WKU News

Two projects led by the Gordon Ford College of Business students have achieved remarkable success, securing two of the top three national finalist spots for the prestigious "Project of the Year" Competition organized by the Small Business Institute®. The "Project of the Year" Competition is an annual event in which schools across the United States are invited to submit up to two student-led consulting projects. As finalists, the two teams have been invited to the annual conference in Orlando to present their work.

The projects chosen were WKU Big Red Backpack and Late Nite Sweets N Treats. Team members included Late Night Sweets N Treats-Alison Birch, David DeMeyers, Alex Geoghegan, Mikayla Mann, and Jaiden Hamilton and Big Red Backpack- Noah Heffington, Isabella Marcum, Blake Steward, and Kaity Weitlauf.

The student projects came from Dr. Whitney Peake, Department Chair of Management, ENT 496 Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience. Each spring, students in the class work on projects with small businesses or non-profits in the area. The student teams work with their clients to analyze the industry and business and provide strategic recommendations for the company.

The Big Red Backpack team did market research for the program, including a survey of the faculty and students. In understanding the market landscape, the team made suggestions, recorded marketing videos, and designed a layout for pulling orders to increase efficiency.

The Late Nite Sweets N Treats team assisted the client with brand awareness and standard operating procedures. The team helped create and categorize step-by-step recipes with photos, shot instructional videos, and developed a social media strategy.

"I am so proud of these students and the work they put into these projects on behalf of their clients, said Dr. Peake. They invest in these projects and take ownership of implementing the strategic priorities with their clients. The recognition of their work is incredibly well deserved. I'm also excited that nearly all the students get to present their work, and we will all find out where they placed in the Top 3 together in April."

From spring 2015 to spring 2023, 188 students have worked with 45 businesses and generated more than 13,000 consulting hours for clients. This semester, 28 students are working with five clients.