For Businesses

Project sponsorship

See how the next generation of business leaders might solve a challenge facing your organization. Our sponsorship program is a unique opportunity for businesses and nonprofits to collaborate directly with our students and faculty. Get valuable perspectives while supporting Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship’s innovative learning model.

How it works

Organizations of all kinds are invited to propose class projects addressing a range of real-world business challenges.

Scoping

Contact us to propose an idea for a project. It can be focused on any area of your organization (e.g., marketing, finance, product development, etc.). We’ll work with you to see where in our upcoming curriculum your project could best be placed.

An online project proposal form.

Briefing

Come to our campus center to meet the selected class at the beginning of the quarter. You will use this time to formally present your challenge to the students, laying out your expectations in terms of deliverables and goals.

A group of students in the classroom.

Student pitches

The class is split into teams. Each team develops an initial concept for approaching your challenge, which they then pitch to you during live presentations. The teams then take your feedback into account to devise their unique solutions.

A student giving a business pitch.

Final report

At the end of the quarter, the teams deliver a final report with actionable recommendations to you. These are also presented to you formally, giving you an opportunity to ask questions or provide further feedback.

A group of judges listening to student pitches.

What to expect

Our goal is to create a successful learning experience for both students and sponsoring organizations. To achieve this, we ask sponsors to take into account the points below before reaching out.

  • The challenge must be a real business problem or challenge that your organization is facing.
  • Student deliverables must be clearly stated.
  • Representatives from your organizations will be expected to participate in at least three visits to campus center.
  • Consider any data, resources, or tools students may need to complete the project.
  • Be prepared to respond to student questions as needed.

Past sponsored projects

Businesses of all kinds are invited to propose course projects focused on real-world challenges. Student teams will develop and pitch creative solutions, delivering a final report with actionable recommendations at the end of the project.

Stephanie Ryan

Contact

Stephanie Ryan

Director of Field Experience & Employer Engagement

Have a project?

Submit your project idea or contact Stephanie Ryan, associate director of internships, to learn more.