UMass Boston

The College of Management at UMass Boston recently celebrated the third annual BEST Boston program—a fast-growing business and community initiative that equips business students with experiential learning while helping local companies thrive.

This year, 70 students, 24 faculty mentors, and 34 small businesses participated in the 10-week program, which has grown dramatically since its launch in 2023 with just 10 students and 5 businesses. Through BEST (Business Engagement for Students) Boston, students provide pro bono consulting support to small businesses across the Greater Boston area, helping solve real challenges in marketing, finance, accounting, business analytics, and more.

Each team is matched with a faculty advisor, ensuring their recommendations are grounded in both academic rigor and practical value. Businesses receive fresh ideas and actionable strategies tailored to their goals, while students build meaningful relationships and real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

"BEST Boston is the definition of community impact," said College of Management Dean Venky Venkatachalam. "We are preparing students to lead with purpose and confidence, and we are giving local businesses the tools they need to succeed. This is public education at its best, where learning and economic development go hand in hand."

The program culminated in a celebratory event at the UMass Club in downtown Boston with UMass President Martin Meehan, UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco, and Provost Joseph Berger, where students and business owners presented the results of their collaborations to a room full of peers, mentors, and community supporters.

"Our student team was phenomenal!" said Katelyn Leahy Barb, Manager of Transportation Electrification at Energy New England. "In just two months, they delivered in-depth research, explored real-world feasibility, and provided actionable strategies to help us expand our marketing services."

"I will never forget the pride I felt putting my new skills into action and seeing our clients so grateful and happy to have our support." said Joselyn Torres, a College of Management student studying entrepreneurship. "I began the experience nervous and unsure, but I left confident and aware of my full potential."

BEST Boston continues to grow each year, creating valuable partnerships between the university and local businesses that support workforce development, student success, and economic opportunity across the region. Those interested in supporting this impactful program can make a donation here.

Thank you to all of our 2025 participating businesses:

1 Hour Party, Inc., Hyde Park, MA
Ahead, LLC, New Bedford, MA
Beantown Builders Inc., Brockton, MA
Beauty By Venard, Jamaica Plain, MA
CandleLux, Boston, MA
Canvas Studio Boston, Hyde Park, MA
Center for Collaborative Leadership, UMass Boston, Boston, MA
Centum Search LLC, Boston, MA
CERO Cooperative, Inc., Dorchester, MA
Citixen Joy LLC, Waltham, MA
Energy New England, Mansfield, MA
Fitness International Travel, Beverly, MA
Fresh Start Detailing Inc., Quincy, MA
Greater Ashmont Main Street, Dorchester, MA
House Of Seven Cafe & Bakery, Boston, MA
Katsiroubas Bros., Hyde Park, MA
Logwood Company, LLC, Norton, MA
Leslie MacKinnon & Co. at Compass, Boston, MA
MicroPower Direct, South Easton, MA
OMZE Authentic Tequila, Mezcal & Spirits, Inc, Boston, MA
OnyxGroup, Roxbury, MA
Phoenix Electric Corporation, Canton, MA
Praesidium Benefits, Newton, MA
QUBIC Labs, Quincy, MA
Reliable Fabrics, Everett, MA
RJ Installation & Design LLC, Dracut, MA
Roundhead Brewing Company, Boston, MA
Shana Bryant Consulting, Boston, MA
Slushy Lady Boston Italian Ice Mobile Bartending, Boston, MA
Solomon Consulting Group, Somerville, MA
Symtarae, Boston, MA
The Castle Group, Charlestown, MA
Transform Power Systems, Boston, MA
Wise Mouth Inc, Fall River, MA

ABOUT UMASS BOSTON COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT          

As Boston's only public accredited business school, the College of Management is dedicated to educating the region’s next generation of business and community leaders. Recognized for its first-rate faculty and diverse, high-achieving student body, the College offers exceptional learning experiences in collaboration with local businesses. For more information, visit busines.umb.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn.