The Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit specializes in projects related to social and environmental impact and sustainability initiatives. We have worked on projects in many industries including manufacturing, food and beverage, education, sports management, architecture, and more. Some of our projects are market research-focused, others involve building out sustainability plans, creating technical solutions, achieving B Corp certification, and many others.
Got Produce is Africa based, agritech company that integrates seed breeding, greenhouse design, and supply-chain services to enhance food security and sustainable agriculture globally.
Our students proudly partnered with Got Produce to successfully achieve B Corp certification—demonstrating the power of experiential learning to drive real-world impact and sustainable business transformation.
Fall 2022
The student consulting team verified the baseline B Impact Assessment (BIA) score. Students reviewed the documentation provided to verify answers provided in BIA and identify/ update correct supporting documentation. The team also did preliminary research related to the legal structure of the business and legal requirements that will be most favourable for B Corp certification.
Spring 2023
The student consulting team conducted detailed research about the “companies with complex structure” category and the definition of “subsidiary company” for B Corp Assessment. In addition, continuing from the previous project, students also focused on the assessment of 3 areas: workers, community, and environment by substantiating each answer through data/ documentary evidence. The application for B Corp Certification was submitted in April 2023 by the client.
Fall 2023
The student consulting team worked on collection and aggregation of data supporting the B Corp certification application. They reviewed the B Lab questionnaire (B Impact Assessment) to extract and collect specific questions regarding stakeholder engagement. The wording of the questions were analyzed to identify the patterns to help drive development of the criteria. Extracted quantitative and qualitative data from the questionnaire was used to build a comprehensive understanding of the client's commitments to customer evaluation. The team also developed the Customer Code of Ethics- a policy framework for evaluating prospective stakeholders.
Spring 2024
Got Produce focused on their project's B Corp compliance, emphasizing sustainable and ethical business methods, transparency, and positive social and environmental effect. This student consulting team assisted with data-related queries from B Lab that facilitated the achievement of the B Corp certification. The student team worked on two things: (i) A comprehensive report detailing key performance indicators (KPIs) essential for Got Produce stakeholders to gain actionable insights into their operations and performance; (ii) Support for B Lab Assessment: Preparation of data and compilation of information to address queries related to the B Lab Assessment, ensuring compliance and accuracy in reporting.
Fall 2024
The student consulting team supported Got Produce to strengthen its readiness for UN SDG Compact assessments and ongoing B Corp certification reporting. The team worked closely with the client to synthesize environmental and impact data, transform raw information into assessment-ready metrics, and update Got Produce’s data dashboard to clearly represent carbon footprint and sustainability performance. This project not only equipped Got Produce with improved impact reporting tools but also allowed students to build skills in data visualization, analytics, and sustainable business strategy.
Rustbelt (formerly Rustbelt Reclamation) is a Cleveland-based company that designs and builds premium custom furniture and casegoods using locally reclaimed materials.
Fall 2022
The student consulting team partnered to support Rustbelt in its journey toward B Corp Certification. The team created a tailored assessment rubric, drawing on the B Impact Assessment (BIA), to fairly evaluate potential actions based on feasibility, urgency, costs, and alignment with company priorities. This project delivered a practical roadmap for the client’s sustainability journey.
Spring 2023
The student consulting team helped the client improve its Governance and Worker practices for B Corp Certification. By updating the mission-focused website, drafting a new intern policy, refining employee documentation, and enhancing professional development processes, the team boosted the client’s BIA score by over 6.5 points—a meaningful step toward certification and stronger employee engagement.
Redhouse Studio Architecture is a Cleveland-based architecture studio committed to sustainable design, low-impact material technologies, and net-zero retrofits.
Fall 2022
The student consulting team helped the client to explore B Corp Certification. The team guided the firm through an initial pass of the B Impact Assessment (BIA) and developed a Stoplight Analysis to highlight specific BIA questions with the greatest potential for improvement in the next 3–6 months. The project concluded with targeted recommendations to strengthen performance across key Impact Areas, positioning the firm to further integrate sustainability and social impact into its operations.
