The Haworth College of Business offers a number of resources for businesses to provide assistance with research, consulting and access to talent.
BUSINESS RESOURCES AND RESEARCH
Business Connection
WMU's Business Connection is a University office dedicated to strategically match Western's resources to the needs of the local business community. By working together with the numerous resources available on campus, the office serves as a "one-stop shop" for companies that want to engage with the University.
The office can help with:
- Access to student talent
- Connecting with faculty and student consultancies
- Expertise identification
- Starting a business
- And more
Michigan Corporate Relations Network
The Michigan Corporate Relations Network is a statewide university network designed to create partnerships that will connect Michigan’s corporations to critical university assets to help promote innovative research and grow Michigan’s economy. Six major public universities make up the network, including Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, Wayne State University, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Small Company Innovation Program
The SCIP helps small Michigan-based companies meet research needs to support the commercialization of a product or service. By providing matching funds up to $40,000, SCIP makes university research possible for small business that may not otherwise be able to afford it. The SCIP also stimulates talent retention in Michigan by creating relationships between small companies and university graduate student researchers.
Contact Lisa Garcia to learn more about the business connection office. (269) 387-0950 | Email Lisa Garcia
Small Business Development Center
The southwest Michigan Small Business Development Center, hosted at Western Michigan University in the Haworth College of Business, strives to develop and maintain a comprehensive small business assistance program that provides counseling, training and secondary research services to promote business start-up, growth, innovation and product diversification to the seven counties it serves in Michigan.
Every year, the center works with more than 500 small business clients interested in determining the feasibility, profitability and accessing funding sources for their business ventures. In addition, the center assists University personnel and students in commercializing products and services, gaining access to assistance or submitting grant applications, and promoting the various business plan competitions around the state.
Contact Tamara Davis, regional director, to learn more about the SBDC. (269) 387-6062 | Email Tamara Davis
STUDENT AND FACULTY CONSULTING
Bronco Force
Bronco Force offers applied supply chain solutions to industry clients. The program is designed to address difficulties supply chain managers face and, through faculty and student involvement, determine the best methods to solve those problems in the workplace. Bronco Force provides exposure to the top students in WMU's nationally ranked integrated supply management program. Customers work with integrated supply management faculty members who have expertise in the project areas and who supervise the students as they complete the projects.
Contact Dr. Zac Williams, director, Center for Integrated Supply Management, to learn more about Bronco Force. (269) 387-6166 | Email Zac Williams
Bronco Connect
Bronco Connect pairs students with companies needing marketing assistance, at a fraction of the cost of hiring a marketing firm. Students work with marketing faculty and staff to revamp websites, create comprehensive marketing and social media plans, and more.
Contact Lisa Garcia to learn more about Bronco Connect. (269) 387-0950 | Email Lisa Garcia
TALENT
Zhang Career Center
The Haworth College of Business Zhang Career Center ensures business students have the skills to confidently articulate and demonstrate their career readiness to potential employers. The center provides business students with resources and experiences that support their success in the work environment and collaborates with employers on hiring talent for their organizations.
Contact Geralyn Heystek, director of the Zhang Career Center, to find the business talent you need for your company. (269) 387-2711 | Email Geralyn Heystek