More than 100 businesses and 30 nonprofit organizations are paired with The Consulting and Business Development Center’s (CBDC) student consulting teams or complete the Center’s business education programs each year. 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, primarily focusing on SEDI-owned businesses or in under-served communities, the Center has helped companies add $85 million in new revenues last year.
From marketing plans to adopting 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 from under-resourced regions in Washington consulting programs ranging from one week to seven months. During these programs, students and professional mentors work with owners on projects that improve the bottom line and stimulate new growth.
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):
Business Impact NW
GLY
Hensel Phelps
Hoffman Construction Company
Lease Crutcher Lewis
McKinstry
Mortensen
Seattle City Light
Sellen
Skanska
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
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 2025 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/li>
- Construction & Clean Energy
- Affordable Housing Construction (including workforce housing)
- Transportation working within the construction industry
- Architect and Engineering
PROGRAM DETAILS
Start date: Friday, February 14th, 2025 (every other Friday)
End date: Friday, June 20th, 2025
Time 8 AM – 1 PM
*Ascend Seattle sessions are 8 am – 12 pm. If selected for a student intern project, companies are obligated to attend an additional session from 12 pm – 1 pm and attend Final Presentations on Friday, May 30th, 2025.
Session Dates:
(Every other Friday)
- Feb: 14, 28
- March: 14, 28
- April: 11, 25
- May: 9, 23
- June 6, 20
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 2024: Application Opens
- October 2024 – February 12th, 2025: Applicant Interviews (45 min. Zoom)
- December 6th, 2024: Priority application deadline
- February 7th, 2025: Final application deadline
- February 14th, 2025: 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 is Open
2025 Application Open
CONTACT
Rebecca Thornton | [email protected] | 206.616.0455
Teams of undergraduate students work with businesses from under-served communities as part of this consulting class offered in the winter quarter. Teams consist of 4-5 students, mentors from national and regional consulting firms, the Seattle Rotary Club, and professional UW Foster alumni from the region’s leading consulting firms.
Businesses receive marketing, 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 intensive consulting program lasts approximately seven months and begins each November 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 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 analyze a firm’s financial needs and create projections.
PROGRAM DETAILS
- Teams of UW MBA 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 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 use additional support through the “Foster Ignition Fund.”
Application Deadline: Rolling Application
Start & End Date: January 7, 2025 – March 11, 2025
Time commitment: 1.5 hours per week (15 hours total)
Cost: FREE
Application is now closed, please check back in October 2025.
CONTACT
Wil Tutol | [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
Boni Thompson-Kurke | [email protected] | (206) 616-8090
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 create a blueprint for growth. This customized approach may include business plan development, financial analysis, or market expansion. Together, the business and advisors define the project scope, and the student consultant provides recommendations for next steps.
Cost: $250
Program 2025 Timeline:
- April 7 – May 16st : Application Open
- May 15 – June 9th – April 29th : CBDC interviews business applicants
- June 23th – August 16th : Student consultant interacts with business, conducts research, etc.
- August 22th – August 23rd :Student consultant provides presentation on recommendations to business
Time Commitment: 1.5 hours per week (15 hours total)
Appliaction deadline
- Priority Deadlinest : Friday, April 29
- Final Deadlineth – April 29th : Friday, May 19
Contact
Wil Tutol | [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 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 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 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 2025 Dates:
- January 7
- January 14
- January 21
- January 28
- February 4
- February 11
Times: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Virtual via Zoom
The application is now closed. Check back in October 2025 for information.
Contact
Vy Nguyen | [email protected]
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 2025
Fundamentals Course
- Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
- March 6, 13, 20, 27
- April 3, 10
Advanced Course
- Friday mornings from 9:00-12:00 PM
- March 7, 14, 21, 28
- April 4, 11
Mid-Spring 2025
Advanced Course
- Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
- April 17, 24
- May 2, 9, 16, 23
Fundamentals Course
- Friday mornings from 8:00-11:00 AM
- April 18, 25
- May 2, 9, 16, 23
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.
- Monday, April 7, 2025, 12:30 PM (In Person, Founders 559)
- Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 5:30 PM (Virtual, Zoom)
STUDENT APPLICATION: April – May
- Student application deadline: May 25, 2025
- Application includes resume & cover letter
PRE-KICK OFF EVENT: September
- September 25, 2025 (Virtual, Zoom)
BOOTCAMP: September
- September 26, 2025 (In Person)
MATCHING & PLACEMENT: October – November
- Matching Day: October 31, 2025
- Last day to turn in your ranking: November 14, 2025
- Matching announcement: November 18, 2025
- Last day to accept placement: November 21, 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]