Community Development Consulting Program
Business Impact Group's new Community Development Consulting Program (CDCP) provides free consulting services to small businesses and community-based organizations. Through this program—which is entirely student-run—we aim to accelerate economic and social growth, with a focus on underserved regions of the Puget Sound region and the Pacific Northwest.
What is Business Impact Group?
Business Impact Group is the University of Washington's largest undergraduate consulting organization. A registered student organization (RSO), Business Impact Group mobilizes undergraduates at the Foster School of Business and across the university to help small businesses. Through our existing partnership programs, we have organized over 150 students to consult 38 businesses since Autumn 2021.
What can the Community Development Consulting Program do for me?
If you are the owner/operator of small business or community-based organization in the Pacific Northwest, the Community Development Consulting Program can organize a team of student consultants to support your business goals. Projects include creating marketing strategies, assessing your financial position, researching consumer preferences, or developing a growth strategy (see more information below).
This program is free of charge. Projects begin as 8-week engagements that conclude with a final set of recommendations. Longer projects can extend across two quarters (16 weeks). Note that this program is entirely student-led.
What small businesses and community-based organizations are eligible for the program?
We welcome inquiries from any small business or community-based organization in the Pacific Northwest. In particular, we strongly welcome businesses and organizations from economically underserved neighborhoods.
How do I learn more and get started?
To learn more or get started, please contact fill out the form below or contact Phillip Meng by email. If we believe that we can help your business, we will schedule a follow-up conversation to discuss program specifics. We look forward to hearing from you!
Phillip Meng
President, Business Impact Group
pmeng@uw.edu
Where We Drive Impact
2) We then pair your company with a 5-person team of student consultants and a Project Manager.
4) The team will meet weekly with the client (or submit a written deliverable) to receive updates on progress and ensure that deliverables align with business needs.
1) We begin by understanding your main pain points and how we can provide value.