The Organization and Resources That Make Student Consulting Possible

The Small Business Institute (SBI) at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is hosted by the College of Business and Economics (CBE) and is managed by the college’s Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE).  The purpose of the SBI is to strengthen the small business sector of Orange County's free enterprise system through increasing the effectiveness and impact of small business teaching, consultation, and research at the University.  The principal way the SBI does this is by offering student consulting to smaller, fast growth businesses in Orange County.  The students are MBA students or graduating seniors majoring in business. The students form consulting teams and work like apprentices, closely supervised by a select group of experienced faculty experts.  In addition, many undergraduate teams are coached by volunteers -- Entrepreneurs in Residence, Executives in Residence, and members of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). Faculty grades students on the practical results they achieve for the client.  It is a win-win process where all involved gain a better appreciation of what it takes to succeed in Orange County's challenging small business arena.

The SBI is a non-profit program, mandated to be self-supporting. To continue this award winning outreach, our program relies on affordable client fees, donations from alums, community entrepreneurs, and supporters of entrepreneurship.  In addition, volunteers serve our organization by giving of their valuable time and energy.