Each year, more than 100 businesses and 30 nonprofit organizations are paired The Consulting and Business Development Center’s student consulting teams or complete the Center’s business education programs. Businesses that leverage these resources typically grow their revenues at 2-3 times the rate of the average business in Washington. Working with businesses throughout their growth cycle, with a primary focus on those owned by people of color, women, LGBTQ, veterans, or located in under-served communities, the Center has helped companies add $85 million in new revenues last year.
From marketing plans to adoption of new technology, businesses participating in these programs connect with Foster students and faculty to implement proven methods to increase revenues and profits, expand operations, and improve performance.
Management Education for Businesses
Board Fellows for Nonprofits
Consulting and Support Programs for Businesses
We offer businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQ, and veterans consulting programs ranging from one week to seven months. During these programs students and professional mentors work side-by-side with owners on projects that improve the bottom line and stimulate new growth.
Ascend Seattle is a cohort-based program designed to leverage resources and networks from the Foster School of Business to grow small to medium-sized companies in specific industry sectors.
Working together to strengthen our communities, the Ascend Seattle program is part of a national network of partners that works to connect business schools, business service-providing organizations, and community development financial institutions to generate a support ecosystem for helping entrepreneurs accelerate business growth. Learn more about this work here!
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The program is taught by Michael G. Foster School of Business faculty as well as business professionals and entrepreneurs. Some of the topics include:
- Strategic Planning and Decision-Making
- Financial Management and Forecasting
- Raising Capital for Growth
- Pricing Strategy
- Innovation Strategy
- Sustaining Growth
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM
- Development of three-year strategic growth plans assisted by business experts and fellow company owners
- Connections with corporations and government agencies that are looking to expand contracting and supply chain partnerships
- Access to new sources of loans
- Access to consulting teams of business students to work on strategic projects for your company
IDEAL CANDIDATES
This program is ideal for founders, CEOs, or executives of established companies owned by people of color, women, veterans, those who identify as LGBTQ and/or those located in under-served communities. Companies must have been in operation for a minimum of one year AND have revenues of at least $300,000 per year. Generally, companies with revenues approaching or above $1 million are best suited to take advantages of the resources provided in this program.
For the Ascend Seattle 2023 program cohort, we are seeking participants from companies providing products and services in the following industries:
- Commercial Construction
- Real Estate Development
- Construction & Clean Energy
- Affordable Housing Construction (including workforce housing): Firms in this cohort include subcontractors of all trades with experience on commercial construction projects, affordable housing projects, or both.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Start date: Friday, February 17th, 2023
End date: Friday, June 23rd, 2023
Time & Frequency: 8 AM – 12 PM, every other Friday
Location: In-person, UW Seattle Campus, Foster School of Business
Cost: $3,000 – Scholarships available*
APPLICATION
Applications open in late December 2022 and close in early February 2023. In addition, there is an interview process to review applicants. Companies can either self-pay or be nominated by one of the Center’s corporate partners.
* Should an applicant receive a scholarship from the UW or Ascend Seattle Partner, it is not guaranteed that the applicant will receive future business opportunities from these organizations. Application information will be shared with Ascend Seattle Partners should an applicant opt for wanting a scholarship (see application). Some partners have follow-up requirements such as meetings with partner and business documentation.
Applications will open in late December 2022
COMPLETE THIS INTEREST FORM TO STAY UPDATED!
CONTACT
Wilfredo Tutol, [email protected]
Rebecca Thornton, [email protected]
Teams of 4-5 undergraduates, assisted by professional consultants from the nation’s leading consulting firms, major regional corporations, and the Seattle Rotary Club, work over 7 months.
Through more than 500 hours of assistance businesses receive accounting and financial management assistance, mentoring from business executives, and access to cutting-edge business management techniques that solve challenges and capture growth opportunities. This program begins each Fall and runs through May.
CONTACT
Gabriela Michan, [email protected], (206) 543-9545
Empower Your Business with Cutting-Edge Technology Solutions
Sponsored by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), the University of Washington (UW) is committed to harnessing technology as a force for good. Together, we believe in creating greater efficiencies, reducing social inequities, and developing innovative solutions to tackle the world’s most complex challenges.
