NDSU supports student's mission to spread joy and grow as an entrepreneur

Whether she’s organizing community events, lending a listening ear or finding small ways to brighten someone’s day, spreading joy comes naturally to Addie Loerzel, a sophomore majoring in business administration.

Loerzel is eager to make an impact in the community and start something of her own even before she graduates. NDSU is helping her pursue her passions. One of the places Loerzel has found support on campus is NDSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business, which is dedicated to inspiring and expanding opportunities for students to bring new ideas to life.

The team that leads the center has provided Loerzel with the skills and mentorship that have helped her become ready for her future business endeavors.

“I feel like they’ve boosted my confidence by telling me that I can do it and helping me along the way,” Loerzel said.

This semester, Loerzel is taking an intro to entrepreneurship course where she is building skills in time management and resilience. She credits Onnolee Nordstrom, Ozbun Chair of Entrepreneurship and an associate professor, for incorporating real-world examples of successful entrepreneurs into class discussions.

“There was this time when the professor showed us different entrepreneurs and how they had failures along the way, which was really impactful,” Loerzel said.

The class has also provided Loerzel with an overview of the entrepreneurial process, evaluating the market feasibility of new product and business ideas, as well as how to launch an entrepreneurial venture.

For Loerzel, the class is serving as a guide for the entrepreneurial ventures she has already created. Four years ago, she founded the nonprofit Spread Your Sunshine with the mission of creating inclusive, joyful experiences for children facing homelessness, disabilities or family struggles.

“My mom and I started Spread Your Sunshine because we heard there was a need for kids in low-income housing. They sometimes don’t have transportation, and not much fun outside of where they live. So, we decided to bring joy to them,” she said.

Spread Your Sunshine is just one of Loerzel’s entrepreneurial pursuits. In addition to her nonprofit, she also started her own bakery business, Addie’s Sunshine and Treats. Loerzel also has big plans for after she graduates, including one day pursuing her lifelong dream of opening her own restaurant.

Loerzel’s entrepreneurial passion and joyful energy is noticeable by those in the Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business.

“Addie is one of those students who makes the entire classroom better. She is always engaged, always smiling and always thinking about how to help people,” said Nordstrom. “Addie represents what entrepreneurship is all about — curiosity, resilience and the courage to put yourself out there.”

Recently, Loerzel spoke about her nonprofit at StartupBREW, a weekly morning meetup for entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives and community members to share their entrepreneurial journeys.

“It was so cool there,” Loerzel said. “I talked about the starting point and all the work we’ve done along the way for Spread Your Sunshine.”

In addition to the Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business having an impact on her education, Loerzel is part of the second cohort of NDSU’s Transition and Access Program, an inclusive college program for students with developmental disabilities. The program aims to bridge this gap by providing students with the necessary support to navigate the transition to post-secondary education.

“Inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs, such as TAP, enhance life outcomes for students with disabilities by promoting higher employment opportunities, increased earning potential, stronger social skills and greater independence,” said Molly McKinnon, the Director of the Transition and Access Program. “For many, TAP doesn’t just enhance the college experience — it makes it possible.”

Loerzel, who was born with Spina Bifida, said TAP has helped her participate in class to her fullest, such as receiving support with assignments from mentors, including Jordan Bentz, the program coordinator.

“With TAP, they provide you with peer mentors who help you along the way. Those peer mentors are very supportive of me. I love TAP so much,” Loerzel said.

McKinnon said she has enjoyed watching Addie reach her goals, both personally and professionally.

“Addie is a bright light who brings joy to everyone around her. I had the privilege of being Addie’s teacher in middle school, and it’s been such an honor to reconnect and see her incredible growth as a college student,” she said. “Addie is an advocate for so many and continues to make a positive impact wherever she goes.”

Loerzel said she is grateful for the supportive community at NDSU and has enjoyed inspiring others.

“I’ve met people who think it’s so cool that I’m an entrepreneur that happens to have a disability,” she said.

For fellow student entrepreneurs wanting to chase their dreams, Loerzel has simple advice.

“Start thinking about what you want to do and just go from there,” she said.

Seize your moment by applying today or schedule a visit to see what NDSU has to offer.