AACTION Autism is a 501 (c) 3 humanitarian organization dedicated to building environments nationally and internationally in which people with autism are identified, accepted, and supported. Specifically, the volunteer team of autism professioanls provide free medical, educational, and diagnostic training to parents, professionals, and educators in need across the globe. All of AACTION Autism's work is done on a volunteer basis- the training teams take vacationtime from their jobs to travel and conduct trainings. This allows over 90% of donations to go directly towards their mission. The organization was founded because in many countries throughout the world autism is not very well understood. This has dramatic consequences for children with autism. In many cases, children with autism go undiagnosed and fail to receive appropriate medical and educational intervention. In places around the globe children with autism are punished for actions they have no control over. Parents are stigmatized by the disability of their child and hide their children from the public. In extreme cases, children with autism have been put aside to die. AACTION is the only organization in existence that provides autism training to countries in need..

AACTION is currently working with two schools in India which will become training centers. AACTION has flown the Directors of these schools to the U.S. for training and planning. In January 2008 the first training team went to India to begin training. In September, six autism professionals plan to come to Chicago for two weeks of intensive training. Within three years AACTION anticipates several trips to India, as well as bringing key Indian autism professioanls to the U.S. for additional specialized training.

1) Fundraising

Challenge: AACTION is a dedicated and enthusuastic organization. There are many important projects that they are eager to pursue, but are limited by their funds.

Deliverables: A fundraising plan that would guide our efforts.

Actions: Once AACTION has a plan they would be able to focus their resources to get the most out of the efforts to raise money for the cause.

2)Marketing

Challenge: AACTION have little awareness throughout Chicago (and beyond!). As an international organization AACTION feels they could get various ethnic groups informed and excited about joining the cause. As an organization they are unsure as to how to make this happen.

Deliverables: A marketing plan that would help spread the word about AACTION's cause and the organization.

Action: AACTION would use the plan to reach out to the community to raise awareness for the cause.

www.aactionautism.org

The Black Tulip is a European style bakery café start-up with a patent pending on their antioxidant coffee & tea-baking compound scheduled for publication this December. They offer unique flavorful one of kind antioxidant deserts, coffee and tea bar. The Black Tulip take their time and explains the health benefits of their products to their customers. Offering coffee and tea tasting while paring antioxidant desserts through sampling. The café serves breakfast items including lunch and dinner with a light pub style fare all in a charming European style café setting.

What if you could combine a cookie that not only tastes great but is also packed with antioxidants and anti diabetic effects. What if it had great taste, an array of new flavor combinations and no artificial flavors or preservatives made with organic coffee, tea? What if you could pull the best from Starbucks, Teavana, Pannera and the Cheesecake Factory and put it into one place. A place that offers fresh and unique desserts, light fare, store roasted organic coffee, special blends of organic teas all in a modern European café environment. Introducing The Black Tulip Café and Bakery, the first of it’s kind, offering quality coffee and tea cookies, specialty desserts and delicious coffee and tea drinks.

The Black Tulip's business model would consist of purchasing organic coffee and tea at a wholesale price and then selling them retail to the public as well as using them in the desserts made at the café. This would create a unique flavor profile, Trademark or branding for the products to reach a wider audience and for future expansion.

The patent developer and creator of The Black Tulip grew up in a family baking business that manufactures cookies for big box retailers and small gourmet cookies shops. The patent developer also has sales experience in the coffee and tea industry working for a large coffee and tea wholesaler.

The Black Tulip wishes to develop a sound business and marketing plan, and enlist ideas for raising venture capital.

Chemistry of Life Processes Institute NU

The Chemistry of Life Processes (CLP) Institute was founded in 2005 upon the concept that ground-breaking innovations in the biomedical sciences can be achieved by "breaking down the walls" that separate the physical and biological sciences through the creation of a distinct physical and administrative infrastructure that supports multi-disciplinary research across the fields of chemistry, biology, engineering and medicine. The mission of the CLP is to become a world leader in multi-disciplinary research that bridges the gap between the laboratory bench and the patient bedside. The goals are to (a) create an environment that promotes multidisciplinary biomedical research, (b) work with industry to rapidly convert laboratory findings into real world applications, and (c) educate the next generation.

CLP is comprised of 11 distinguished faculty members that are renowned for their leading edge multidisciplinary work (see www.clp.northwestern.edu for faculty biographies). The range of faculty departmental affiliations reflects the broad scope of CLP: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology (BMBCB), Neurology and Physiology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Biomedical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.

In 2006 an Executive Advisory Board (EAB) was created, drawing top level executives in pharmaceutical, data mining, investment, healthcare companies (Euronet, Genentech, Sawdust Investment, Thermo Fischer Scientific, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, among others).

The research, educational, and public outreach programs of the CLP institute are funded by a variety of sources. Philanthropic support has provided seed grants to researchers and supported the acquisition of multi-million dollar instrumentation. External support from the NIH, NSF, NASA and DOD has also been used to support research programs and equipment acquisition.

CLP is poised for a period of rapid expansion. They need to develop business and marketing plans that ensure that they meet their goals and fulfill their mission.

Chemistry of Life has a strong mission and ambitious goals. They need assistance with business plan development that will help to (a) ensure a secure financial footing for the institute, (b) provide for growth of programs, (c)fulfill educational purposes, and (d) foster corporate collaborations and funding.

Specifically, they need to perform market analysis, prepare a P&L statement, develop business models for service centers, and determine a timetable for meeting goals. CLP also needs to determine specific metrics for performance and optimization of service delivery.

CLP enjoys a high level of institutional support. However, it is expected to become self-supporting in the near future. They need a plan that they can bring to our Executive Advisory Board that will provide evidence of a strong business foundation and will encourage donations.

http://www.clp.northwestern.edu

The Daily Northwestern is published by Students Publishing co, Inc. (SPC) a nonprofit corporation chartered in the State of Illinois to publish and distribute student publications. SPC is dedicated to providing a training environment for students interested in the publishing field. It is staffed by four full-time professionals and more than 200 students. The business staff includes a student business manager, 5 student sales reps and 8 advertising office student clerks. The company is overseen by a seven-member board comprised of students, staff, faculty and alumni. SPC is financially independent of Northwestern University and responsible for generating all income. With an average readership of 14,000 students, staff and faculty on the Evanston campus, six thousand copies of the print publication are distributed to 56 drop points and 8 DN news boxes in downtown Evanston; 500 papers are delivered via campus mail to Evanston campus departments; and 500 papers are sent daily to the Chicago campus.

Like virtually every newspaper in the country, The Daily Northwestern has experienced a decline in print advertising revenues. They are looking for innovative ideas that arise from an in-depth analysis of current newspaper practices and a fresh approach to the ways that media generate income. The Daily Northwestern is in need of help in four areas:

1. Develop and increase partnerships with their advertising clients, and a better understanding of client needs. Advertising is divided into 6 categories: campus, local merchants, recruiters, national (sold primarily by a media company that focuses on the college market) and general/agency accounts.
2. Help to improve reader perception of The Daily and to stimulate their desire to access the daily campus newspaper. They have a captured audience, a claim supported by national research, and need to know what their audience considers necessary so that they may provide relevant content.
3. Related to #2 above, The Daily believes their electronic distribution and print distribution drop points should be evaluated.
4. Interested in ideas to develop new revenue streams in relation to online content.

http://www.dailynorthwestern.com

The Dr. Edward Cruzat Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable religious educational and scientific purposes including, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c) (3) of the internal revenue code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code and to promote health, health education and a love of learning by providing a variety of opportunities for children to experience and learn tennis and other sports through partnering with like minded local, national and international organizations to create comprehensive child-centered educational health and sports programs.

Looking to develop business plan, stretegic action plan, including a marketing plan, and venture capital for non-profit.

http://www.cruzattennis.com

good together creates work for small producers and co-ops by bringing a modern, well-made product to the market while supporting a fair living wage. One of the basic needs for all human beings is work. If certain basic needs are met; food, shelter, and work, other needs such as improved education, accessibility to health care, and childcare, can follow. Employment gives people a sense of purpose and dignity in a fair working environment, as well as, means to support their families. Because good together works with co-ops and because all products are sourced by the company this distinguishes good together from other companies whom outsource to large manufacturers where pay scales and worker treatment is not transparent.