A Cleveland-based start-up offering in-store coffee subscription services.
Fall 2022
The student consulting team helped Cafilia to explore its readiness for B Corp Certification. The students conducted a Feasibility Analysis by mapping the company’s operations against the B Impact Assessment (BIA), carefully reviewing questions across each Impact Area. This process provided the client with a clearer understanding of opportunities to strengthen its business model through social and environmental impact practices, while identifying strategic areas to prioritize in its future growth.
Spring 2023
The student consulting team supported in identifying pathways for improving its B Impact Assessment (BIA) performance. The team developed a detailed Stoplight Assessment, categorizing BIA questions under each Impact Area and working closely with the client to align recommendations with business priorities. The project resulted in a set of practical strategies and action steps designed to strengthen the company’s impact practices and potentially increase its BIA score.
Holmes Mouthwatering makes premium, all-natural, chunky applesauce (no added sugar, non-GMO, gluten & nut free) inspired by homestyle recipes.
Fall 2023
The student consulting team supported the company’s B Corp Certification journey by reviewing its pre-assessment of the B Impact Assessment (BIA) and consolidating documentation to help increase the overall score beyond 85. The team created a detailed directory of necessary documents to substantiate the company’s BIA claims, categorizing them into two groups: those that future student teams could further develop (such as an ethics policy and mission statement) and those requiring internal attention by the client (such as a healthcare plan for part-time workers and an employee review policy). This work provided the client with a structured roadmap to strengthen impact practices and positioned the company for continued progress toward certification.
Spring 2024
The student consulting team worked with the client to strengthen their B Impact Assessment (BIA) verification process by identifying missing documentation, drafting new materials, and conducting additional research to support a higher overall score. Through close collaboration with the client, the team reviewed requirements, checked for existing documents, developed and refined templates, and ultimately compiled a structured library of resources.
Fall 2024
The student consulting team extended support toward B Corp certification and future growth opportunities. They completed the company’s B Impact Assessment, securing a score above the certification threshold, and prepared Holmes for final documentation needs. The team also conducted detailed market research to strengthen Holmes’ pitch for the $3M Grow NY Food and Agriculture Competition, identifying schools, retailers, sports teams, and community events for potential partnerships. To ensure long-term scalability, the students created a research template that outlines how to assess regional needs and build community-based outreach strategies. This project provided Holmes with actionable tools to expand sustainably, while students gained hands-on experience in certification processes, market analysis, and strategic consulting.
My Grow Connect is a BIPOC-owned organization in Ohio that supports sustainable communities by consulting on farmers’ markets, developing new market opportunities, and building resource networks in agriculture.
Fall 2023
The student consulting team provided a clearer financial picture of the organization’s diverse activities, beyond just product sales or education initiatives. By drafting unaudited financial statements from contracts, agreements, and invoices, and synthesizing them into visual analyses, the team sought to capture the full value of MGC’s work, including pro bono, in-kind contributions, and donations. This financial analysis aimed to guide partnership, staffing, and fundraising decisions, protect MGC from inequitable partnerships, and inform its next B Corp assessment. The project deliverables included Excel-based financial statements, data visualizations, and a roadmap of next steps, helping MGC demonstrate the comprehensive value it creates for people, communities, and stakeholders.
Everarbor is a Cleveland-based outdoor lifestyle company that produces sustainable apparel and also offers arboriculture, landscaping, tree services, and eco-friendly solutions.
Fall 2023
The student consulting team conducted an evaluation of Everarbor’s B Impact Assessment (BIA) scores and identified gaps in key areas, particularly governance and environmental performance. Recommendations included developing a corporate mission statement, implementing a code of ethics, creating stronger stakeholder engagement policies, and documenting Everbrew’s role in reducing environmental impacts such as air, water, and climate concerns. Deliverables included a final assessment presentation outlining Everarbor’s current eligibility points, along with recommendations for achievable improvements that could raise scores across governance, workers, community, environment, and customer sections.
Spring 2024
The student consulting team worked to strengthen the client’s sustainable brand image. The team focused on embedding environmental consciousness across product lines and enhancing stakeholder engagement strategies, helping the company communicate its commitment to sustainability more effectively and align its business practices with its values.
Spice Catering Co. is a Cleveland-based full-service event catering and planning company that emphasizes seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine, transparency in pricing and personalized hospitality.
Spring 2024
The student consulting team collaborated to improve client’s B Impact Assessment (BIA) performance and advance toward B Corp certification. The team suggested developing new policies and systems across governance, workers, community, environment and customer areas—including a whistleblower policy, supplier diversity plan, environmental management system and quality assurance framework. By leveraging the B Corp assessment from the outset, prioritizing high-impact, cost-effective recommendations and applying critical thinking rooted in community engagement, sustainable sourcing and industry best practices, the team delivered actionable solutions for long-term impact.
Fall 2025
Students partnered with Spice Hospitality Group to develop a strategic roadmap for achieving B Corporation Certification under the new 2026 B Lab standards. The team researched certification requirements, assessed the company’s operational readiness, evaluated certification costs and organizational structure, and recommended certifying under the parent company while listing Boom’s Pizza as a subsidiary. To streamline compliance, students designed centralized governance, supplier and environmental tracking processes and created a phased implementation roadmap for certification. Their work provides Spice Hospitality Group with a practical framework to strengthen sustainability practices, reduce administrative burden and prepare for successful B Corp certification.
LayerZero Power Systems designs and manufactures highly reliable power distribution and quality monitoring solutions for mission-critical infrastructure like data centers.
Spring 2024
The student consulting team designed a system for tracking and managing Scope 1, 2 and 3 CO₂ emissions. They developed a data collection framework using Google Forms and Sheets, built interactive dashboards in Tableau, Power BI and Looker Studio, and modeled the company’s value chain to capture emissions across activities and facilities. This gave LayerZero practical tools to analyze emissions in real time, improve reporting accuracy and plan future sustainability actions. The project delivered both immediate insights and a long-term roadmap for data-driven sustainability strategy at LayerZero.
Fall 2024
This semester's student consulting team was tasked to conduct a carbon emissions reduction cost-benefit analysis. The project aimed to identify innovations in operations, model feasibility and develop a 10-year roadmap for reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Students analyzed the company’s vehicle fleet, energy usage and production processes, recommending measures such as fleet electrification, renewable energy credits and energy-efficient machinery. Through detailed scenario planning, cost modeling and ESG benchmarking, the team delivered a strategy that balances investment feasibility with long-term carbon reduction goals.
Spring 2025
The student consulting team worked with LayerZero to design a sustainability initiative aimed at increasing employee recycling participation. The team conducted employee interviews to understand recycling behaviors, designed visual and comic-style signage to reduce confusion, and mapped out inconsistencies in bin availability across company facilities. The students also developed a preliminary implementation plan that included bin placement, signage rollout, internal communications and pilot testing. Despite challenges in collecting waste data and coordinating across buildings, the team created practical tools to drive awareness and participation. Their work gave LayerZero an actionable roadmap to improve sustainability engagement among employees.
Fall 2025
This semester the student consulting team streamlined environmental compliance tracking across LayerZero’s supply chain. The team developed a Power BI dashboard and supporting compliance database to monitor supplier, manufacturer and product compliance with key U.S. and EU regulations. They also designed supplier outreach templates, data collection processes and an implementation roadmap to support future compliance reporting.
