Consult Your Community at Baruch College
Consult Your Community is a student-led consulting group at Baruch College that provides pro bono consulting services to minority-owned small businesses in New York City. Founded in 2019, the organization engages students from various academic backgrounds to deliver tailored solutions over ten-week engagements.
Overview of Services
Consult Your Community at Baruch College provides pro bono consulting services to small businesses in New York City. The organization focuses on strategic growth, business development, brand development, financial analysis, and access to capital. Each engagement lasts ten weeks and concludes with a presentation deck summarizing findings and recommendations for the client. The consulting group connects with five to ten small businesses each semester, offering tailored solutions to address specific challenges faced by minority-owned enterprises.
History and Founding
Consult Your Community was founded in 2019 and operates under the umbrella of Baruch College. The organization was established to leverage academic resources and faculty expertise to enhance the consulting projects offered to small businesses. Since its inception, it has served over 50 small businesses, demonstrating a commitment to supporting local enterprises.
Team Structure and Engagements
The organization has a team size of 35, consisting of trained students from diverse academic backgrounds, including business, marketing, and finance. Each engagement team is structured with a manager and four analysts who work collaboratively to identify business problems and develop solutions. Engagements are designed to provide a comprehensive analysis and culminate in a presentation of recommendations to the client.
Community and Professional Development
Consult Your Community emphasizes professional development and community engagement. Members are required to attend at least two professional events and two cultural or community service events each semester. The organization hosts networking events, professional panels, and office visits, as well as a mentorship program to enhance members' skills and connections within the business community.
Sector and Nonprofit Status
Consult Your Community operates within the Business Consulting and Services industry and is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The organization is part of a larger movement that includes over 20 chapters from top universities across the United States, contributing to a collaborative effort to support small businesses and foster community development.