The business model to work with small producers who pay a fair living wage has potential to be copied because of its common sense approach to a need for work within our communities. As the company grows, other co-ops can be linked based on ability and equipment which gives accessibility to create more work in more diverse areas. Good together will sell utilitarian products for the home that are made well and made by co-ops that are paid a fair living wage with 10% of the sales revenue returning to the community to improve the living conditions/lives of the workers. Customers choose good together's products over another because of the on-going desire to know where their money is going, and further understanding of the impact of the consumer dollar. If a product is made well, fills a need in the market, is marketed in a clean, fresh way, that appeals to the senses, as well as, have a "story" attached to it, it has a chance in today's market.

http://www.goodtogether.net

Since 2003, TMR Group, Inc. has designed award-winning innovative pre-graduate programs and events for the higher education community. The National Graduate Preparatory Program (GradPrep.org) is America's national prep program for graduate study and faith-based fellowship.

The MBADiversity Organization (MBADiversity.org) is America's racially-inclusive, international prep program for the MBA degree. For pre-graduates, MBADiversity works with member institutions and alliances to assist pre-graduates with their school applications, graduate test prep and tuition scholarships, faith-based professional development and international internship opportunities. Last year,  their Fellows went to Shanghai, China to round out their pre-graduate experience and provide a more global perspective to their graduate application essays and classroom discussions.

Based on the feedback from MBADiversity Fellows and members who seek dual degrees or wish to obtain a graduate degree other than the MBA, they now also offer The National Graduate Preparatory Program (GradPrep) for the interdisciplinary graduate community.

MBADiversity is seeking assistance with raising capital through faith-based and secular foundations to:

a) enable MBADiversity to reach the capacity, sustainable phase and
b) provide seed funding for The National Graduate Preparatory Program

They are requesting those interested in their mission to assist with the Executive Summary and Strategic Plan for The National Graduate Preparatory Program, identify possible funding opportunities, and assist with the grantwriting/proposal submission process to secure the funding and build relationships with the foundations.

http://www.mbadiversity.org

Green Loop, Inc.

The Marjorie Kovler Center (MKC) has an apiary on the roof of our building in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. The bees produce a pretty significant amount of delicious honey. MKC has long talked about a social entrepreneurial project to market and sell the honey, but requires the pro bono services of an individual or team. The team would meet with key persons at MKC to investigate the feasibility of such a project (volume needed, prerequisites for selling a food product, licensing, competition, sustainability), and develop a business plan. How to promote MKC's vital work without making buying into the mission a necessity for marketing the product (and vice versa: how to make honey attractive to those only interested in our mission) should be explored.

http://www.heartlandalliance.org/kovler

Hunter Custom Cues

Hunter Custom Cues is a one-man run shop building custom pool cues for the high end of the market. The cues start at $1200.00 and can go up to $100,000.00 or more.

The owner is a former world champion pool player who relocated to Chicago from Nevada. He has built cues for 15 years. Many of the world's best professional players have used or are currently using Hunter Custom Cues. The quality of the workmanship and the playability of the cues has always been of the highest order, but the business acumen has always been somewhat limited. Hunter Custom Cues is seeking to operate this business on a more professional level than in the past so that it's efficiency and productivity will be on par with the quality of the product.

http://www.huntercues.com

I Am You, Nfp is a non profit organization that engages and empowers young high risk women in areas mentoring, etiquette, college/career exploration, job readiness, enterprenuership with an international trade reach.

I Am You, Nfp is looking to bring together the social mission of the organization and the profit creation together in one plan to gain capital,marketing,and to later franchise.

 http://www.iamyounfp.org

IdenIve Corporation is a “C” corporation registered in the state of Illinois. IdenIve Corporation is comprised of several share holders of which two are corporate entities and one individual. The primary partner is DevBridge Corporation who is the web developer and server manager. www.ZazHub.com is the website owned and managed by IdenIve and is an enhanced community connecting owners, enthusiasts and service providers of vehicles to engage in community based activities and transactions around these vehicles. ZazHub will eventually be scaled to support other personal assets such as boats, motorcycles, RVs, construction equipment, corporate fleets, etc.

By utilizing a unique approach to social networking, ZazHub offers members the ability to create a community around their asset by showcasing their vehicle, sharing information about it, posting photos, creating groups around common interests, uploading or linking to videos, holding discussions in forums, organizing events, tracking work done to their vehicle, finding and recommending service providers and assisting in the sale of their vehicle.

ZazHub is tapping an emotionally connected market and will earn revenue from the following initial revenue streams; 1) subscriptions or fees from members who access premium features and content on the site; 2) through sponsorship/advertising revenue from services providers and companies targeting the user base; 3) the sale of car related downloads or products; 4) commissions on sales of vehicles.

The company is looking to form a team to work directly with the ppresident, and potentially with some of the partners, to strategize, then structure and build a compelling business plan that will include a basic marketing strategy, financial and operations sections. This plan will be mainly for investor purposes but will also be the foundation of a working business plan.

Additionally, help give better purpose and direction to ZazHub so that the site will be more useful compelling and viral.

http://www.zazhub.com

The Juniper Center is a four person private mental health practice. It serves clients from a wide geographic area including Chicago and northen suburbs.

The Juniper Center is seeking assistance developing an effective five year business plan to assist the center in growing the practice, improving service and increasing revenue.

http://www.junipercenterchicago.com

A small chocolate business established by a chef turned entrepreneur needs help to stand out in the current competitive, saturated market place.

The proprietor of this minority-owned business has solid culinary credentials but realizes she needs help with all aspects of growing her business. She needs a basic framework for a business and financial plan. Is a retail location a good idea in today’s economy? Is it better to stay an online shop? What is the company identity? Help is needed in branding, determining a location, how to stay competitive in today’s market. On top of all that, how does the business owner finance the business?

Failure to be able to anticipate and innovate will result in the end of this business.

http://www.loveindisguise.com/

Founded by two technically oriented MBA students at Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) and to be launched across top universities and corporations, MavenCircle will turn how the world seeks information on its head by mapping the trust relationships between the direct information sources, the people. The product is a next-generation communication platform that will replace the noisy, broken mailing lists and forums, and replace them with a more effective group communication means.

MavenCircle aims to revolutionize how people exchange information, to encourage quality contribution through a reputation and rewards system, to archive and organize information useful to future users, and to intelligently filter out the noise that clutters current mailing lists for the busy subscribers. Their initial users are members of reputable organizations and their trusted friends. The company monetizes through sponsorship and search advertising as an information exchange platform.

Midwest Institute for Native American
Studies is a not-for-profit creating curricular materials for young elementary students about the Native people of the Great Lakes area. Three projects are ready to market, many others in various stages of development. They will market to Montessori and public school markets.

The Institute needs to develop a strategic Business Plan to incorporate marketing and growth models as well as fundraising goals and methods, including development of Web site.

My Book Stork is a children's book registry dedicated to contributing 5% of sales to various charities.

My Book Stork is looking to develop a business plan to articulate the direction of company to potential investors.

http://www.mybookstork.com

Order ID

Alissa Schwarz, who came up with the concept for the Order I.D., is a marketing brand strategist. She hopes to sell this idea and would be willing to consult on the production, development, and marketing of the Order I.D. should the purchasing company request her services. Alissa Schwarz formulated the concepts embodied in the Order I.D. while carefully observing the behavior of consumers as a coffee customer herself as well as through her experience and understanding of human behaviors and their relationships to brands. The Order I.D. combines her education, experience, intuitive sense, and creativity as an observer and analyzer of cultural trends, human behaviors and motivations, as well as her ability to focus on the consumer experience. Alissa Schwarz received her BA from The Johns Hopkins University and her MS in Integrated Marketing from Northwestern University.

Pedalong adds a pedal capability to standard wheelchairs effectively making any wheelchair a built in exercise facility. Providing therapeutic and exercise benefit for people who otherwise have little or no access representing the most significant demographic of U.S. population for the next 30 years Uses for the device range from rehabilitation from stroke, cardiovascular to long term care related uses.