Spring 2026
Students partnered with LayerZero to strengthen its environmental compliance and supply chain transparency by developing a structured supplier declaration program. The team analyzed global regulations, built a cost-benefit model, designed a supplier documentation process and created an implementation roadmap to streamline compliance with environmental reporting requirements. Their recommendations provide LayerZero with a scalable framework to reduce regulatory risk, improve supplier transparency and enhance customer confidence in regulated markets.
Pigybak is a neighborhood-based home services mobile app that lets homeowners pool with neighbors to get better rates and connect with local contractors for projects.
Fall 2024
The project centered on building a roadmap for B Corp certification, helping the company strengthen its environmental, social, and governance practices. Students conducted a gap analysis across four key areas—workers, environment, customers, and governance—and identified actionable steps to improve Pigybak’s B Impact Assessment scores. Recommendations included enhancing healthcare coverage and formalizing DEI policies for employees, creating a virtual office stewardship policy and water tracking system, implementing demographic and feedback tracking for customers, and introducing financial transparency measures such as internal reporting and a whistleblower policy. The final deliverable was a phased certification roadmap outlining immediate, mid-term, and long-term initiatives, along with projected score improvements for each area.
Spring 2025
Through benchmarking against certified companies, the student consulting team identified two high-impact focus areas: developing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy and creating a customer feedback system. They crafted guiding principles for inclusivity across customers, contractors, and employees, while also mapping out workflows to capture and analyze user insights. A Now–Next–Later roadmap and Effort–Impact matrix were developed to prioritize quick wins like surveys and sentiment analysis, alongside long-term upgrades such as automated triggers and advanced analytics. These interventions position Pigybak to strengthen its culture, broaden community outreach, and enhance customer experience. The project also gave students hands-on experience in consulting tools, professional presentations, and client-centered deliverable design.
Fall 2025
Students partnered with Pigybak to develop B-Ready, an AI-powered web application that simplifies the B Corporation certification journey. The team designed a platform that analyzes assessment results, generates personalized readiness scores and recommendations, produces downloadable reports and provides tailored roadmaps based on an organization's industry, size and certification goals. In addition to the application, students created comprehensive user guides, training materials, requirements documentation and implementation resources to support adoption and future development. Together, these deliverables provide Pigybak with a scalable solution that transforms the complexity of B Corp certification into a more accessible, actionable process for mission-driven organizations.
Mugsy Bakes creates convenient, single-serve, gluten-free and dairy-free mug cake mixes made with high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients.
Fall 2024
The student consulting team partnered with Mugsy Bakes to support its goal of achieving Non-GMO certification before market launch. This certification was identified as a critical step to build consumer trust, strengthen brand credibility, and position Mugsy Bakes competitively in the health-conscious baking goods market. The students conducted research on certification requirements, worked with the founders to review ingredient sourcing and supplier compliance, and prepared documentation for the certification process. Their recommendations focused on ensuring compliance with Non-GMO Project standards while balancing cost and timeline constraints.
Spring 2025
The project focused on enhancing sustainability and customer engagement through three initiatives: sustainable packaging, a reuse & upcycle program, and a rewards-based participation system. The team benchmarked packaging options, proposed community-led upcycling ideas, and designed a digital rewards platform to incentivize eco-friendly actions. Their recommendations balanced ambitious sustainability goals with the startup’s resource constraints, providing a phased roadmap for implementation.
The COPE Network provides mental health education, tools, workshops, and resources to empower youth and families in coping and emotional wellness.
Fall 2024
The project centered on refining COPE’s goals and strengthening its strategic positioning to increase impact. Students developed a presentation that outlined the organization’s mission, opportunities, and next steps, providing a clear communication tool for stakeholders. Their work equipped COPE with a stronger framework to guide future outreach and growth. At the same time, students gained hands-on experience in social impact consulting, strategy development, and stakeholder engagement.
Lock-In Billiards organizes programs, tournaments, and youth leagues centered on the game of pool, using billiards as a tool for connection, personal growth, and mental-health engagement.
