UMass Boston

Residence Hall Updates
Boston Skyline viewed from the ocean.
BEST Boston

In This Section

Where Students and Local Businesses Grow Together

A 10-week, paid consulting experience where College of Management students help Boston-area businesses solve real challenges - at no cost to businesses and with real impact for the regional workforce.  Applications for Summer 2026 are now open.

Student Applications      Business Application

Group of students at a table at a reception in business casual attire.

About the Program

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. The diverse group of participating businesses benefit from fresh perspectives and actionable solutions tailored to their specific needs, enhancing their competitiveness and growth in a rapidly changing market.

Students at BEST Boston event.

For Students

Accepted business students will be placed into teams and given a project based on the needs of their assigned business. Through collaboration with highly talented faculty and the business representative, students will identify problems, develop methodologies, analyze data, and implement a proposed solution. Those accepted will also be paid a stipend once they have completed their assignment. 

Apply to Best Boston
Leadership meeting at a conference table dressed in business suits.

For Businesses

As a business partner, your collaboration is crucial in providing students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Your participation is free and ensures students gain valuable skills while delivering actionable insights to support your business objectives.

Submit Your Project

See What Our Participants Are Saying

Working with QUBIC Labs has opened my eyes to the vast potential of Blockchain technology and how it can revolutionize various industries. I am beyond grateful for this experience that has broadened my horizons and fueled my passion for innovation.
Kalgi P., College of Management Student
The BEST Boston program has been very exciting! I have met with many people over at the Castle Group and those conversations have taught me what it actually takes to run a business in the real world.
Courtney Z., College of Management Student
I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity to learn from and network with so many intelligent professionals in the Boston area! It has helped me get one step closer to reaching my career goals.
Kyle O., College of Management Student
The Castle Group believes in inspiring the next generation to build their careers and pursue their passions, so we were thrilled to participate in this pilot program. Our students conducted crucial research and analysis on our services, and we will use their work to help inform our future goals. This program is a true benefit to the economic vitality of small businesses in Boston.
Sandy Lish, Principal/Co-founder of the Castle Group

Our Partners

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