Vision

Small businesses are symbols of the American Dream brought to life. According to the Small Business Administration, they employ nearly 60% of the private workforce and created nearly 70% of net new jobs after the 2008 recession. The economy relies on small businesses, but they’re in trouble.

Only 50% of small businesses make it to their 5th year of operations. Many small business owners struggle with turnover of staff and operational issues, and many do not capitalize on digital tools to grow their business.

HOW DO WE HELP

STRATEGIES
  • Industry/Competitor/ Company/Customer Analysis (Current State Assessments, Benchmarking)
  • Capital Infusion
  • Access to mentors

Business Development

Coaching

OUTPUTS
  • Implementation of strategy, extension of engagement with CYC, or referrals
  • Launch of new programs/services (especially digital)
  • Response to competitive threat

Better Business Practices

OUTCOMES
  • Reduced risk tolerance to invest strategically in business
  • Better understanding of customer or bridging the digital divide (especially for older SB owners)
  • Improved competitive positioning

Increased Profitability

Better Customer/Product-Fit

Improved Business Acumen

IMPACT
  • Increased economic productivity of small businesses in college communities from increased business growth and long-term profitability
  • Improved business acumen of small business clients on how to respond and deploy resources to strategic challenges

Economic Resilience

Better Services for Community Needs

Small Business Owner Empowerment

Business Development

Coaching

Better Business Practices

Increased Profitability

Better Customer/Product-Fit

Improved Business Acumen

Economic Resilience

Better Services for Community Needs

Small Business Owner Empowerment

OUR MODEL

HOW DO WE ENGAGE WITH SMALL BUSINESSES OVER A SEMESTER?

1 nonprofit client / team / semester
4-6 student consultants per client team
8-10 week engagegment
Bi-Weekly Client Check-In
5-10 hours / week

SERVICE OFFERINGS

Strategic Growth

  • Benchmarking Studies
  • Industry Trend Analysis
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Launch Strategy
  • New Program Launch

Business Development

  • Market Research
  • Risk Assessment
  • Organizational Structure
  • Project Planning

Brand Development

  • Marketing/Branding Strategy
  • Social Media Strategy

Financial Analysis

  • Revenue Optimization
  • Pricing Strategy
  • Cost Reduction Analysis

Access to Capital

  • Access to loans *New*
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