A feasibility study conducted at the “NWU Rehabilitation school” provided validation and Pedalong is now constructing a business plan.

Objectives to address include:

• Formulate a B-2-B and B-2-C go to market strategy
• Identify distribution channels
• Identify likely exits for the venture and set growth targets for likely acquisition

Focus on the project will involve a market analysis to identify and and help set go-to-market strategy

http://www.pedalong.com

Real Time Learning provides education consulting and tutoring to students in private and public schools from elementary to collegiate levels.

They offer individualized tutoring programs led by professional educators who are experts in the fields of math, language, writing, science, test preparation and learning differences. Real Time Learning specializes in providing services that focus on the individual learning style of each student.

Fairly new small business has experienced continual growth and is looking to make systematic improvements in order to expand.

http://www.realtimelearning.net

Skullcandy

Skullcandy has been successful turning audio headphones into a lifestyle brand. They manufacture stereo headphones, audio-enabled accessories (such as backpacks) and partner with great brands to bring music to everybody. Starting in founder Rick Alden’s garage, the company has grown into the second-largest seller of stereo headphones in the United States (according to NPD). Skullcandy's primary marketing has focused on action sports culture, but the brand has a wide appeal across many market groups.

Skullcandy believes there is a great synergy between our current brand/customer and the electronic Gaming customer—including both PC and console gaming. They are seeking a business plan to help us enter that market.

The challenge is to design and implement a strategic business and marketing plan for Skullcandy Gaming. The plan should consider:

- What is the gaming market? Who are the target customers? Where do they shop? What do they buy? Why do they buy?

- What are the products either thriving in or missing from the current gaming accessories market? How are they positioned?

- Which platforms are the most interesting:

- What is the target distribution channel?

- How should Skullcandy position and market the product to build credibility and authenticity in the gaming market?

- What personnel or infrastructure will be required to support an expansion of this business?

This project will work directly with Jeremy Andrus, President of Skullcandy, and his staff. Researchers will have access to internal resources as needed, and are expected to integrate market data and personal knowledge to create a full report.

http://www.skullcandy.com

Tabyat Partners, LLC. is a start up healthcare technology company, striving to develop software that will drive progress in the healthcare industry.

Aid with solidifying company specific and product specific business plans. Assist with company financial analysis and projections. MBA candidate would be assisting with business related work associated with the launch of www.iluvmydoc.com

Triangle Blvd

Over the past few years, there has been a fundamental change in how advertising and marketing agencies reach customers. Triangle Blvd. research has proven that technology has enabled marketers to reach a select, more defined customer group. As a result businesses are shifting their advertising models to leverage the new mediums. Recognizing the growth in online advertising and marketing, Triangle Blvd was formed as a new media services company focused on delivering solutions to help businesses deliver clear and consistent brand across various web–based platforms and mobile applications.

Online video let’s small businesses introduce their products and services to customers in an engaging and personal way. With consumers spending more time than ever viewing online, small business owners have a powerful opportunity to use video to communicate their message to the broadest possible audience. Triangle Blvd is working closely with small businesses to add online video to their branding campaign.

TriangleBlvd.tv is the Triangle’s largest WebTV network supporting Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas (1.8 million residents). Triangle Blvd is looking for help building a successful strategy for long term growth. The ideal summer internship candidate/candidates would have a passion for both new media technologies and brand building with the proven ability to adapt and learn quickly.

http://www.TriangleBlvd.tv

West Town Playhouse

The mission of West Town Playhouse is to support the community by creating a social space dedicated to the arts and play.

 The vision of West Town Playhouse is to create an environment that encourages:

• experiential learning and unstructured play
• creative thinking and exploration of the arts
• active participation and user-determined experiences
• community interaction and connection

West Town Playhouse was conceived to provide children and families in our community with dynamic and playful experiences. We believe that they should be able access non-commercial experiences and places within their communities where they can connect with others, learn new things, share ideas, and have fun. Art and play are at the center of our mission as they are mediums for experiential and self-determined learning, self-expression and social connection.

In order to best serve their community while building resources, West Town Playhouse has developed a two part plan.

Phase 1:
Introduce programming by staging temporary interactive art experiences and platforms for play, as well providing high quality arts programming and events in public spaces and temporary sites within the West Town community.

Phase 2:
Once the cultivation of the necessary resources and funding has occured, will then acquire a facility within the West Town community that will house:

* a gallery for changing interactive art installations and platforms for play
* visual and performing arts studios for workshops, classes, and open exploration
* facilities for events and performances
* a café

WorldWhere

WorldWhere is coming to the end of a 1 year "pilot" phase. They launched their initial set of functional hip hop dance & streetwear in October of 2008. Since then, WorldWhere has established themselves as a recognizable brand in the fast growing market of hip hop dance (So You Thik You Can Dance, America's Best Dance Crew) etc. They have also executed some compelling community outreach events and are recognized as living up to their tag line "Sick Clothes. Big Hearts". Now they need to launch the business "for real", building out structured plans and processes for design,marketing, manufacturing & distrubution, channels, financing etc. This is a vey fun space and personally/spiritually fulfilling as WorldWhere looks to break down social, ethnic & economic barriers and celebrate diversity & eqaulity. At the same time, it is a "real" business, requiring the discipline and structure of any entrepreneurial endeavor.

http://www.worldwhere.com

BizyBizy LLC

Urban Lifestyle Management Company offering services in eight categories (kids, pets, seniors, housekeeping, handyman, personal assistant, errands, wealth & beauty). Clients may book services online, by telephone or in person. Company plans to start in Chicago and go nationwide in a year. Urban Lifestyles Management Company has hired a nationally reknown team (e.g. Nelson (architects), Duo Consulting (web content management), Burwood (technology), etc.). They plan to open Semptember 1, 2009. Looking to hire someone to create their pricing plan, spreadsheet and budget.

http://www.bizybizy.net

Ecoscene is a unique online publication that reviews eco-friendly products and services. They do more than just report information; They use, test, and provide authentic and unbiased consumer feedback on products or services that claim to be green, sustainable, natural, environmental or biodegradable. Ecoscene was launched in January 2008, and has grown to a list of more than 6,000 active subscribers, with more than 5,000 monthly website impressions. Ecoscene is an advertising/sponsorship/partnership based revenue model that uses industry events, targeted marketing and social media to increase readership and revenues.

As a small Chicago-based startup, Ecoscene's main goal is to be seen as the most trusted independent resource for consumers interested in starting, improving, or growing their green lifestyle. In reaching this goal, they have two current overall tactics:
(A) increase online subscribership and traffic &(B) increase revenues through advertising.

Given that background, there are several project opportunities where Ecoscene would welcome and appreciate assistance:

1. Streamline Process: Currently Ecoscene has six criteria by which they evaluate products and services that they test. In addition, Ecoscene have implemented the Ecoscene Approved Logo that provide to help readers identify those products that they not only recommend, but also that have the special combination of performance plus criteria plus that extra special something that make them say "wow." However, the criteria and Ecoscene Approved Logo are not universal in their application; there are not enough parameters around the process, which leaves them open to scrutiny. Ecoscene would like to find a way to streamline and clarify the process to make sure that we are seen as authoritative, objective and authentic.

1. Streamline Process: Currently Ecoscene has six criteria by which they evaluate products and services that are tested.

2. Readership Survey: Ecoscene will be conducting a readership survey this summer and would appreciate analysis and comparing that data to industry data to further identify strengths and weaknesses.

3. Editorial vs. Advertising: Like all publications, they work to try and find a balance and establish a clear "editorial policy" in order to continue bringing in revenue but also remaining transparent and honest with their readers.

4. New Revenue Streams: Like many internet businesses, Ecoscene is learning how to effectively monetize a website that is content-centric. They currently have six streams of marketing/advertising revenue. Ecoscene is looking for ways to expand these opportunities and would appreciate suggestions or ideas on additional revenue streams.

5. Go Viral: In the currently oversaturated world of e-mail newsletters Ecoscene is having difficulty getting the newsletter and website to be forwarded and picked up through viral means.

