The University of Cincinnati SBI program operates a field case study program that provides no-cost counseling to area businesses.

The focus of the CBA field case study program is twofold:

• To provide a meaningful learning experience for CBA students interested in small business, entrepreneurship, and corporate ventures.

• To provide personalized, confidential management counseling to Greater Cincinnati businesses participating in the experience.

Under the guidance of Institute faculty, teams of graduate-level or senior undergraduate-level CBA students meet with business owners/managers over the 10-week academic term.  During this consulting phase, students record a history of the firm, identify goals and objectives, and discuss strategies to achieve these goals.  At the end of the term, the student team presents to the owner/manager a comprehensive business report or business plan, depending on which is more appropriate.

Sample field projects include assistance with:

industry and competitive analysis
preparing business plans
developing marketing strategies
training employees

Organizations that wish to participate in the CBA field case study program must submit a Request for Counseling application.

The SBI program is not:

• A cure-all.  There are no magic formulas to insure success.  Business participants must work with the students to achieve positive results.

• A source of free salespeople, stock clerks, bookkeepers, or number-crunchers.   The students are advisors, consultants, and/or counselors.

• A co-op program nor or an internship.  Students are not placed with the participating organization on a full-time basis; the students work with the organization for one to two hours per week.

• A loan collector nor a spy for the IRS.  Client confidentiality is carefully observed.