Business & Nonprofit Programs

Ascend Seattle is a cohort-based program that accelerates the growth of small to medium-sized companies. It offers management education, access to business opportunities, connections to lenders and investors, and CEO-to-CEO networks. Partnering with the Foster School of Business and a national network, it supports entrepreneurs in various industry sectors. Learn more about this work here!

What Makes Ascend Seattle Different?
At the heart of Ascend Seattle is our transformative research based “M3 Model,” which empowers participants by providing access to Management Education, Money, and Markets. Our program stands apart by being guided by an advisory board of leading agencies and Prime contractors who are dedicated to continuously refining our curriculum and programming. These market access partners go beyond guidance—they actively support small businesses through mentorship, resources, and financial sponsorship opportunities.

MEET OUR MARKET ACCESS PARTNERS (UW PARTNERS):

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

• Strategic Planning and Decision-Making
• Financial Management and Forecasting
• Raising Capital for Growth
• Pricing Strategy
• Innovation Strategy
• Sustaining Growth

The program is taught by the Michael G. Foster School of Business faculty, business professionals, and UW Partners.

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM

• Connections with corporations and government agencies that are looking to expand contracting and supply chain partnerships
• Gain access to new sources of capital and funding resources
• Access to consulting teams of business students to work on strategic projects for your company

IDEAL CANDIDATES

Companies must:

• • Have been in operation for at least one year
  • Have annual revenues of at least $800,000

Best suited for companies with revenues approaching or above $1 million to fully utilize program resources.

For the Ascend Seattle 2026 program cohort, we are seeking participants from companies providing products and services in the following industries:

• Commercial Construction
• Residential Construction looking to enter the commercial construction space
• Construction & Clean Energy
• Affordable Housing Construction (including workforce housing)
• Transportation working within the construction industry
• Architect and Engineering

PROGRAM DETAILS

Start: February 2026
End:  June 2026
Time 8 AM – 1 PM

Location: In-person, UW Seattle Campus, Foster School of Business
Cost: $3,000 – Scholarships available**

APPLICATION

This is a highly competitive program – Space limited.

Applicants are reviewed through an interview process. Companies can either self-pay or be nominated by a UW Partner.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

• October 2025: Application Opens
• October 2025 – February 2026: Applicant Interviews (45 min. Zoom)
• December 2025: Priority application deadline
• February 2026: Final application deadline
• February 2026: Ascend Seattle Kick-off

*Should an applicant receive a scholarship from the UW or UW Partner, it is not guaranteed that the applicant will receive future business opportunities from these organizations. Application information will be shared with Ascend Seattle UW Partners should an applicant opt for a scholarship (see application). Some UW Partners have follow-up requirements, such as 1:1 meetings and business documentation.

Application will OPEN October 2025.

CONTACT

Amadou Loum | [email protected]

The Business Management Consulting Program pairs teams of undergraduate students from the UW Foster School of Business with professional advisors to help businesses in underserved communities thrive.

Each team includes 4–5 student consultants, mentors from national and regional consulting firms, members of The Seattle Rotary Club, and professional UW Foster alumni from the region’s leading consulting companies. Together, they work closely with businesses to develop long-term growth plans designed to strengthen competitiveness and increase profit margins.

Participating businesses receive:

• Targeted marketing, accounting, and financial management assistance
• Mentoring from seasoned business executives
• Access to cutting-edge business management techniques to address challenges and seize growth opportunities

This intensive seven-month program begins each November and runs through May, delivering sustained, hands-on consulting support tailored to each company’s unique needs.

Program Timeline

• Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
• Program Begins: November 6, 2025
• Program Ends: Late May, 2026

APPLY

CONTACT

Gabriela Michan | [email protected]

Empower Your Business with Cutting-Edge Technology Solutions

The University of Washington (UW) is committed to harnessing technology as a force for good. We believe in creating greater efficiencies, reducing social inequities, and developing innovative solutions to tackle the world’s most complex challenges.

APPLY

Program Overview:

• Duration: February to June each year
• Team Composition: Student teams of 4-5 undergraduates, supported by professional advisors.
• Focus: Assessing business needs and crafting tailored recommendations for integrating innovative technologies.
• Cost: $500

Timeline

• Application Deadline: January 2026
• Program Starts: March 2026
• Program Ends: June 2026

What You’ll Gain:

• Technology Management Assistance: Benefit from expert guidance to optimize your technology infrastructure.
• Mentorship: Receive one-on-one mentoring from technology 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]

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The CBDC has teamed up with The Commerce Bank of Washington to lend $1M to Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individually (SEDI)-owned businesses that would otherwise 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 helps prepare them to analyze a firm’s financial needs and create projections.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Teams of UW MBA students guided by Foster School of Business faculty and industry experts, will analyze the financing needs for SEDI-owned businesses.
• Students will conduct a business assessment, risk analysis, and an exploration of research related to structural challenges that underserved businesses face when accessing credit.
• After thorough financial analysis, some businesses may qualify for traditional loans or use additional support through the Foster Ignition Fund. Students will recommend a SELECT GROUP of businesses to the Commerce Bank.