6. Fundraising

http://www.ecosceneinc.com

Fête Select TV is an internet based television show that showcases the newest and hottest restaurants around the globe. Fête Select TV provides an exciting and unique two minute video review of the latest venues generating buzz on the dining scene. Fête Select TV highlights the cuisine, cocktails, chef, vibe, demographic and location of the restaurants.

Fête Select TV is looking to be the "You Tube" of video restaurant reviews. They need to increase their subscriber base exponentially that will increase visibility and attract sponsors and advertisers. The goal is to create a community of subscribers that receive and/or provide relevant information that will influence their dining decisions.
http://www.efete.net

SnapHawk specializes in successful Internet advertising that is simple and profitable; specifically, search engine marketing for small- and mid-sized businesses. SnapHawk professionally develops, implements and manages performance across all major search-ad networks, including Google, Yahoo and Microsoft. Pay-per-click (“sponsored links”) advertising accounts empower clients to confidently maximize Internet advertising results while saving time and money. Proper setup and management of these powerful programs usually can make the difference between an advertiser’s failure or success.

SnapHawk is looking to create a strategic consulting model (complete with methodology, tools, and processes) that generates results for the company’s small- and mid-sized clients supporting exceptional client service and proactive internal operations. For instance, develop methodology, tools, and processes such as “Request a Free Consultation,” Decision Support tools, Checklists, Fact Packs, Guidebooks, Process Flows, technology tools, etc. Support research, knowledge, and measurement.

http://www.SnapHawk.com

The SA Consulate is responsible for increasing relations between South Africa and the US through their various consulate offices. Goals include promotion of foreign investment increasing tourism, promotion of exports, etc.

Following a project done in the Spring of 2008, the South Aft rican Consulate would like to further explore how to increase tourism and positive perceptions of South Africa within the United States.

www.southafrica-newyork.net/consulate/

The Aparecio Foundation is geared toward the development of a five year renewable scholarship program designed to accelerate achievement for low-income high-potential women in Chicago Public High Schools.

The Foundation is in search of  students to assist in leveraging the growth of social media and networking sites, such as, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Linkedin, as well as, those interested in marketing. The Aparecio Foundation would like to utilize social media sites as marketing, public relations, and customer relationship management opportunities.

http://www.apareciofoundation.org

Can u match my lifestyle is an online matchmaking company/community. The company is dedicated to putting together those who seek successful, beautiful, healthy, intelligent, educated and exciting career Women and Men…hoping to find their Mr. or Mrs. Right!

CanUmatchMylifestyle.com  is designed for the single, affluent man who thinks nothing of spending a few hundred dollars for the occasional new outfit or suit, or that one-of-a-kind new iphone that just came out...So in that respect, there is no financial hardship involved. Our men are looking for a wonderful woman who is happy in life and live well enough on her own. All of our women members are looking for THAT special man. The only problem is they’re having a hard time finding smart, ambitious, healthy, loving, and trustworthy life partners. That’s where we come in.

It’s hard finding quality men & women on your own. CanUMatchMyLifestyle.com is dedicated to bringing together upscale individuals. This is what the company is all about, and this is what we stand for and dedicate the service to. Bringing together lifestyles.

CanUMatchMyLifestyle.com is in need of someone with marketing skills to take the company to the next level. The company seeks one who could see the company's vision and take the necessary steps to make this company a success. The company needs to get into the search engine rankings. The company needs to find efficient ways of advertising on an national level. The company is very badly in need of someone who could put this virgin company on the map nation wide.
http://www.CanUMatchMyLifestyle.com/

Chicago Restaurant News

Chicago Restaurant News is a startup online service for the restaurant industry, including local bars, restaurants, vendors, etc. Gaining revenue from advertising but also offering editorial content by and for local industry leaders this will eventually be the one-stop shop for Chicago's restaurant insiders. With a website in the works, services will be similar to that of www.gayot.com but with a lean toward industry insiders, instead of the consumer.

Project includes great experience for team/intern, including everything in the business plan. This new hire will work directly with a savvy and experienced team to offer input as a team member, not assistant. Project management is a major theme with a focus on some ad sales and business development.

The CREER Service Organization is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 with offices in Costa Rica and the United States. Through ongoing education, research, and experience working in Costa Rica, CREER is discovering strategies to help provide sustainable solutions for the healthy evolution of the native Costa Rican culture. With a focus on the rural areas of the country, CREER gives support through offering resources such as jobs, educational programs, microloans, and volunteer opportunities that will result in balance and long-lasting opportunities for the Costa Rican people.

1) Fundraising
Challenge: CREER has completed in depth research and has exciting and innovative projects ready to implement, but is limited by its funds.
Deliverables: A fundraising plan that would help expand our donor base, including new foundations and international donors.
Actions: Once CREER has a plan they would be able to focus their time and energy to get the most out of the efforts to raise money for the organization.

2)Marketing
Challenge: CREER has a strong presence in Costa Rica, where their projects take place. CREER is now looking to become more established within the United States as a well-known international charitable organization.
Deliverables: A marketing plan to help support CREER's efforts in informing the public about CREER's mission and the organization.
Action: CREER would expand its efforts to connect with the greater community, therefore, creating more supports for its mission.

http://www.creerbelieve.org

Deck & FMS, Inc.

Deck & FMS is a female-minority owned business in the western suburbs of Chicago. The company is presently dba Subway. The business started December, 2007 and the sales has declined. Deck & FMS has had to decrease its staff to five employees and the employees are from the community -- two are reentering society from imprisonment.

Deck & FMS needs to increase customer count. They need effective marketing in order to create more customer awareness. There are many businesses in the area that employes predominantly blue collar workers. The company would like to focus on connecting with local businesses to increase stronger sales during the week. The weekend store is dependent on community residents -- need more awareness in this area. Sales are presently at $5,500 - $6,100/weekly. Needs an increase to $7,500 - $8,500/weekly.

Dosensio Inc.

Dosensio Inc. is based in Chicago, Illinois, and was formed in 2008. Dosensio provides add-on software solutions for individuals and businesses to simplify the use of and fully leverage the benefits offered by Enterprise Content Management Suites. Designed initially for users of Microsoft SharePoint and Alfresco suites, DOSENSIO Zoom is an add-on solution which simplifies access and management of corporate documents.

The Company is comprised of a management team of Northwestern University graduates with a proven track record of working together delivering complex applications, faculty advisers from Northwestern University and industry expert business advisers.

With the rapid deployment of ECM Suites and acquisitions of niche providers, existing vendors have developed convoluted, technology-centered platforms. This trend has translated into solutions which are counterintuitive to use, consume more time than they promise to save, and place unnecessary restrictions on users. As a result, lost user productivity, continuous training, and higher IT maintenance have increased the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of today’s already costly ECM Suites.

Dosensio is dedicated to reducing TCO of ECM Suites. Zoom, the add-on solution, delivers on this promise by transforming existing Suites into simple and fast platforms with offline document access. The product is as simple and convenient to use as a USB drive. As a result, Zoom increases user productivity, reduces user training, and decreases the burden on IT support and maintenance.

Dosensio Zoom is a particular fit for non-technical users who experience difficulties learning and adapting to new IT processes and tools. However, even technically versatile knowledge workers will be able to take advantage of Dosensio Zoom’s simplicity and performance to improve day-to-day effectiveness.

The student project entails creating a comprehensive marketing strategy for the introduction of Dosensio Zoom to the marketplace. The project also involves the development of a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model in order to derive a “savings calculator”. This savings calculator will be used as a sales tool enabling prospective customers to determine the financial benefits of Dosensio Zoom.

http://www.dosensio.com

Looking for assistance conducting research with other national service providers to determine what marketing initiatives they use and what has worked best to improve their sales, i.e, printed collateral? search words? web presence? email blasts? print mailings? electronic networking sites?, etc. What is the cost of each initiative as a percentage of gross sales or profit?.

http://www.thefrenchcompany.com

Hollrr LLC is a small company with big ambitions. By harnessing the power of word of mouth recommendations, Hollrr wants to overthrow advertising on the Internet. From their headquarters in San Francisco CA, Hollrr is pioneering the trend of greater consumer-company engagement. Hollrr is on a mission to destroy generic, banal banner advertising that no-one likes, and allow fans to liberate great new products struggling to reach new customers. Viva la revolution!

