WSU Vancouver

Business Growth MAP

Accelerate Small Business and Nonprofit Success

The Business Growth Mentor and Analysis Program at WSU Vancouver contributes to regional economic development by helping small businesses and nonprofits grow while providing hands-on educational opportunities. Through this initiative, senior-level undergraduate business students from the Carson College of Business complete a required capstone course that prepares them for real-world career paths. This student consultancy pairs teams with local organizations to provide comprehensive analysis and actionable growth plans.

By participating in the program, local enterprises receive more than 500 hours of free, confidential consulting services. Student teams work under direct faculty supervision with the guidance of experienced volunteer mentors. This collaborative approach cultivates critical professional skills for students and strengthens the local economy. Because the vast majority of graduates remain in the region, the program effectively places experienced professionals directly into the regional workforce, fostering a healthier job market and driving revenue for the Southwest Washington and Portland metro area.

Business Growth MAP Program

Carson College of Business

bgmap@wsu.edu

(360) 546-9533

Center for Experiential Learning
Netzhammer Hall
Washington State University Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686

Student Consultancy

The award-winning student consultancy helps small businesses and nonprofits while preparing the next generation of business leaders. A required capstone course for senior-level undergraduates, our student consultancy projects are designed to prepare business students for the real world. Under faculty and mentor guidance, student teams conduct in-depth analysis and provide detailed recommendations and an action plan for growth. Clients receive customized analysis and about 500 hours of no-cost consulting services. The experience cultivates critical abilities for students while helping the local economy grow. Alumni highlight their MAP experience on their resumes and receive client and mentor references. The project also builds relationships between students and community leaders, leading to career opportunities.

There are two ways to participate in student consultancy:

Portrait of a smiling WSU Vancouver staff member wearing a dark blazer over a teal top

Client

Get free, confidential support for your small business or nonprofit near WSU Vancouver. Whether established or a few years old, our student consultancy helps you reach the next stage of growth and innovation with a minimal time investment of one hour per week over an academic semester.

Become a client

Mentor

Seasoned business professionals volunteer as mentors to guide and support undergraduate students as they learn to consult with local organizations. In this pivotal role, you have the opportunity to positively impact students, small businesses, nonprofits, and our regional economy.

Become a mentor

MAP PROGRAM QUOTES

James Mbuya, owner | RichlandHub Coffee

Participating in the Business Growth Mentor Analysis Program at WSU Vancouver was a turning point for RichlandHub Coffee. With expert mentorship and data-driven insights, we increased our online and in-store sales and improved our operational efficiency by 20%. More importantly, it helped us deepen our community impact by refining our mission and expanding access to culturally rooted, high-quality coffee experiences.

Mentor, spring 2025

Being able to guide the students through a real-world project and provide my expertise to benefit a real-life client was very rewarding. Helping local small businesses in this way was consistent with what’s important to me, and helping prepare the next generation of professionals is a great thing.

Mentor, spring 2025

As a MAP mentor, I have seen firsthand the positive impact the program brings to business owners and students. Learning by doing is what sets WSU Vancouver’s Business Growth MAP apart from any other course. It is much more than just a cross between an internship and a group project. MAP is an academic and business community collaborative learning environment. It’s been a privilege to be a MAP mentor.

Student, spring 2025

Out of all the courses I’ve taken so far, I’ll probably remember the things that I’ve learned in this one the most. Being able to gain practical experience in business consulting and work through the problem-solving process with a team was a valuable growth opportunity.

Business Growth MAP supporters

Without the generous support of sponsors, Business Growth MAP could not have the positive impact that it has on our students and the community.