Students

“This is one of the rare classes where we have a chance to work with a real business owner. It really did change my perspective about entrepreneurship along with real-life problems that small business owners have to face every day. It all inspired me as a student.”
-Phu Sai

The PSU Business Outreach Program Small Business Consulting course provides undergraduate business students the opportunity to learn how to be business consultants while adding a valuable contribution to small businesses in the community (BOP clients). This course provides students with an opportunity for community-based learning while supporting the University's motto to "Let Knowledge Serve the City". The BOP course is a dynamic experience demonstrating how students and the community can come together to learn and accomplish goals.

This course combines lectures, guest speakers, class discussions, and an in-depth consulting project. Student teams of three to four members will work with a local small business to develop a final consulting report including in-depth research and recommendations. Student teams are mentored through this process by the instructor and the BOP Business Advisors. Students have an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to a business through their role as a consultant.

Courses offered:

• Fall: 4 credit - Small Business Consulting (Main Campus)
• Winter: 4- credit - Small Business Consulting (Weekend Degree Program)
• Spring: 4 credit - Small Business Consulting (Main Campus)

Course Learning Objectives:

• Students will learn how to analyze a small business.
• Students will learn how to form an action plan to assist a small business.
• Students will learn how to research an industry at both micro and macro levels.
• Students will improve their assessment, analytical and consulting skills. 
• Students will improve their communication skills.
• Students will improve their ability to work on a team.