BuySide

This project involved identifying, justifying, and recommending five high-growth companies for potential investment that aligned with the criteria outlined in the INVEST Act. These companies were start-ups, small businesses, or emerging growth firms and were selected from outside the seven states where most U.S. public companies are concentrated: California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois, Florida, and Washington.

Benedictine College was tasked with researching companies in the East North Central, East South Central, and West South Central regions, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The analysis focused on companies with strong growth potential, solid financial health, and a profitability outlook, as well as clear competitive advantages and strong management teams.

The team presented its findings at a forum in San Diego on April 17, 2026, alongside SIBC Councils from the University of Notre Dame and the University of San Diego.

“This semester with SIBC, I co-led the BuySide team, which represented Benedictine College at a forum in San Diego with the SIBC councils from the University of Notre Dame and the University of San Diego. We were tasked with researching and recommending five growth companies for future investment whose profile aligns with the INVEST Act criteria. We evaluated these companies by comparing growth potential, financial health, and competitive advantage. It was a wonderful opportunity to advance my leadership abilities and form connections with fellow SIBC members from other schools. I learned many valuable lessons in organization, and I greatly expanded my knowledge of the stock market!” - Audrey Kirwan

“On the Buyside project this semester, we researched emerging growth companies that align with the INVEST Act. This project gave me a greater understanding of the process of a private company going public and the challenges that accompany that process. It was a great opportunity to work together as a team, collaborate on our research, and present at the BuySide Forum in San Diego alongside Notre Dame and University of San Diego.”-Elizabeth Francois