvenuti aligns local businesses with the program.
“Developing an online presence is crucial to help businesses grow, but not every business owner is an expert on the Internet,” said Benvenuti. “Getting a helping hand to develop online tools gives businesses the chance to tap into a new customer base.”
Since 2013, 16 local businesses have taken advantage of the program. Past clients include: Sizzle Mongolian Grill, Quinta Essentia, Classic Finds and Stack Brewery.
