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Jun 11, 2024

Ideate & Explore Grant Recipient – Siddhant Sehgal for his venture Bussin’

Siddhant Sehgal

Energizing Colby: Siddhant Sehgal’s Journey with Bussin’

Ambitious to create a product for-the-students-by-the-students, Siddhant Sehgal is using his entrepreneurial spirit for an innovative initiative, Bussin’. Focusing on creating high-quality energy bars tailored specifically for college students, Bussin’ is more than just a product; it’s a mission to bring students together and energize their days.

The primary aim is to provide a nutritious, quick pick-me-up for Colby students, catering especially to athletes and anyone needing an energy boost. “College students are always tired,” he adds, highlighting the universal need for a convenient energy product. But Siddhant’s vision extends beyond nutrition. Inspired by platforms like Barstool Sports, he envisions Bussin’ evolving into a larger media enterprise that creates memorable experiences for students.

Raised from Virginia Beach, Virginia, Siddhant has always been interested in entrepreneurship. His journey began early, when he worked at a similar startup – an energy drink company – where he was the head of creative. This experience inspired him to pursue his own venture. His entrepreneurial journey took off in high school with Crane Consulting, a startup he started that connected local businesses with students to manage their social media presence. “It was super organic, word-of-mouth marketing for these companies,” Siddhant explains, showcasing his knack for innovative, student-driven solutions.

Siddhant identified a unique gap in the market: a product made by students, for students. This concept resonated deeply with him and became the foundation for Bussin’. He believes that an energy bar made by a Colby student is a message so strong that the community can rally around it.

The Halloran Lab played a crucial role in bringing Bussin’ to life. Siddhant received a $500 grant, which he describes as an incredibly accessible resource for students. “I’ve told all my friends, if you don’t have an idea, just try to come up with one. What’s the worst that can happen?” With the grant, he was able to prototype the Bussin’ bar recipe and navigate the initial stages of his startup.

Siddhant has ambitious plans for Bussin’: he aims to get Bussin’ bars into Colby’s Spa and eventually expand to Bates and other NESCAC schools. “We’re hoping to get somewhere around 500 bars in the Spa each week for the next year,” he shares. Looking ahead, Siddhant envisions Bussin’ becoming a recognized brand across college campuses, capitalizing on new opportunities for D3 athletes, leveraging his perspective as a swimmer at Colby.

Despite the challenges of acquiring necessary licenses and navigating bureaucratic hurdles, Siddhant remains optimistic. “People in our community want you to succeed. If you realize that, the sky’s the limit.” His advice for fellow student entrepreneurs is straightforward yet profound: “Take the first step. It seems so scary, but it’s also so rewarding.” Reflecting on his journey, Siddhant emphasizes the importance of perseverance despite the challenges.

Siddhant Sehgal’s Bussin’ is not just about creating energy bars; it’s about energizing a community and fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation at Colby College and beyond. As Bussin’ continues to grow, Siddhant’s entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration for students to pursue their ideas with passion and resilience.

Interviewed by Nida Fatima ’24.