Hollrr LLC is looking for an Interim Community/Product Manager to design, build and ramp-up ‘Hollrr U’. ‘Hollrr U’ will be an information resource and online community for Entrepreneurs and Start-ups on best practices for using Social Media / Web 2.0 Tools to engage with their No. 1 fans and successfully grow their businesses.

In short... if you are an Entrepreneur and want to learn how to use Social Media / Web 2.0 Tools to grow your business, then ‘Hollrr U’ should be your first choice destination.

This is a conception to creation project. You will be responsible for all aspects of ‘Hollrr U’ from design to building-out the initial community.

*Design - overview of your vision for ‘Hollrr U’
*Vision - clearly articulated vision of what you think the site should be
* End User - always start with the end user. Outline all goals/activities you'd like them to be able to achieve on the site.
*Features - outline the features and functionality required for the end-user to achieve their goals
*Planning - review and selection of existing online tools and applications to deliver ‘Hollrr U’
*Build - create ‘Hollrr U’ using existing online tools and applications (Ning, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc...)
*Select- customize and set-up existing online tools to form ‘Hollrr U’ infrastructure
*Generate/aggregate content and 'thought-leadership material' on marketing via Web 2.0 tools.
*Build out the site using the online tools you have selected.
*Ramp-up - building-up initial community. Refinement of website.
*Developing a community - you'll need to put together a 'Community Development' plan. Your plan to turn the website from a series of HTML pages to a fully-fledged active community.
*Refinement - tweaking of existing site based on user feedback.

http://hollrr.com

The International Visitors Center of Chicago (IVCC) is a 501©3 Non-profit organization which acts as the liaison between Chicagoans and prominent international visitors from around the world. As a member of the National Council for International Visitors, the IVCC has served as Chicago's official host for U.S. Department of State-sponsored programs since 1952.

The mission of the International Visitors Center of Chicago is to provide opportunities for face-to-face professional and social interaction between visitors from other countries and their Chicago-area counterparts. The professional and social meetings enable a better understanding of each other's way of life and promote Chicago as an important international center for culture, commerce and tourism. The work of the IVCC is carried out in six program areas: the International Visitor Program, the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Enrichment Program, the Open World Program, Trade Delegations, Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and Community Connections.

The IVCC is looking for assistance in three projects:

1 - Branding/Marketing Project to i improve the visibility of the IVCC among Chicagoans, both individual and corporate, resulting in their increased involvement with our programs and events. This will include exploring a name change for the organization that more accurately reflects our mission.

2- Homestay Host Recruitment Project to increase the number of Chicago-area volunteers who serve as homestay hosts, sharing their home (room and board) with government-sponsored international delegates for 1-3 weeks. Homestay hosting is a requirement of numerous government sponsored and fee-for-service programs for youths and adults.

and
3 - Membership Marketing Project to

expand outreach and increase the number of individual and corporate members of the International Visitors Center of Chicago.

Elder Press is a selective, midwestern based publishing company that was established in September of 2007. Elder Press promotes books and DVDs nationally and internationally that present the image of older americans in a positive and productive manner.

Because of established stereotypes in our society and the fact that the younger and older generations have limited interactions outside of family, our publications seek to enhance the image and true essence of older americans all over the world who are leading meaningful and productive lives. Elder Press seeks to represent older americans as individuals who can provide a foundation for the youth and future generations because of their honorable core values. The wisdom of these older individuals is a national treasure that should be preserved.

The purpose of the book Listen to the Wisest of All is to illustrate life through the retelling of the experiences of the older adults interviewed. The book was published a little over a year ago and has been well received thus far. Recently, the book was endorsed by Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series.

The authors have enjoyed helping members of their community with proceeds of the book and are now at the point of wanting to do something more far reaching.They want to give students from a recognized university the opportunity to market the book and, hopefully, gain invaluable experience and financial reward for the marketing club or for the College of Business. With current technology and with capitalizing on the cross generational aspects of the book, students have the opportunity to take this book to new heights.

http://www.listentothewisest.com

Shoplet.com was founded in 1994 by Tony Ellison, a former investment banker at Goldman Sachs. The company was the first to offer consumers and businesses alike the ability to purchase office products online and now features the largest selection anywhere on the internet. Since the company's inception it has emerged as the disruptive force in the Office Products industry. Long dominated by brick-and-mortar titans such as Office Depot, OfficeMax and Staples, Shoplet.com has become a true threat to these players as we continue to garner an increasing share of the U.S. office supplies market valued at $250 billion. The online portion of the office supplies industry is exploding from just 5% in 2005 to a projected 60% online by 2011. While the old-line retail competitors have a total product selection of 7,000-14,000 products, Shoplet.com is able to offer its customers a comprehensive selection of over 200,000 products including over 8,000 recycled office items. Shoplet.com strive to constantly innovate through implementation of emerging technologies and early adoption of all new media, including offering a Facebook application that allows our customers to calculate the natural resources saved after the purchase of various green office products. Their unique partnerships and streamlined distribution channels allows to deliver over 95% of shipments the next day with no additional costs passed on to the customers. The company currently has over 2.5 million subscribed customers.

National exposure is critical for the business to expand into markets currently dominated by the bigger brick-and-mortar stores; Shoplet.com's business model has proven scalable and they are poised to take full advantage of the national scene. The company is looking to employ social media combined with viral content and traditional online advertising channels to create greater exposure for Shoplet.com.

http://www.shoplet.com

SnapHawk, Inc.

SnapHawk specializes in successful Internet advertising that is simple and profitable; specifically, search engine marketing for small- and mid-sized businesses. SnapHawk professionally develops, implements and manages performance across all major search-ad networks, including Google, Yahoo and Microsoft. Pay-per-click (“sponsored links”) advertising accounts empower clients to confidently maximize Internet advertising results while saving time and money. Proper setup and management of these powerful programs usually can make the difference between an advertiser’s failure or success.

SnapHawk is looking for assistance in creating strategic marketing partnership programs including: strategic alliances, referral opportunities, Kellogg alumni network, agency solutions, and possible affiliate referral network programs.

http://www.SnapHawk.com

Supremesoft Corporation, a fast growing small business IT Staffing, Solutions & Products Company, with corporate headquarters in Vienna, Virginia, has made remarkable strides in delivering substantial value to clients – both national and international since its inception in 1995. Partnered with Microsoft, Oracle, Sun Microsystems, and IBM, Supremesoft offers solutions for businesses through cutting edge IT services that aid in improving productivity and profitability of the client’s IT infrastructure by providing the consultants at the their sites.

The growth (more than 100% year over year until 2008) and success Supremesoft has experienced over the past few years can be attributed to our exceptional young team of employees holding advanced degrees with very good experience. Over the years Supremesoft has also experienced substantial growth and improvement in the areas of product and service offerings, employee recruitment, retention, and client satisfaction scores.

Innovative Marketing Strategy utilizing the best practices including Segmentation, Targeting & Positioning planing. Outcome of this project should come with clear marketing campign taliering to specifically for IT Staffing, Solutions & Products company.

http://www.supremesoft.net

Sweet Miss Giving's is a gourmet bakery with a big heart. Over 50 percent of their profits go to help homeless and disability-affected men, women, and children in Chicago. In addition, the factory kitchen doubles as a transitional jobs program. At any given time, the majority of the staff consists of formerly homeless people trying to get back on their feet.

Sweet Miss Giving's sweets are to die for. Because of their social mission, some of Chicago’s leading pastry chefs worked with the organization for over a year testing, tasting, and tinkering with their cookies, brownies, bars, scones, muffins, and of course, cupcakes. The result is a menu that evokes afternoons with Grandma… if your Grandma were a world class chef.

Since opening in November of 2008, Sweet Miss Giving's has already picked up contracts with Whole Foods, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Green Grocer, and 2 dozen other high-end Chicago vendors. Their work has also received awards from the MacArthur Foundation and the United Way and press attention from every local television station, the Tribune, and the DailyCandy.

Sweet Miss Giving’s is a one-of-a-kind business model, 51 percent owned by the non-profit organization Chicago House and 49 percent owned by private investors. The Business Enterprise Internship is a great opportunity for any student wanting to learn what it’s like to run a small business and seeking to put their classroom knowledge to a real world test.