Spring 2025
The student consulting team advised on mobile app development strategy, conducted survey research across 13 regional schools, and created a school expansion plan to bring the tournament model to more campuses. They also developed outreach templates for sponsor pitches and provided smartphone app resources to support growth. Key findings from the survey of school students showed that students valued in-person social connections most, with 80% reporting relaxation and focus benefits, and 60% joining primarily to expand their social circle. While expansion opportunities exist, the team noted challenges such as app development costs and sponsor rejections, offering phased strategies to overcome them.
Fall 2025
This semester the project involves collecting and analyzing data from Lock in Billiard’s 8-week program to demonstrate its impact, support future funding applications and identify strategies to enhance participant engagement. Students will assess outcomes, gather feedback and recommend actionable ways to improve program adoption and retention rates.
Spring 2026
Students partnered with Bank One Billiards to develop a comprehensive growth strategy focused on marketing, operations and revenue expansion. The team designed a phased social media strategy, created an investor outreach plan, recommended operational improvements through integrated systems and process automation, and identified new revenue opportunities including memberships, events, tournaments, food and beverage offerings, and digital content.
FundingU is a fintech startup revolutionizing student lending through its Platform-as-a-Service model. It offers no-cosigner undergraduate student loans to U.S. students, evaluating eligibility based on academic merit rather than family credit.
Spring 2025
The student consulting team conducted extensive market and competitive analyses, identified over 140 potential partners including nonprofits, state agencies, and technical training providers, and built a five-year financial model. The team highlighted major growth opportunities with workforce training and trade schools, where FundingU’s merit- and outcomes-based lending can close financing gaps. Their recommendations emphasized targeted partnerships, building a dedicated sales and marketing team, and aligning with state-level workforce initiatives.
Sixth City Craft Soda Co. produces small-batch, craft sodas made with cane sugar and local ingredients in Cleveland, Ohio.
Spring 2025
The student consulting team created a custom inventory and manufacturing tracking system in Excel. This tool enables the company to record expenses, monitor input costs, calculate profit margins, and track vendor and sustainability data. The team developed macros, dashboards, and vendor graphs, allowing the system to be used at full capacity. They also produced a demo for the client to ensure long-term usability. By tackling challenges like debugging and data collection, the team delivered a framework that supports better financial planning and operational efficiency, while leaving room for future enhancements.
Storehouse Tea is a Cleveland-based social enterprise producing organic, Fair-Trade teas while employing refugees and immigrants.
Spring 2025
The student consulting team partnered with Storehouse Tea, which needed a better way to meet organic and Fair Trade audit requirements. Instead of relying on costly third-party tools, students built a custom in-house inventory management system using both SQL and Excel. Their deliverables included real-time inventory tracking, lot number traceability, and Fair Trade compliance tools, alongside training sessions and user manuals. They also developed creative solutions, such as a placeholder-based inventory depletion model, to handle missing data during testing. The final system aligned tightly with Storehouse’s business processes, empowering the company with a sustainable and scalable traceability solution.
Fall 2025
Students partnered with Storehouse Tea to identify sustainable packaging solutions that balance product protection, environmental impact and commercial feasibility. The team researched alternative packaging materials, evaluated sustainability certifications, conducted supplier outreach, compared costs and technical specifications, and designed a more sustainable retail packaging concept. Based on their analysis, students recommended a phased transition to certified compostable packaging, supported by a practical implementation roadmap and marketing recommendations. Their work provides Storehouse Tea with a clear strategy to enhance its sustainability efforts while maintaining product quality and strengthening its premium brand positioning.
Spring 2026
Students partnered with Storehouse Tea to develop two AI-powered solutions that enhance customer engagement and streamline business development. The team created FindMyTea, an intelligent recommendation tool that helps customers discover teas based on their preferences, and an AI Sales Agent that automates wholesale prospecting and personalized outreach. They also designed deployment and implementation plans to ensure both tools could be integrated into the company's operations and maintained over time. Together, these solutions enable Storehouse Tea to improve the customer experience, expand wholesale sales opportunities, and free up valuable time for its mission-driven work in the community.
