BEST Boston Program Expands, Energizes Local Economy
The College of Management at UMass Boston is proud to announce the successful completion of the second annual BEST Boston program, a transformative initiative that not only provides business students with hands-on experience but also drives workforce and economic development for businesses across the Boston region and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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Held every summer, this 10-week program has rapidly become a cornerstone of the College of Management’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement.
This year, the BEST Boston program saw remarkable growth, with participation from 20 businesses and 40 students—up from 5 businesses and 10 students in its inaugural year. The program pairs College of Management students specializing in fields such as marketing, accounting, and supply chain management with local businesses, allowing them to address real-world challenges with innovative, cost-free solutions. Each student team is guided by a faculty mentor, ensuring a high level of academic rigor and practical applicability in their consulting work.
The diverse group of participating businesses benefited from fresh perspectives and actionable solutions tailored to their specific needs, enhancing their competitiveness and growth in a rapidly changing market.
“The BEST Boston program is a testament to the strength and ingenuity of our students. By immersing them in real-world business challenges, we’re not only preparing them for future leadership roles but also enabling them to make a meaningful impact on local businesses today,” said Venky Venkatachalam, dean of the College of Management. “This program embodies our mission to connect education with community and economic development, creating lasting value for both our students and the region.”
The program concluded with a celebratory event at the UMass Club in Boston, where each business shared the innovative ideas and tangible results that emerged from their collaboration with student teams.
The BEST Boston program is not just an educational initiative but a vital contributor to the economic development of the Boston region and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Those interested in supporting this impactful program can make a donation here.
View and support the 2024 participating businesses:
AOTCO Metal Finishing, Billerica, MA
Beauty By Venard, Jamaica Plain, MA
Better Business Bureau, Marlborough, MA
Boston Staging Home, Boston, MA
Braintree Electric Light Department, Braintree, MA
Canvas Studio Boston, Hyde Park, Boston, MA
CERO Cooperative, Inc., Dorchester, MA
Greater Ashmont Main Street, Dorchester, MA
MicroPower Direct, South Easton, MA
OnyxGroup Planning, Roxbury, MA
Phoenix Electric Corporation, Canton, MA
QUBIC Labs, Quincy, MA
Reliable Fabrics, Everett, MA
Roessel Joy, Boston, MA
Roundhead Brewing Company, Boston, MA
Shanti Restaurant, Dorchester, MA
Solomon Consulting Group, Somerville, MA
The Castle Group, Charlestown, MA
The Pickup Crew, Lexington, MA
Westnet, Inc., Canton, 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.