Interns will also be expected to focus in one particular area and develop a long-range project for the bakery that will contribute to their education. Thus far, one intern has focused on PR and helped place Sweet Miss Giving’s in the news by writing press releases and talking to news stations. Another intern focused on management and made her project re-organizing our office filing, customer service, and other systems. Another intern focused on accounting, and has helped devise costing systems and manage our quickbooks applications.

http://www.sweetmissgivings.com

Over the past few years, there has been a fundamental change in how advertising and marketing agencies reach customers. Triangle Blvd. research has proven that technology has enabled marketers to reach a select, more defined customer group. As a result businesses are shifting their advertising models to leverage the new mediums. Recognizing the growth in online advertising and marketing, Triangle Blvd was formed as a new media services company focused on delivering solutions to help businesses deliver clear and consistent brand across various web–based platforms and mobile applications.

Online video let’s small businesses introduce their products and services to customers in an engaging and personal way. With consumers spending more time than ever viewing online, small business owners have a powerful opportunity to use video to communicate their message to the broadest possible audience. Triangle Blvd is working closely with small businesses to add online video to their branding campaign.

TriangleBlvd.tv is the Triangle’s largest WebTV network supporting Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas (1.8 million residents). Triangle Blvd is looking for help building a successful strategy for long term growth. The ideal summer internship candidate/candidates would have a passion for both new media technologies and brand building with the proven ability to adapt and learn quickly

http://www.TriangleBlvd.tv

Chevron Energy Solutions (CES) is a small division of Chevron (CVX) the worldwide energy company. CES focuses on providing public sector customers with a range of solutions that reduce carbon footprint, replace innefficient energy infrastructure, and reduce energy and operating costs which result in a cleaner, more efficient environment.

CES would like to contact K-12 school districts in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota and obtain the following information:

1.) Does the district have an interest in benchmarking their buildings to determine how the energy and operational cost of the buildings compared to each other and their peers?
2.) Is the district interested in implementing solutions which reduce carbon footprint for their buildings without raising taxes within the district.
3.) Does the district have a culture or a "sponsor" that would support such a benchmarking survey?
4.) Does the district have a culture that embraces renewable energy and energy conservation in its curriculum?

http://www.chevronenergy.com/

Chic is a privately held international manufacturing company operating primarily in the processed fruits and vegetables industry. They have 12,000 seasonal employees, manufacture to specs and sell world-wide. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, China with an USA office is in Austin, TX. Chic also has additional offices in the UK, Germany, Japan and Australia.

Chic has developed a new, proprietary, non-thermal processing technology designed to improve freshness, color, texture, taste and shelf life. Coupled with some new value added packaging options, they believe that this process can revolutionize the food industry as you know it…particularly as it relates to fresh cut fruits and vegetables. Chic has defined their intentions over the last several years and are now ready to initiate a serious marketing effort to develop strategic partnerships designed to drive large-scale product and supply chain solution presence in North America

Chic clearly has distanced itself from its competitors as it relates to innovative R&D, manufacturing techniques, quality standards, pesticide control, service, and delivery. Chic’s sophistication in each of these areas far exceeds any Chinese based competitor. Chic utilizes a web portal based system for tracking and traceability.

Chic operates as an international company and is developing the customer base that demands that level of sophistication. Chic currently does business with Del Monte USA, Heinz Europe, YUM Asia and SPCA to name a few.

With certain budget constraints, the project will offer extensive retail grocery and food service analyses as it relates to a number of cost cutting advantages versus fresh cut produce associated with waste, wharehouse, handling, distribution costs, etc. international business applications, and possibly a sponsored trip to San Francisco or our company headquarters in Shanghai, China.

Chicago Appleseed is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization focusing on social justice and government effectiveness issues. They identify social problems, use research methods to identify the causes and proposed solutions to these problems, and then seek the implementation of their recommended changes.

Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice seeks assistance in developing a marketing plan that will raise our visibility and in so doing, increase the effectiveness of our social justice work.

The organization is looking for assistance to raise visibility and to enhance the effectiveness of its social justice work. Chicago Appleseed is looking for students to help develop a marketing and visibility plan that will result in:

*More media coverage of the organization and its programs

*More knowledge of the organization and its programs among:

Legislators
Other policymakers
Community leaders
Community-based organizations
Corporations and law firms

*More effective use of Chicago Appleseed's website and other work product

http://www.chicagoappleseed.org

Erie Family Health Center is a community health center providing health care services to over 30,000 medically underserved patients through 120,000+ patient visits a year.

The Health Center is in search of market research assistance to help determine their future geographic expansion areas.

http://www.eriefamilyhealth.org

FLEx is a start-up company in the business of lighting, specifically using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and flexible film. They have developed a patent portfolio around cost effective methods of capturing and diffusing LED light over a wide and flexible area, with applications in backlighting (LCD TV, stained glass windows, etc.), signage, and general illumination. The initial revenue-generating markets for this technology are in the signage and architectural lighting industries, with future growth potential coming from the LCD and general illumination industries.

FLEx has developed a new product for the architectural lighting industry, specifically for use in backlighting stained glass windows at night when the sun goes down. The company performed several installations during the fall of 2009, with an initial target customer segment of high-end museums. These customers are innovative and are much more price inelastic, justifying the higher prices FLEx must charge at this early stage to cover lower volume and custom manufacturing. However, FLEx has received much interest from stained glass artists, churches, and architects who would like to incorporate this product into their future projects.

Looking ahead in 2010, FLEx plans to offer their backlighting product to the broader market. Before launching though, a detailed pricing study will need to be performed to better understand the potential of these other segments at specific price points. Additional insights in terms of positioning, buying processes, and further segmentation may also arise from the study.

http://www.FLEx-Lighting.com

Freeman

Freeman is the world's leading provider of integrated services for face-to-face marketing events, including expositions, conventions, corporate events and exhibits. Clients engage Freeman for strategic counsel, creative development and on-site logistics execution for face-to-face events of all sizes. With 41 offices in North America, Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually, including 103 of the largest 200 U.S. trade shows, and more than 11,000 other events worldwide. The company has received numerous awards recognizing outstanding efforts in industry leadership, creative design, community service, innovation and customer-driven partnerships.

Current social media usage within face-to-face marketing

According to Reed Business Information and their Tradeshow Week database, there will be approximately 5,000 trade shows & conventions held in hundreds of venues throughout the United States and Canada in 2009. These events will consist of consumer shows, tradeshows and a hybrid of both trade and consumer events in 100 different industries from accounting to woodworking.

In recent years there has been an explosion in the use of social media:

A. Publish – where anyone can publish anything for anyone Examples: Flickr, YouTube, Wikipedia, Twitter, RSS/XML, upcoming.org, Yelp, Google Groups, Squidoo and podcast.net

B. Share – where anyone can promote anything to anyone Examples: Slashdot, newsvine.com, reddit, propeller, stumbleupon, dig, del.icio.us, FARK, Skirt, betaMIXX

C. Network – where anyone can connect with everyone from anywhere Examples: Facebook, care2, bebo, gather, eons, Myspace.com, Linkedin, friendster

As the use of social media has grown, those who are responsible for hosting and promoting trade shows & conventions (show management) have begun to utilize it in conjunction with these events.

The following questions should be answered from this research:

1. What % of trade shows currently use some form of social media in conjunction with their events?
2. How is social media being used in conjunction with events: to publish content about the event, allow content to be shared and/or allow for networking of stakeholders around the event?
3. What are the most popular social media
(top 5) currently in use?
4. Are there differences in the types of social media being used based upon the number of exhibiting companies, type of show or industry in which it serves?
5. Are different types of social media being used prior to the event, at the event or after the event?
6. Are there any risks when using social media? If so, what are they?
7. What are users looking to get out of social media?
8. Do we really know the user?
9. Is Social Media here to stay?
10. What new uses of social media might we see in three or four years?

http://www.freemanco.com

Just The Beginning Foundation

Founded in 1992 by a group of federal judges, Just The Beginning Foundation (JTBF) is a non-profit organization supporting students of color and other underrepresented groups by providing educational and mentoring programs to inspire at-risk students and increase the diversity in the legal profession and judiciary. Through a series of pipeline programs, JTBF tracks and supports students through middle school, high school, college, and law school.