The Swetland Center’s Produce Prescription Working Group connects patients with fresh produce through healthcare providers to combat food insecurity and promote health equity.
Spring 2025
The student consulting team created a business case, stakeholder map, and implementation roadmap to support expansion of the program. They also facilitated a training workshop where members practiced pitching the case to stakeholders and received feedback to refine messaging. To further strengthen impact, students developed a workbook toolkit with tailored strategies, mock personas, and pitching exercises. Their work equips the Swetland Center to engage stakeholders, secure support, and expand its community-centered nutrition program.
Empowerful is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting marginalized entrepreneurs through its free 6-month entrepreneurship program (LLC formation, website/logo creation, mentorship).
Spring 2025
The student consulting team was tasked to create an interactive classroom activity for middle and high school students. They designed and tested “Operation Mars,” a hackathon-style game where students pitch businesses for a NASA colony on Mars. After piloting the activity at a local middle school, the team refined the materials based on student and teacher feedback, simplifying instructions and enhancing engagement. The final deliverable will be uploaded to the YIPPEE Exchange platform with downloadable resources, teacher guides, and a video setup.
Fall 2025
This semester project goal was to help create and promote a multi-part docuseries showcasing East Cleveland entrepreneurs—their startup journeys and community impact—supported by a three-month digital marketing campaign and a public premiere event featuring live screenings, networking and community engagement. Students designed the Youth Business Launch Series, a structured entrepreneurship program for high school students. The team developed a multi-month curriculum, created Google Classroom learning modules, planned workshops and community events, built outreach partnerships with schools and mentors, and designed a comprehensive social media marketing strategy. They also produced an implementation roadmap to help Empowerful launch, evaluate and scale the program over time.
Spring 2026
The student team produced the documentary, conducted interviews with local entrepreneurs, created a social media promotion strategy and planned a public premiere event. When filming restrictions required a change in direction, students adapted by expanding the documentary to showcase Cleveland's entrepreneurial ecosystem while preserving its message of hope and opportunity. The project equips Empowerful with a compelling storytelling platform to increase community awareness, strengthen partnerships and inspire future entrepreneurs.
Gebauer Company develops and manufactures topical anesthetic and skin-refrigerant products that enhance patient comfort and support pain management in clinical and healthcare settings.
Summer 2025
The student consulting team conducted Phase 1 of Gebauer’s Sustainability Assessment, establishing a baseline through stakeholder engagement and SASB-aligned data collection. Key focus areas included energy use, waste reduction, and sustainable product design. The project set the foundation for a Materiality Matrix and sustainability roadmap for Gebauer’s 2026 business plan.
Fall 2025
Students partnered with Gebauer to strengthen the company's sustainability strategy by evaluating three priority focus areas: renewable energy, hazardous waste and scrap reduction, and greenhouse gas emissions. The team assessed renewable energy pathways—including on-site solar, geothermal, Power Purchase Agreements and Renewable Energy Certificates—to identify cost-effective decarbonization opportunities. They also developed practical recommendations to improve scrap visibility, standardize quality processes, enhance supplier feedback and optimize packaging operations. In addition, the team established Gebauer's first Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions baseline for 2023 and 2024, created a detailed emissions methodology and provided a phased roadmap for future Scope 3 reporting.
SEA Change provides training, mentorship, and resources to help mission-driven entrepreneurs launch and scale impactful businesses that combine purpose with profitability.
Fall 2025
Students partnered with Sea Change to develop an AI integration strategy that enhances founder support while preserving the organization's relationship-based approach to entrepreneurship. The team evaluated AI platforms, benchmarked best practices, interviewed founders and designed a phased implementation roadmap for integrating AI into mentorship, curriculum delivery and program management. Their recommendations included deploying AI-powered coaching tools, founder support assistants and structured learning resources to improve program consistency, expand access and reduce administrative workload.
