What began as a class project in the Ridgeline School of Business is now TrailShare, a student-run company that rents tents, packs and snowshoes to visitors in Tumble Falls.

The four founders developed the business plan in the Startup Studio in Innovation Commons and won $15,000 in seed funding at last spring's pitch competition. Since June they have rented more than 600 pieces of gear and hired six student employees.

"Our students do not just study the outdoor economy, they are part of it," said Dr. Nathan Brooks, dean of the Ridgeline School of Business.