The lack of diversity in the legal profession is staggering. According to the 2000 census, less than 11% of all lawyers are minorities, while minorities account for over 30% of the country's population. With the minority population projected to be close to 50% by 2050, the legal profession needs to catch up.

JTBF programs are specifically designed to inspire young underrepresented students, support their pursuit of a post-secondary education, and facilitate their entrance into the legal profession. Using its national network of federal judges, JTBF programs are able to give its students unparalleled access to the court system and unique perspectives on the legal system.

Because these programs have been so successful at inspiring students and gaining support of major corporations and law firms, JTBF is expanding and taking its pivotal Summer Legal Institute for high school students to cities across the country. In 2009, Minneapolis, MN, Seattle, WA, Jackson, MS, and Washington, DC will join Chicago in hosting this exciting ten day legal immersion program.

JTBF wants to stay on the forefront of diversifying the legal profession and reach as many underrepresented students as possible. To do this, JTBF needs to continue to garner the support from new corporations and law firms across the country. While we have a solid entrancee into many of these corporations and law firms, JTBF needs a more comprehensive marketing plan and a better packet of materials to showcase its mission and methods.

JTBF seeks a group of students to develop a comprehensive marketing plan to improve the JTBF brand, expand the existing collateral, and garner interest from new large law firms, corporations, and wealthy individual donors. This is an outstanding opportunity for a group of graduate student to provide meaningful input to a national organization with a strong board of directors that is seeking support from an audience of Fortune 500 companies and major international law firms, who have a vested interest in JTBF's mission.

JTBF is seeing rapid growth with increased interest in its programs and mission but lacks a cohesive marketing plan to ensure that interested parties receive information in the most effect and efficient way. For instance, JTBF recently received interest from Walmart and Microsoft to sponsor JTBF’s programs and expansion efforts. While we were able to provide ample information, it might not have been packaged in the most efficient manner.

Because the organization has never put together a formal marketing strategy, JTBF seeks a self starting, entrepreneurial group of students who is eager to create a marketing plan from the ground up. JTBF has a great product in its programs, and every individual, firm, company, or judge who has supported JTBF is impressed with the positive way in which the students are affected. JTBF just wants to make sure this momentum is captured, and the forthcoming growth is done in the most effective manner possible.

JTBF is currently staffed with an Executive Director, Development Director, and Program Director, all of whom are attorneys. This group of students would work closely with the Development Director to ensure the mission and vision of the organization is captured in the marketing plan and collateral. The Development Director will also make sure the group of students has the resources to put together the plan.

http://www.jtbf.org

Marisa Swystun Private Label

Chicago private fashion label that currently sells to a private client base wants to expand sales to national and international retail client base in the next 5 years. Designer/owner is a savvy entrepreneur who needs to focus on the constant development of the product (which happens on a seasonal basis). Company needs expanded business plan, manufacturing scheduling. etc. Designer/owner has a basic plan but wants to focus on making money, not just design, with the company to attract investors and secure the future sustainability of the company. The label was just featured as the chosen fashion presentation at the major event opening of the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. With an upcoming trunk show, they want to hit the ground running!

http://www.marisaswystun.com

Founded in 1935 and based in Chicago, Progressive Bronze is a leading manufacturer of metal religious products used primarily by churches. The product line, sold under the highly recognized brand name Excelsis, includes candlesticks, tabernacles, sanctuary lamps, holy water fonts, holy water pots and sprinklers, incense censers and boats, candelabra, Stations of the Cross, and bells. Additionally, the Company offers repair, refurbishment, replication, and refinishing services. For over 70 years, the Company has been a premier producer of high-end metal religious products and is known for quality and reliable supply.

PBP was acquired at the end of 2008 and is currently run by a Kellogg MMM graduate. The Company sells via a network of several hundred church goods dealers who supply a variety of products and services to churches throughout the United States and Canada. PBP is seeking to improve its sales and marketing processes for selling through its wholesale dealers.

Proposed Project Components:

1. Conduct research into the different types of wholesale channel incentive programs.
2. Develop and conduct a survey of PBP customer base to understand relevant issues (competitive offerings, appeal of a sales incentive program, document current or anticipated salesperson needs – marketing collateral, training, etc.)
3. Determine what type of sales incentive program would be the best fit for PBP and its customers.
4. Prepare a detailed wholesale incentive program plan, including timeline, budget, ongoing program management plan and other relevant issues.
5. Present plan to PBP management and Board of Directors.

Resources Required: 1-4 students, part-time basis.

Timeline: 6-8 weeks

http://www.excelsisproducts.com

Safer Pest Control Project is a non profit organization that is dedicated to reducing the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticide use in Illinois. They accomplish these goals through a combination of outreach, training, policy and advocacy in four main program areas: Low Income Housing, Schools and Childcares, Outdoor Spaces and Municipal.

Safer Pest Control Project is in the midst of a strategic planning process and the organization is at a point where it will be critical to make decisions on their long term goals. The organization is interested in changing their name so that it will resonate better with the general public. They are the only organization with this mission in Illinois, or in the Midwest, and believe that they can create a better brand through market research and understanding of their audience. Safer Pest Control Project hopes to accomplish these goals in order to lead to create a stronger financial position that will lend the organization stability and strength.

http://www.spcpweb.org

Storage By The Box.com is a company providing “Self Storage via FedEx”. Traditional Storage requires users to haul their items, sometimes across town, to the nearest self storage facility. Instead Storage By The     Box.com ships their customers free boxes and packing supplies, provide free shipping for their boxes back to storage and charge a monthly storage rate that is a fraction of the cost of traditional storage. For instance in NYC or Chicago the smallest storage unit can be over $100/month. They are able to store 10 boxes at Storage By The Box for $35/month.

Storage By The Box is in need of a strategic marketing plan. They are a new business in a new industry. As this is a new market segment the general public is unaware that shipping their storage is an option. Therefore they need help identifying their customers and figuring out the best way to educate them on this service and make them want to use it.

http://www.storagebythebox.com

On a cold Kaukauna Wisconsin morning in 1903, railroad engineer and former semi-pro baseball player George “Stormy” Kromer asked his wife to modify one of his old caps so it would stay on his head and keep his ears warm. The resourceful Ida created the Stormy Kromer Cap, which soon became a fixture among locomotive engineers and other hard-working folks in the area. In 1919, Stormy created the Kromer Cap Company, moving with his wife and employees to a factory in Milwaukee.

In 2001, Bob Jacquart, owner of Jacquart Fabric Products (JFP) in Ironwood, Michigan, learned that the Kromer Cap Company was to discontinue the production of the now iconic winter cap. As a lifelong resident of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Jacquart had always worn a Stormy Kromer and had pictures and memories of his great-grandfather, great-uncles and father wearing the cap. In addition, he felt that the Stormy Kromer – with its Northwoods roots and Made in America authenticity – could have a significant impact on his small community. In a matter of days, JFP acquired the rights to the cap and name and moved the manufacturing of the cap to its Ironwood facility. Stormy Kromer Mercantile was formed as a division within JFP.

Since then, Stormy Kromer Mercantile has exploded, growing from an annual production of 3,800 caps to more than 50,000 today. The Original Stormy Kromer caps were produced in only red or black – today’s line includes several hat styles in a dozen colors along with apparel and accessories. Products for women and children have been added as well. Stormy Kromer products are available online, as well as at retailers in most every state in the country. It can be found in convenience stores in tiny Wisconsin communities, in the catalogs of companies such as LL Bean and Cabela’s, and even in Manhattan specialty stores.

The Stormy Kromer Cap has long been a mainstay of winter apparel in the Upper Midwest – particularly for hunters, anglers, and other outdoorspeople. True Stormy Kromer’s customers go way beyond that title; they’re brand fanatics. The connection between a Stormy Kromer customer and the brand goes literally from cradle to grave. Our customers have put caps on their newborns, been married in them, and some have even been buried in their caps. Stormy Kromer Caps are often passed from generation to generation and have an important place in family traditions, holidays and special occasions. (A devotee recently commented that his red Stormy Kromer Cap is only donned on Christmas; his black Stormy Kromer Cap is used for everyday wear.) Stormy Kromer Caps have even made it all the way to Iraq, keeping soldiers’ heads warm while they work in the unforgiving conditions of a desert tarmac.

