The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation announces that Kayla Green, a College of Music master’s candidate in violin performance, is 2021’s Kaufman Family Scholar. She is the founder and CEO of the mission-driven startup GrandStand Music Festival, a nonprofit that aims to enrich communities through high-quality music performances and use its concerts to raise funds and awareness to combat human trafficking.
The newly created Kaufman Family Endowment supports exemplary student venturers at Michigan State University as they build startups and nonprofits rooted in social good. Established by Michigan natives Brandon and Barbara Kaufman, the endowment reflects their passion for entrepreneurship and drive to give back to Michigan’s communities.
“We wanted to create scholarship opportunities that propel changemakers toward success,” said Barbara Kaufman. “Investing in Spartans who focus on generating maximum social good is exciting.”
For Green, the Kaufman Family Scholarship is a testament to the resources Michigan State University offers aspiring entrepreneurs.
“I am deeply grateful for this award,” said Green. “During my time at Michigan State, I have grown so much as an entrepreneur. The Burgess Institute offers numerous ways to plug into the community and engage, and I have enjoyed taking advantage of those opportunities. I look forward to continuing to learn and expand my venture.”
The Burgess Institute’s programs and resources allow student venturers to build their skills, hone their entrepreneurial mindset, and gain the tools necessary for reaching their goals.
Green’s idea for GrandStand began as a concert that would raise money to support a local nonprofit working to end human trafficking. “With my background in music, I had seen many times how powerful music could be in unifying people and inspiring them to take action,” said Green. “I thought GrandStand might be a great opportunity to use my skill set in music to contribute to social causes.”
Kayla quickly connected with many interested people across the MSU ecosystem. What started as a show at a small coffee shop grew to include fifteen nonprofits, six music and dance groups, and three keynote speakers, all hosted at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.
As GrandStand grew, Kayla’s knowledge of how the startup fit into the nonprofit space grew with it. “Through conversations with our partners, I learned how hard it was to motivate people to get involved. The nature of our advocacy work is heavy and complex,” said Green, “but the arts open a unique space. Stories are more easily shared, and the audience is more receptive. That’s how we work together to gradually shift the way pressing issues are perceived, encouraging our audiences to take positive action and demand change in public policy.”
Throughout her GrandStand journey, Green has been an active member of the entrepreneurship community, participating in many of the Burgess Institute’s flagship programs, including the annual Burgess New Venture Challenge. Preparing for the competition meant she would need to dive deeper into her venture.
As a member of the Burgess Institute Launch Program, Green receives seed funding, marketing and business development assistance from the institute’s interns, and exclusive access to mentorship from Entrepreneurs-in-Residence.
“Both the Discovery and Launch Programs removed so many barriers new entrepreneurs encounter,” Green reflected, “by providing access to an ecosystem of expert mentors and talented interns.”
Green’s grit and determination have paid off. With her vision for GrandStand clear, Green refined her business plan and polished her pitch. These improvements garnered her a generous sponsorship from the MSU Federal Credit Union.
Green shows no signs she will rest on her laurels. She is building on each success and learning from each challenge. Kayla Green is a role model for Spartan creators and innovators, which is why she is 2021’s Kaufman Family Scholar.