Rock Entertainment Group owns, operates, and advises on sports teams, entertainment venues, and related brands to create and deliver immersive fan experiences.
Spring 2024
Rocket Entertainment Group participated in a pitch challenge as part of our business problem solving course, challenging students to propose the best ways to engage Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Monsters fans with sustainability. Student teams’ solutions ranged from reusable cups at games to initiatives involving recycled clothing and gamifying sustainability actions with an app.
Fall 2025
Students partnered with REG and the Cleveland Cavaliers to assess how the organization can strengthen its sustainability strategy, quantify community impact and communicate sustainability value to stakeholders and investors. The team benchmarked REG against leading practices across the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and Premier League, using frameworks such as ROSI and league-level sustainability reporting comparisons. Their findings showed that REG already has a strong foundation, including 100% renewable electricity, a WELL Health-Safety rating, and dedicated sustainability leadership, but has opportunities to improve public ESG reporting, waste diversion, Scope 3 carbon tracking, fan engagement and third-party certifications. The final recommendations included expanding REG’s Impact Report into a full sustainability/ESG report, improving waste diversion through smarter packaging, measuring Scope 3 emissions, gamifying fan sustainability actions and using partnerships and certifications to support long-term leadership in sports sustainability.
The Pan African Center for Transformation - Afro-Pact - is a visionary umbrella organization with both for-profit and non-profit arms, dedicated to uniting and empowering the African diaspora.
Fall 2025
Students partnered with AfroPACT to assess the feasibility of launching a diaspora-backed agricultural investment fund to support smallholder farmers in Ghana. The team researched blended finance models, developed a proposed fund structure, created a financial underwriting framework, designed a borrower creditworthiness scorecard tailored to markets without formal credit systems and prepared a phased implementation roadmap. They also recommended strategies for fundraising, governance, investor engagement and partnerships with local financial institutions to reduce lending risk.
Redhouse Studio Architecture is a Cleveland-based architecture studio committed to sustainable design, low-impact material technologies and net-zero retrofits.
Fall 2022
The student consulting team helped the client to explore B Corp Certification. The team guided the firm through an initial pass of the B Impact Assessment (BIA) and developed a Stoplight Analysis to highlight specific BIA questions with the greatest potential for improvement in the next three to six months. The project concluded with targeted recommendations to strengthen performance across key impact areas, positioning the firm to further integrate sustainability and social impact into its operations.
Spring 2026
Students partnered with redhouse studio to develop a five-year commercialization strategy for its pioneering mycotecture technology. The team created a phased roadmap covering research validation, funding, manufacturing scale-up, strategic partnerships and market expansion, while identifying potential corporate partners, housing developers, funding sources and revenue opportunities. They also developed recommendations for commercializing mycelium-based building panels, leveraging reishi mushroom production as an early revenue stream and positioning the technology for broader adoption in sustainable construction.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a nationally recognized conservation organization that integrates sustainability into its daily operations, including the management of animal waste and organic materials through on-site composting
Spring 2026
Students partnered with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to evaluate its composting operations and identify a more efficient, sustainable solution for managing organic waste. The team researched and compared multiple in-vessel composting technologies, analyzed regulatory requirements, developed a 10-year financial model and created a phased implementation roadmap. Their recommendations provided the zoo with a practical roadmap to reduce operating costs, divert more waste from landfills and strengthen its long-term sustainability initiatives.
The Cleveland Tree Coalition is a nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding Cleveland's urban forest by increasing tree canopy, improving environmental health and strengthening community resilience across the region.
Spring 2026
Students partnered with the Cleveland Tree Coalition to develop a sustainable membership strategy that diversifies revenue while deepening community and organizational engagement. Through competitive benchmarking, customer discovery interviews and financial scenario modeling, the team designed a two-track membership framework tailored to both individuals and organizational partners. Students created membership tiers, pricing, value propositions, benefit structures and a phased implementation roadmap, refining each recommendation through stakeholder feedback to ensure practicality and long-term impact.