And yet, even with this kind of devotion, in the context of the full outdoor retail apparel market, Stormy Kromer maintains a fairly small customer base, focused in the Upper Midwest.

Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc.

Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois (SIDS of Illinois) is commemorating our 40th year of service. Initially it was founded as a grassroots parent support organization in1968. It was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1992. SIDS of IL has expanded its horizons and broadened the scope of services. An extraordinary success story in reducing sudden infant deaths in Illinois began with the expanded newborn screening for metabolic and inherited diseases that was initiated in 2002 for all newborns. In the past genetic and/or metabolic disorders were unknowing causes of deaths diagnosed as SIDS. Since 2007 every newborn in Illinois is screened for thirty-seven genetic and/or metabolic disorders. This screening, which screens more than 180,000 infants annually, has been successful in diagnosing about one infant per week, effectively preventing a postmortem conclusion of SIDS or unknown cause of death in many infant deaths.

As SIDS of Illinois works to reduce the number of infant deaths in Illinois through educational initiatives, the organization continues to accomplish the original mission of supporting families who have babies die.

Providing comprehensive and compassionate bereavement services to family members and others that have been touched by the tragedy of an infant’s death is a unique service that SIDS of Illinois can provide to devastated families.

In 2006 SIDS of Illinois was awarded the March of Dimes’ Eighth Annual Jonas Salk Health Leadership Award in Public and Community Health. This award was established in 1998 to recognize Chicago area individuals and organizations for exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions in improving infant and maternal health. Georgetown University’s National Center for Cultural Competency named Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois a “Model Organization” for the culturally sensitive and diverse programs provided by SIDS of Illinois.

Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc., a statewide not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to:

1. Educating the public and professionals about initiatives based on proven risk reduction techniques in order to reduce the number of infant deaths in Illinois;

2. Providing bereavement services and support to family members and others who have been affected by an infant death;

3. Creating community awareness of the causes of infant deaths and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); and,

4. Reducing infant deaths and eliminating SIDS through the support and implementation of appropriate research.

Each year in the United States more than 2,200 babies die of SIDS, a rate of approximately one death every three and one-half hours. In 2006, there were1301 infant deaths in Illinois, a rate of one death every six hours. Many of these deaths were preventable. The crux of the mission of SIDS of Illinois is educating the population about proven safe sleep tools (risk reduction techniques) that parents and caregivers need to use to lower the risk of a baby dying.

SIDS of IL organization finds itself at a crossroads. While the number of infants dying of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome declines so does the volunteer and donor base. Unfortunately, there are still too many infants dying. To compound this issue, the organization is in the middle of significant developments in research with regards to infant mortality.

Much like the March of Dimes of years past, SIDS of Illinois must take a serious look at the direction that the organization is moving in as it moves into the future. Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois wish to stay true to their original goal that no infant should die. How that translates into their message and their focus needs to be analyzed.

http://www.sidsillinois.org

Shamrock Cups LLC

Product design company with patent apps. relating to integral cup lid, therby eliminating the need for plastic snap on lids. Shamrock Cups envision this product to contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of some plastics.

http://shamrockcups.com

United Planet is seeking assistance in developing strategy improvements (and increased revenue) for existing marketing initiatives, especially for our main student target market. To reach this market more effectively, United Planet would like to undertake a thorough analysis of the international volunteer provider industry.

This would include:

An analysis of both voluntourism and gap year providers An analysis of marketing strategies aimed towards college students Recommendations on United Planet’s positioning in the market Recommendations on email marketing campaigns to reach students Recommendations on cost-effective marketing strategies

Questions:

What can we learn most from other successful organizations that will fit our model too?

How can we more effectively convert leads into participants?

Local non profit fundraising to support maternity and infant healthcare center in the Ivory Coast, West Africa. A 2-year old 501(C)3 with a great base. First clinic almost finished but organization will grow to support others. Typical organizational tasks include fundraising, events marketing and community outreach.

With a great team and past success, Ivory Coast Mothers and Children wants to add a new project leader to focus on fundraising, particularly from grants and governmental assistance.

http://www.ivorycoastaid.org

For hospitalized sick children, the assessment and communication of the child’s condition have been identified as particularly challenging. This is due to the variation in the presentation of signs and symptoms as well as the wide range of normal and abnormal results (e.g., laboratory, radiological) that can be encountered for different age groups of children. A score, based on a set of clinical elements, --the Pediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) -- exists and can be calculated and used to identify pediatric patients who may be deteriorating clinically and require immediate attention by the clinicians. The score has not yet been widely used in the clinical setting because it will require substantial changes to the workflow and communication between nurses and doctors.

The focus of this independent study project is to: (1) conduct observations of the current workflow and communication between nurses and doctors with regard to the assessment and documentation of a hospitalized child’s condition (2) propose suggestions for the re-design of the workflow and communication between nurses and doctors in order to permit the calculation of a PEWS score. The student will benefit from mentorship from a team comprised of patient safety researchers, the Medical Director for Patient Safety, the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Information Officer of Children’s Memorial Hospital.

This independent study will offer the student significant experience in the healthcare setting. The student will have an opportunity to interact with a wide range of clinicians and staff and gain an in-depth understanding of the operation challenges in a tertiary acute care hospital. The project will also provide the student with an understanding of complexity of integrating clinical tasks with electronic documentation.

http://www.childrensmemrorial.org

SnapHawk specializes in successful Internet advertising that is simple and profitable; specifically, search engine marketing for small- and mid-sized businesses. SnapHawk professionally develops, implements and manages performance across all major search-ad networks, including Google, Yahoo and Microsoft. Pay-per-click (“sponsored links”) advertising accounts empower clients to confidently maximize Internet advertising results while saving time and money. Proper setup and management of these powerful programs usually can make the difference between an advertiser’s failure or success.

SnapHawk, Inc. is looking to investigate and implement entrepreneurial finance options. Analyze the options of procuring additional capital from investors.

http://www.SnapHawk.com

The Arts of Life is Chicago based non-profit artistic community for adults with developmental disabilities. It has provided high quality innovative vocational opportunities since 2000.

The Arts of Life is in the process of recruiting a core group of volunteers to act as fundraisers for the organization. One of the most overlooked yet important tasks that non-profits engage with is the diversification of their revenue stream. With declining grant money and lessened revenue from long time donors, the ability for non-profits throughout the country to find new donors is key for their success. That is why The Arts of Life is launching a new initiative to do just that: The Arts of Life Ambassador Program. Taking inspiration from President Obama's historic presidential campaign, The Arts of Life Ambassador Program will oversee these dedicated individuals in order to create diversified fundraising and educational outreach events throughout the Chicagoland area. The project itself will create and implement this program. Aspects to be covered are: brand management for project, recruitment process, strategic planning and benchmarks for program, public relations roll out campaign for program, and overall management of recruits and revenue stream. This project will create a program that will engage both the volunteer fundraisers and the people they are outreaching to. This is an exciting opportunity for Kellogg School students to not only create an important program, but to directly impact the most unique artistic community in Chicago.

http://www.artsoflife.org

Children's Oncology Services, Inc.

Children's Oncology Services, Inc. (COSI) believes that a diagnosis of cancer should not prevent a child from experiencing the simple joys of childhood. Through the One Step At A Time programs, COSI offers camp experiences and educational programs throughout the year that allow children with cancer to just be kids. Their programs offer fun, friendship and support in a safe and nurturing environment.

After 32 years of service to the local pediatric cancer community, COSI is evaluating the purchase of their own campsite. They wish to expand their program offerings so they can serve more people who need their services. COSI would like to conduct a feasibility study to determine the need and interest for more cancer camp programs, the availability of space/facilities that meet the needs for programming within a defined geographic area, and the rough cost of completing a project of this size.

http://www.onestepcamp.org