FAMILY BUSINESS CONSULTINGNORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITYABOUT USEST. 2023 FAMILY BUSINESS CONSULTINGNORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITYABOUT USEST. 2023
Our approach

Strategy for the
businesses that stay
in the family.

The Family Business Consulting Club provides students with hands-on consulting experience while supporting the growth and success of family-owned businesses. By connecting academic learning with real-world application, we partner students with local family businesses to tackle meaningful strategic challenges. Our members gain invaluable experience and develop practical skills in strategic planning, organizational development, and business analysis while making a measurable impact on the communities we serve.

10
Week engagements
2
Semesters per year
$0
Cost to clients
— Why FBC

Reasons to choose us.

We pair the rigor consulting firms recruit for with a genuine stake in the businesses we serve and the students who run them.

01

Trained for the real thing

We bring on a selective cohort each semester and train them to the standard management-consulting firms recruit for: structured problem-solving, financial and market analysis, and client-ready communication. From there, workshops, professional mentorship, and feedback on live engagements sharpen them fast.

02

We choose businesses that matter

We're drawn to the family-owned, local, and early-stage businesses that hold communities together, the ones a paid firm often overlooks. Because the business matters to us, so does getting the work right.

03

A dedicated team, free of charge

Every engagement is fully pro-bono, not because the work is worth less, but because the business is worth it. Clients get a committed team for a full semester, and members get real-world stakes instead of a classroom case study.

04

Built to be implemented

We measure ourselves by our clients' results, so every recommendation is built to be acted on, not filed away. One to three client projects every semester since 2023, with case studies and client testimonials to back it up. See the work →

— Who we serve

For students. For businesses.

For students

Experience consulting beyond the classroom.

Develop skills that set you apart while making a real impact on family businesses.

  • 01Develop skills employers value
  • 02Hands-on training and professional growth
  • 03Join a tight-knit community
  • 04Launch your career
Apply as a consultant
For businesses

Partner with talented Northeastern students.

Tackle your strategic challenges with fresh perspectives.

  • 01Fully tailored project scope aligned to your business needs
  • 02Pro-bono consulting services
  • 038–15 person dedicated teams
  • 0413 successful projects
Work with FBC
— Our approach

Tailored projects, never one-size-fits-all.

We partner with family and small businesses to turn strategic goals into actionable plans. Each semester (September through December and January through April), teams of 8 to 15 student consultants, sized to the project, deliver tailored solutions across strategy, operations, marketing, and finance, all in a 10-week rhythm. We maintain regular communication throughout the semester, adapting to your preferences and project needs.

— Project rhythm

A 10-week rhythm.

WEEKS 1–2

Kickoff & getting smart

The team meets the client and immerses in the industry: reading, watching, and learning everything we can. Scoping is done before the semester so we hit the ground running.

WEEKS 3–7

Research & analysis

The bulk of the work. Market research, customer conversations, competitive teardowns, financial analysis, etc. Whatever the project calls for.

WEEK 8

Findings check-in

Initial findings presented to gather feedback and confirm we're on the right track before final synthesis.

WEEKS 9–10

Synthesis & final delivery

Final presentation and a comprehensive set of deliverables your team can act on immediately.

Get involved

Ready to partner with us?