Belmont Students Turn Ideas into Impact Through Enactus

Student organization provides valuable experiences to members, meeting tangible needs in Nashville community 

Belmont University’s Enactus is a student organization dedicated to assisting local non-profits in creating positive change in the community.  

In recent years, the organization’s focus has homed in on food insecurity needs in Nashville. Cul2vate is an organization working to provide fresh grown vegetables to those with food insecurity needs that Enactus has partnered with on several projects.  

Recently, Enactus gained local media attention in The Tennessean and the Nashville Scene for its work with Cul2vate to supply Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes to food insecure communities in Middle Tennessee.  

"I am incredibly blessed and honored to work with roughly 40 Belmont Enactus students in the conception, development and implementation of social enterprise, often focused on enabling area non-profits to create earned-income for those they serve as well as new revenue streams for social programming,” said Dr. John Gonas, faculty co-advisor and professor of finance. 

Partnering with Cul2vate 

Cul2vate provides farm fresh produce grown on its property to those suffering from food insecurity. Before Enactus’ involvement, the non-profit's previous strategy consisted of selling half their produce and donating the remainder to those in need. When Enactus partnered with Cul2vate, students soon recognized the organization’s need for a new business model in order to remain afloat. 

Enactus members give back to non-profits like Cul2vate through volunteer work as well as contributing social entrepreneurship strategies to help organizations level up and thrive. Together, students work to coordinate and brainstorm business strategies to build infrastructure, increase revenue and help non-profits address logistical issues in sustainable ways. 

 Belmont Enactus students created a new strategy for Cul2vate in the form of CSA boxes. With this model, Cult2vate still sells part of their produce then offers the remainder through a subscription-based CSA program where the community can sponsor or pay for a box to donate. The students’ idea for the CSA boxes led to Cul2vate increasing revenue and reaching even more people with food security needs and gaining needed revenue. 

Academic Director of Belmont’s Innovation Labs Hilary Taft was a member of Enactus as a student and currently serves as a co-advisor for the student organization.  

“Belmont Enactus shows what’s possible when students lead with purpose,” said Taft. “Through social innovation, they are tackling food insecurity and workforce development in Nashville by building sustainable commercial solutions rooted in dignity, creativity and community.”  

Connections in the Community

For the past 20 years, Enactus has invited students from all areas of study to take part in their work. This diverse group serves non-profits in ways such as designing business plans, developing inventory management systems, implementing new marketing schemes and revitalizing client outreach.  

Enactus currently has several ongoing partnerships and projects utilizing the skills and innovations of its students, including: 

• Cul2vate  

• The Branch of Nashville: a thriving food pantry and support center for those with job, housing and general needs.  

• Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition : an organization resourcing those who have been affected by human trafficking with supports, employment through a working bakery and aid through education.  

Enactus Member Spotlight 

Students reflect on community, impact and skills 

Enactus not only has an impact on the surrounding community, but the members feel that this social entrepreneurship organization has shaped and impacted their Belmont experience. 

Across majors and class years, Enactus members describe similar experiences: finding community, applying their skills and gaining a deeper understanding of Nashville’s needs.

Although Enactus has been present at Belmont for nearly 20 years, the organization took a brief hiatus from campus due to COVID-19 before returning with strong ideas. This past year marked the first time in many years that the chapter attended the Enactus National Exposition, where they presented their food security efforts and innovations.

At the 2025 National Expo, Belmont’s Enactus chapter took home the “Rookie of the Year” award for reigniting the spirit of Enactus on their campus and making an impressive debut through their collaboration and commitment to meaningful impact. Their success highlights a group of engaged students applying leadership and skill on a national stage.