There’s something powerful about stepping outside the classroom and into the real world, especially when that world is filled with passionate entrepreneurs, creative spaces, and stories of resilience. Recently, students from Mr. Swelbar’s Digital Media program experienced that firsthand during a small business tour in downtown Hamilton.
Led by Mr. Swelbar in partnership with Jeremy West, Entrepreneurship Coordinator, the experience was designed to connect students with local entrepreneurs while helping them understand how storytelling, branding, and digital media shape the success of businesses across industries.
Throughout the day, students visited LemonGrenade Creative, The Grey, Lane Libraries Community Technology Center, InsideOut Studio, Fretboard Public House, and Selfie Society. At each stop, business owners shared their journeys, highlighting not only what it takes to run a business, but how digital media plays a critical role in building identity, engaging customers, and growing a brand.
The tour also served as an extension of a year-long project in which students are developing their own business plans. Seeing real businesses in action gave students valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities they may encounter as they bring their own ideas to life.
Students quickly realized how versatile their skills can be. From branding and visual identity at LemonGrenade Creative, to immersive and experience driven spaces like InsideOut Studio and Selfie Society, to community centered innovation at Lane Libraries Community Technology Center, each business reinforced the same message. Digital media is everywhere, and it matters.
For Mr. Swelbar, the experience directly connects to his vision for students’ futures:
“My ultimate goal is to prepare students for the workforce and help them become the best creators they can be. That includes understanding how to market themselves because as artists they’re essentially running their own small businesses. Hearing directly from local business owners about building a brand and growing a business is incredibly valuable. This experience gave students insight into real career paths and helped them better understand what their future can look like.”
Beyond the lessons in business and media, students connected with the people behind the work. They heard about challenges, pivots, and perseverance, gaining a more honest and inspiring view of entrepreneurship.
As one student shared, “Hearing their stories made everything feel more real. It showed me that success isn’t a straight path, and that creativity can actually turn into a career.” Another added, “I didn’t realize how much digital media impacts businesses until I saw it in action. It made me think differently about the work we do in class.”
Experiences like this help students see themselves in these spaces, not just as learners, but as future creators, professionals, and entrepreneurs. They also highlight the strength of the Hamilton community, where local businesses are willing to invest in the next generation.
“I’m truly grateful to our local business partners. This work wouldn’t be possible without them,” said Jeremy West. “Their willingness to share their time, stories, and experiences is what makes opportunities like this so meaningful for our students.”
By the end of the day, students did not just leave with notes. They left with perspective, inspiration, and a clearer vision of what their future could look like.
