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
The student consulting team will develop a comprehensive PR strategy for Spice Catering Co., identifying target audiences, media opportunities, and community engagement tactics to enhance brand visibility and highlight its culinary and sustainability leadership in Cleveland.
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 is working to develop a tool and workflow to monitor and report the environmental compliance status of components and materials used in LayerZero products.
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
This semester, students will design and build an automated “gap analysis” tool that imports relevant data, identifies the most critical areas for improvement, and generates actionable recommendations. The tool will leverage AI to draft policies addressing those gaps, creating a repeatable and scalable process that can be used year after year as standards evolve.
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.
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
This semester the project goal is to research and recommend sustainable, cost-effective tea packaging that preserves freshness and meets recyclability or biodegradability standards, identify relevant certifications to validate sustainability claims, and propose marketing strategies to highlight these certifications.
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 is 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.
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
This semester's student consulting team is developing a Materiality Matrix from prior assessment results, analyzing stakeholder insights to identify and prioritize high-impact sustainability focus areas for strategic decision-making.
SEA Change provides training, mentorship, and resources to help mission-driven entrepreneurs launch and scale impactful businesses that combine purpose with profitability.
Fall 2025
The project aims to support the organisation’s mission in discovering how Artificial Intelligence can help social entrepreneurs. The student team will help in discovering: How can AI best support social enterprise entrepreneurs and their business models? What are the adoption barriers for our social entrepreneurs? What tools are needed (if any)? Should we embed those tools in our curriculum? Build our own solution? Partner with a platform?
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
The student consulting team is working on developing a structured framework to measure and quantify brand impact—linking social and environmental initiatives to tangible business value and demonstrating, through real examples, how such efforts enhance Rock Entertainment Group’s brand equity.
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
The student consulting team is working on evaluating the feasibility of a collective agriculture fund in Ghana to enhance farmers’ access to finance, inputs, and technical support, identifying the optimal fund structure, target segments, risk–return profile, and implementation roadmap.