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Florida SBDC at FIU

The Florida SBDC at FIU partners with student teams to deliver AI-focused consulting projects that can improve operational efficiency and support strategic decision-making for small businesses. These projects are led by faculty and supported by students enrolled in AI, analytics, and business programs.

Program Partnership: MSIS Capstone

This initiative is part of the Business Analytics and AI Capstone Projects in the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at FIU. Through this partnership, graduate students work with real businesses to apply AI and data-driven methods to solve real-world challenges.

Mutual Value and Process

Working with Student Teams is a mutually advantageous situation for all parties involved. An FSBDC at FIU business client provides the team with financial and other organizational details, the Florida SBDC at FIU provides value-added service to the client, and the client receives a no-cost plan as a result. Each project is assigned a Florida SBDC at FIU regional consultant to oversee the project. Our main interest is to ensure that the client receives an adequate and actionable plan at the end of the semester.

This program lasts one semester, up to 14 weeks. During the semester, the student team will prepare an individualized product, based on the business’s needs and the selected team. A written report will be created, providing the organization with a professional, fully developed plan for use in guiding and developing the business.

Project Timeline and Engagement

  • Project duration: 8, 14, or 16 weeks depending on scope and academic schedule
  • