The Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) defines what it means to be a publicly-engaged business school. By accelerating student careers as they engage in solving complex challenges and delivering world class executive education the CBDC is growing business that build wealth for under-represented minority entrepreneurs and businesses in under-served communities.
See why donors are supporting the CBDC
The CBDC has developed an M3 model addresses structural barriers that disproportionately affect under-represented minority owned businesses as well as businesses in rural, urban, and suburban communities with historically high unemployment rates.
- Management: Improve skills through business management education
- Money: Create greater access to loans and investments
- Markets: Gain access to markets by reaching new customers and clients
For students, the M3 model is transformational:
- Management skills are developed by solving complex challenges that require cross-disciplinary strategic thinking
- Money in the form of scholarships and paid internships
- Markets by developing professional networks and mentoring relationships that lead to career success
The CBDC’s M3 model is the backbone behind the Ascend entrepreneurial support ecosystem network which is the largest initiative to grow the next generation of businesses owned by people of color in the country.
The CBDC is open to all. Learn more about opportunities for students, businesses, and supporters.
Get real-world experience in solving business problems, do meaningful work that transforms businesses and nonprofits, and creates lasting impact outside of the classroom. Open to both undergraduate or graduate students.
The Center offers a range of consulting and education programs to serve businesses throughout their growth cycle. Classes are offered in Seattle, Yakima, the Tri-Cities, and on Tribal lands while drawing business owners regionally and nationally.
The donations of our supporters fund operations and contribute to the successes of students, local business and the community overall.