Overview of the program
The Small Business Consulting Program (SBCP) is a student organization dedicated to serving small businesses and non-profit organizations through pro-bono engagements.
Mission Statement
- Help our clients benefit from the professional knowledge existing within the Columbia Business School community
- Provide business school students with hands-on experience that will make them more effective managers and consultants
- Contribute to enhancing Columbia Business School's impact on the community
History
The Small Business Consulting Program was established in 1998 by a group of Columbia MBA students seeking to complement their studies with the practical application of business skills and tools, while contributing to the local business community. SBCP engages with entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and other businesses in the New York City area to provide quality, pro-bono consulting services in a broad range of areas, including accounting, finance, marketing, organizational development, operations, e-commerce and strategy.
Participating consultants
SBCP consultants are first- and second-year students at the business school who have volunteered to participate in the program. Participants have stellar academic backgrounds, significant work experience in a variety of fields, specific skills relevant to clients' needs, and a strong commitment to the program's mission. Many participants have previous experience in management consulting and/or go on to accept positions at top consulting firms.
Participating clients
SBCP clients are ambitious and progressive hoping to advance their organizations by seeking formal, external advice. Project sponsors at client organizations bring an amazing wealth of knowledge pertaining to their business and are also able to articulate strategic priorities for their respective organizations. Projects are well defined in terms of scope, schedule, and expected outcomes thereby allowing SBCP consultants to solve an identified problem and present the recommended solutions to clients at the end of the designated projects.
SBCP Case Competition
Starting 2003, SBCP has awarded the Small Business Consulting Prize to the best performing engagement teams selected by an expert panel of distinguished Columbia University faculty and consulting practitioners from leading management consulting firms.