Program Overview:
- Duration: February to June each year
- Team Composition: Student teams of 4-5 undergraduates, supported by professional advisors and HPE mentors.
- Focus: Assessing business needs and crafting tailored recommendations for integrating innovative technologies.
- Cost: $500
Timeline
- Application Deadline: January 24, 2025
- Program Starts: March 6, 2025
- Program Ends: June 2025
What You’ll Gain:
- Technology Management Assistance: Benefit from expert guidance to optimize your technology infrastructure.
- Mentorship: Receive one-on-one mentoring from HPE experts and Channel Partners, providing valuable insights and advice.
- Access to Innovative Techniques: Leverage cutting-edge business management practices designed to solve challenges and seize growth opportunities.
Past Projects Include:
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) roadmap
- Point of Sale (POS) systems
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software
- Digital twin technology
- Marketing software, and much more!
Join us in transforming your business and discover how our program can help small and medium-sized enterprises like yours thrive! Learn more about the impact we’re making today!
Contact
Boni Thompson-Kurke, [email protected], (206) 616-8090
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The CBDC has teamed up with The Commerce Bank of Washington to lend $1M to businesses owned by people of color and others who would otherwise not be able to secure a bank loan to support their growth. For ten weeks, teams of UW MBA students will analyze the financing needs of small businesses participating in the Center’s programs each year. Foster School faculty and industry experts will guide students through a course that covers business assessment, risk analysis, and an exploration of research related to structural challenges that businesses owned by people of color face in accessing credit.
PROGRAM DETAILS
- Teams of UW MBA + MPA students, guided by Foster School of Business faculty and industry experts, will analyze the financing needs for BIPOC businesses.
- Students will conduct a business assessment, risk analysis, and an exploration of research related to structural challenges that businesses owned by people of color face in accessing credit for all accepted program participants.
- Students will recommend a SELECT GROUP of businesses to the Commerce Bank. After thorough financial analysis, some businesses may qualify for traditional loans, or those who need additional support may choose to secure a loan using the newly created “Foster Ignition Fund.”
Application Deadline: Rolling Application
Start & End Date: January 9, 2024 – March 12, 2024
Time commitment: 1.5 hours per week (15 hours total)
Cost: FREE
CONTACT
Kennedy Cockrel, [email protected]
Our comprehensive range of services is tailored to support SEDI (Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual) -owned businesses, spanning from technical assistance to robust business development strategies. By nurturing these enterprises, our goal is to elevate their contribution to Seattle’s economy.
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
Join us in reshaping the economic landscape of Seattle and fostering a community we are all proud to call home.
CONTACT
Kennedy Cockrel, Assistant Director | [email protected]
In the Summer Consulting Program, businesses are matched with one undergraduate student and a professional mentor for this 10-week project that typically focuses on business plan development, financial analysis, or plans for expansion to a new market. The business and I would work together to define the project’s scope, and our student consultant would recommend your next steps.
Program: Summer Consulting Program
Cost: $250
Program Timeline:
- Now – April 1st : Application Open
- April 8th – April 29th : CBDC interview of business applicant and project creation
- June 17th – August 16th : Student consultant interacts with business, conducts research, etc.
- August 19th – August 23rd : Student consultant provides a presentation on recommendations to business
Time Commitment: 1.5 hours per week (15 hours total)
CONTACT
Kennedy Cockrel, Assistant Director | [email protected]
Business Management Education Programs
Taught by leading faculty from the UW Foster School of Business, the Center’s Business Management Education courses provide business owners and other professionals an opportunity to learn proven business fundamentals and immediately apply them to their work. This management education leads toward creating expansion plans and the development of CEO-to-CEO networks that will open new business opportunities.
The Minority Business Executive Program is a one-week residential program that takes place each Fall for supply chain partners of large corporations and government agencies from across the US. The intensive curriculum grows business leaders from companies owned by individuals who are people of color, women, veteran, disabled, LGBTQ and other minority groups, helping them to position their companies for today’s global economy.
Participants learn to utilize financial tools to make better business decisions, develop strategic plans for growth and sustainability, identify new technologies to scale operations, learn how to market their products and services more effectively, explore strategies to access global markets, and develop their leadership acumen. They return to their business with enhanced knowledge, a renewed personal energy, and an invaluable network of fellow diverse business leaders.
Please visit the Minority Executive Education’s website for more information.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This high-level curriculum summary overviews the workshop’s focus areas, ensuring participants gain practical skills and insights to advance their roles within tribal gaming and hospitality industries. The schedule is subject to change.
- 3 credits Offered
- Program Includes Subjects in:
- Foundations of tribal gaming and hospitality
- Compliance, risk, and financial management
- Strategic growth and leadership
- Capstone Project: Integrates all learning into a cohesive experience and presentation.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS GAIN
- Comprehensive understanding of tribal gaming operations and governance.
- Practical skills in management, marketing, compliance, and financial planning.
- Leadership strategies for driving growth within tribal communities.
- Actionable insights to address risk management challenges.
- Expanded professional network within the tribal gaming and hospitality industry.
WORKSHOP FORMAT
- Offered during Summer 2025 Quarter
- Summer Term B
- Application Opens: January 31, 2025
- Registration Begins (Non-UW Students): April 16, 2025
- Program Length: 5 Days
- Session Dates: Monday, August 18 – Friday, August 22, 2025
- Casino Host Sites: Muckleshoot Casino and Snoqualmie Casino
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Interactive sessions with industry experts and tribal leaders.
- Capstone showcasing successful tribal gaming and hospitality practices.
- Opportunities to network with peers and professionals in the field.
- Hands-on workshops to apply learning in real-world scenarios.
- Focused curriculum tailored to the unique needs of tribal gaming enterprises.
APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION
- Application Period: May to July 2025
- Application Fee: $80
- Registration Fee: $1,349 (Price TBA)
Join us in shaping the future of Tribal gaming and hospitality management! Empowering Tribal Leaders with Knowledge, Skills, and Opportunities to Transform Gaming and Hospitality. Apply today to gain valuable skills and insights that will elevate your career in this dynamic field!
Registration
How to Register | UW Summer Sessions
More Information
CONTACT
Boni Thompson-Kurke, Assistant Director
[email protected], (206) 616-8090
The Business Certificate Program improves the business knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities of employees and small business owners of Seattle’s leading businesses. This is a FREE six-week course taught by UW business professors, open to all business owners and/or employees. This program aims to allow participants to learn proven business concepts and apply them to their work immediately. The program is designed for people who want to become more effective in their jobs, develop their leadership and strategic thinking skills, and improve their problem-solving abilities.
Topics Included:
- Leading a Highly Effective Organization
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Financial Management
- Understanding Your Company’s Financial Health
- Marketing and Branding Fundamentals
- Marketing Plan Development
Winter 2024 Dates:
Dates: Every Thursday, Jan 25th – Feb 29th
Times: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Virtual via Zoom
For more information and to register, click on the link below:
The Business Certificate Program improves the business knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities of employees of the Yakima Valley’s leading businesses. This six-week program is taught by leading faculty from the UW Michael G. Foster School of Business and provides participants an opportunity to learn proven business fundamentals and immediately apply them to their work. This program will expand your business skills and improve your job performance. The program is designed for people who want to become more effective in their job, who want to develop their leadership and strategic thinking skills and improve their problem-solving abilities.
Topics include:
- Leading a Highly Effective Organization
- Strategic Decision Making
- Financial Management
- Understanding Your Company’s Financial Health
- Marketing and Branding Fundamentals
- Marketing Plan Development
We are also offering the advanced version and the topics include:
- Human Resource Management
- Performance Management
- Industry Analysis and B2B Marketing
- Corporate Social Strategy
- Managerial Accounting
- Performance Evaluation
Participants may register through one of the following options:
Spring 2022
Fundamentals Course
- Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
- March 10, 17, 21, 31
- April 7, 14
Advanced Course
- Friday mornings from 9:00-12:00 PM
- March 11,18, 25
- April 1, 8, 15
Mid-Spring 2021
Advanced Course
- Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
- April 21, 28
- May 5, 12, 19, 26
Fundamentals Course
- Friday mornings from 8:00-11:00 AM
- April 22, 29
- May 6, 13, 20, 27
For more information and how to register please contact:
Gabriela Michan: [email protected] | (206) 543 9545
Board Fellows for Nonprofits
The Board Fellows Program places MBA and MPA students as non-voting board members of local nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits receive short and long-term benefits, gain new perspectives and ideas on key organizational issues, receive access to resources at the University of Washington, and build the next generation of business and civic leaders.
Student-Fellows attend monthly board meetings, join a board committee, complete a board-level project, and participate in seminars taught by UW Foster School of Business faculty.
- Nonprofit must have an established board of directors.
- Nonprofit must have at least one full-time paid staff member
- Board must hold monthly or bimonthly meetings*
- Board should have at least one standing committee
- Organizational stability – nonprofits that have not been operating for at least a year will not be considered.
- Capacity to support the Board Fellows project.
- Nonprofits agree to host two selected student Board Fellows
- Nonprofits must appoint a board mentor to guide and coach Board Fellows
*Boards who meet bimonthly (every other month) will be considered if they have active committees. Because students receive credit for this program, they must spend at least 6 hours per quarter attending board or committee meetings.
- Nonprofit application deadline: February 26, 2025
NONPROFIT APPLICATION REVIEW & INTERVIEW: December – March
- Applications are reviewed rolling and individual calls are scheduled within two weeks of submission to discuss the application and proposed project.
- Last day to interview: February 28, 2025
NONPROFIT ACCEPTANCE ANNOUCEMENT: March
- Nonprofit selection announcement: March 7, 2025
- STUDENT INFORMATION SESSIONS: February
- Information sessions are available in-person and Zoom
STUDENT APPLICATION: March – April
- Student application deadline: April 18, 2025
- Application includes resume & cover letter
STUDENT APPLICATION REVIEW & SELECT: April
- Board Fellows application sent to nonprofits: April 21, 2025
- Nonprofits review & select top 6 students to interview: April 28, 2025
INTERVIEW ANNOUNCEMENT: May
- Student selection announcement: May 2, 2025
- Interview schedule available: May 5, 2025
MATCHING & PLACEMENT: May
- Matching Day: May 9, 2025
- Last day to turn in your ranking: May 16, 2025
- Matching announcement: May 26, 2025
- Last day to accept placement: May 30, 2025
Note: A Board member, the executive director or a designated staff member should complete the application.
- Nonprofits apply and select
- Students apply and select 5 Nonprofits
- Students’ applications and resumes sent to Nonprofits for review
- Nonprofits pick 6-8 students to interview at Matching Day
- Students and Nonprofits receive interview schedule
- Interview / Matching Day
- Stuednts and Nonprofits rank their choices
- Matching done by Consulting and Business Development Center
- Students and Nonprofits notified about matches
- Gain new skills and a fresh perspective from MBA and MPA students.
- Experience recruiting and working with young leaders.
- Leverage student expertise to advance a special board project.
- A foundation for the next generation of board leadership.
Nonprofit organizations host two student Board Fellows who will serve as non-voting board members from September through May. The nonprofit board appoints a board mentor who should anticipate spending about one hour per month to guide and coach the Board Fellow. Often, the board mentor is a committee chair or other committee member who is working with the Fellow on their board project.
Sample Projects
| Financial Strategy & Analysis | Business planning Funding evaluation Benchmarking Pricing Analysis/Strategies |
| Fundraising analysis | Annual fund trends Planned giving best practices Fundraising innovation |
| Governance & Strategy | Dashboard development Junior/advisory board development Board evaluation Strategic Planning Enterprise Risk Management |
| Marketing & Insights | Brand audit Website and social media strategy Data analysis Customer evaluation and data analysis Market research Hiring practice evaluation Succession planning |
| Talent Management/Human Resources | Compensation analysis |
We appreciate the support of Bank of America and the Neil and Nancy McReynolds Endowment for support of the Board Fellows Program.
Wil Tutol | [email protected] | (206) 616-1216
Boni Thompson-Kurke | [email protected]