Application Deadline: Rolling Application

Start & End Date: January 2026 – March 2026

Time commitment: 1.5 hours per week (15 hours total)

Cost: FREE

CONTACT

Boni Thompson-Kurke | [email protected]

The Summer Consulting Program provides business owners with 130 hours of consultation. Undergraduate students are paired with a professional mentor to complete a 10-week project to help companies develop a business plan, conduct financial analysis, or expand the market with a blueprint for growth. Together, the business and advisors define the project scope, and the student consultant provides recommendations for the next steps.Cost: $250Time Commitment: 1.5 hours per week (15 hours total)2026 Timeline

• Priority Deadline: April 2026
• Final Deadline: May 2026
• Interviews: May -June 2026
• Foster Student Consultants: June – August 2026
• Final Project Presentations: End of August 2026

Apply Now

Contact

Amadou Loum | [email protected]

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.

The Business Certificate Program improves the business knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities of employees and small business owners of Seattle’s leading businesses. This FREE six-week course taught by UW business professors is 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 individuals who want to become more effective in their jobs, develop their leadership and strategic thinking skills, and enhance 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 Quarter
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Contact
Wil Tutol| [email protected]

Empowering Tribal Enterprises Across Key Financial Industry Sectors

This four-week, non-credit online certificate is designed for tribal professionals overseeing gaming operations, regulatory compliance, and guest experience—with a focused lens on financial strategy, analysis, and oversight.

Program Overview

• For: Open to all participants, the program is committed to broadening and enhancing access, including Tribal enterprise staff (finance, economic development, business operations), Early-career professionals exploring tribal financial leadership roles, and Tribal members interested in business or finance careers.
• Start Date: October 6, 2025
• Duration: 4 Weekly Sessions
• Format: Online via Zoom and Canvas LMS
• Tuition: $350 (scholarships up to 50% available)
  • Tribal Group Discount: Tribal organizations sending three or more participants will receive a discounted group rate of $150 per person.
  • Partial Scholarships Available: Individuals not sponsored by a tribal organization are eligible for a partial scholarship, reducing their tuition to $100. No formal application is required— please contact us to request this scholarship.
• Learn More: foster.school/tfel-cert

What You’ll Learn

• Understand and interpret financial statements
• Conduct financial ratio analysis to assess enterprise health
• Create and manage budgets across departments
• Strengthen financial controls in sovereign business contexts
• Explore career pathways in finance and enterprise leadership

Course Highlights

• Immediate Impact: Practical toolkits, templates, and checklists
• Flexibility: Live Monday sessions (6–9 PM PST) plus on-demand materials
• Networking: Ongoing peer and mentor engagement
• Credential: Digital certificate and UW-branded badge

Course Structure

• Modular Delivery: Four weekly modules, each with a 3-hour live webinar and 2–3 hours of self-paced activities
• Interactive Content: Real-world tribal case studies, group discussions, and live Q&A with sector leaders
• Expert Instructors: UW Foster School faculty paired with tribal-industry practitioners and sponsors, US Bank
• Peer Learning: Cohort-based group work to foster cross-enterprise networking

How to Apply

1. Complete the intake form here
2. Submit payment or scholarship application
3. Receive welcome packet & Zoom link one week before start

Contact

Boni Thompson-Kurke |  [email protected] 

In response to the requests of Tribal leaders at the UW Tribal Leadership Summit, this program is designed to empower casino employees transitioning into front-line management roles. It also welcomes American Indian Studies majors at the University of Washington, fostering a rich learning environment that bridges academic knowledge with real-world applications.

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 the Summer 2025 Quarter
  • Application Opens: January 31, 2025
  • Registration Begins:
    • (UW Students): April 14, 2025
    • (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: January to July 2025
• Application Fee: $80
• Registration Fee: $1,349 (Price TBA)
• Program Flyer: Here

If you are interested, we encourage you to complete the intake form to help us assess eligibility and align the program with your goals. Submit Interest Form: Here

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

CONTACT

Boni Thompson-Kurke | [email protected] | (206) 616-8090

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. It 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 individuals who want to become more effective in their roles, develop their leadership and strategic thinking skills, and enhance 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 2026 (online classes)
Fundamentals Course

• Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • March 5, 12, 19, 26
  • April 2, 10

Advanced Course

• Friday mornings from 9:00 am – 12:00 PM
  • March 6, 13, 20, 27
  • April 3, 10

Mid-Spring 2026 (in-person classes)
Advanced Course

• Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 PM
  • April 16, 23, 30
  • May 7, 14, 21

Fundamentals Course

• Friday mornings from 9:00am -12:00 pm
  • April 17, 24
  • May 1, 8, 15, 22

Application for Spring 2026 opens: Mid-February of 2026

Contact
Gabriela Michan | [email protected]

• Nonprofits 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
• A Board member, the executive director, or a designated staff member should complete the application.

*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.

BUSINESS APPLICATION: DECEMBER – FEBRUARY

• 2025-2026 | Board Fellows Program | Nonprofit Application

STUDENT INFORMATION SESSIONS: April

VIRTUAL PRE-KICK OFF EVENT: September 25th

IN-PERSON BOOTCAMP: September 26th

MATCHING & PLACEMENT: October – November

IN-PERSON KICK-OFF EVENT: December 5th

1. Nonprofits apply and select
2. Students apply and select 5 Nonprofits
3. Students’ applications and resumes sent to Nonprofits for review
4. Nonprofits pick 6-8 students to interview at Matching Day
5. Students and Nonprofits receive interview schedule
6. Interview / Matching Day
7. Students and Nonprofits rank their choices
8. Matching done by Consulting and Business Development Center

The program provides nonprofit boards:

• The program provides nonprofit boards:
• 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 Harborstone Credit Union and the Neil & Nancy McReynolds Endowment for supporting the Board Fellows Program.

Amadou Loum | [email protected]