Plantcestry is a community-driven platform that connects people through plant sharing by preserving plant lineage, personal stories and local community engagement.
Spring 2026
Students partnered with Plantcestry to refine its user experience and develop a go-to-market strategy for its plant-sharing platform. The team evaluated platform wireframes, improved onboarding and customer journeys, designed community engagement and early adopter strategies, and recommended QR code integration with local plant shops to connect digital experiences with real-world interactions. They also created customer discovery tools, promotional materials and implementation recommendations to strengthen user adoption and long-term community growth. Their work provides Plantcestry with a practical roadmap to launch a more intuitive, community-centered platform while preserving the unique stories and lineage behind every shared plant.
Red Clay Farm is a small-scale organic farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture and strengthening local food systems by supplying fresh, locally grown produce to the community.
Spring 2026
Students partnered with Red Clay Farm to expand market opportunities by connecting the farm with local restaurants and strengthening its brand presence. The team conducted market research, built a targeted restaurant outreach database, engaged prospective buyers through multiple communication channels and developed a professional website, marketing materials and outreach toolkit. Drawing on insights from more than 50 restaurant outreach efforts, students also created a customer acquisition roadmap and communication strategy to support long-term relationship building. Their work equips Red Clay Farm with practical tools to increase visibility, cultivate restaurant partnerships and sustainably grow its local customer base.
Just Date is a health food company that creates organic, date-based sweeteners and snacks, with a mission to replace refined sugar through sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients.
Spring 2026
Students partnered with Just Date to strengthen the sustainability and transparency of its cocoa supply chain. The team analyzed global cocoa markets, evaluated supplier sustainability certifications, conducted supplier outreach and developed a structured framework for comparing sourcing options based on cost, quality, transparency and operational fit. Their recommendations provide Just Date with a clear roadmap for evaluating future suppliers, improving sourcing transparency and building a more resilient and ethical supply chain as the company grows.
Terranean Spices is a Cleveland-based, women-owned business that produces Mediterranean-inspired pita chips, seasonings and spreads. The company is committed to healthier ingredients, authentic flavors and sustainable growth while expanding its retail and direct-to-consumer presence.
Spring 2026
Students partnered with Terranean Spices to support the launch of its new seed-oil-free pita chips through a comprehensive growth and marketing strategy. The team developed a social media content plan, campus ambassador program, PR and media outreach strategy, and a targeted outreach system featuring a database of prospective partners and an automated outreach tracker. They also researched new product launch best practices and provided recommendations for future flavor development and retail expansion.
Third & Manageable is an early-stage digital athlete wellness platform that supports athletes through the mental health, identity and community challenges of competing in sports and transitioning beyond them.
Spring 2026
Students partnered with Third & Manageable to refine its messaging, evaluate its MVP and identify practical growth opportunities. The team conducted athlete outreach, gathered user feedback, tested the platform experience, benchmarked wellness and habit-building tools, and explored strategic partnerships with athletic departments and athlete-focused communities. Their recommendations focused on improving onboarding, increasing user retention, clarifying the platform’s value proposition and building a phased growth roadmap.
Thyssenkrupp Coil Processing Group is a leading steel processing company that operates coil slitting, blanking and distribution facilities across the United States. As part of its sustainability strategy, the company is working to strengthen packaging waste management and advance its ISO 14001 continuous improvement initiatives.
Spring 2026
Students partnered with thyssenkrupp Coil Processing Group to develop a scalable framework for improving packaging waste recycling across its U.S. facilities. The team surveyed plant managers, analyzed waste streams, evaluated recycling vendors and created plant-specific recommendations to increase recycling and reduce landfill waste. They also developed a centralized recycler directory, implementation playbook and phased roadmap aligned with ISO 14001 standards to support consistent recycling practices across all locations.