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WIU Incoming Freshman Launches Small Business as Part of McDonough CEO Program

April 18, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - It is never too early to start a business! According to Anika Clark, an incoming Western Illinois University freshman, the McDonough County CEO program helped her start the journey.

Clark, a current senior at Macomb High School, is taking a class called McDonough County CEO which is an entrepreneur class that prepares junior and senior students to become leaders and start businesses.

During the class, everyone makes badges to introduce themselves to the community. Then the whole class comes up with a business they take on together. At the end of the year, each student comes up with their own business and advertises it to the community by providing services. Lastly, students attend a trade show that the whole community is invited to attend filled with all the different businesses the students started.

Clark's business is called "Cuddles and Company," which is a pet-sitting business. In class, Clark orchestrated a business that was a need in the community and something that she was interested in.

"I came up with Cuddles and Co. because I have a love for animals and I don't know of a personal pet-sitting business around Macomb," Clark said. "I provide pet walking services, pet sitting and overnight stays with pets. I get multiple animal requests from dogs to chickens!"

Clark is eager to start her academic journey at WIU going into Criminology through WIU's Law Enforcement, and Justice Administration (LEJA) program. She will continue her Cuddles and Company business as she starts at WIU in the fall.

"I am very excited to live on my own in the residence halls and to be starting Criminology classes," Clark said. "I have been interested in Criminology for a while and I am excited to learn more!"

For more information about the McDonough County CEO program visit mcdonoughcountyceo.com/. For more information on WIU's LEJA programs, visit wiu.edu/LEJA.

Posted By: Kelsey Brown (kl-brown5@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing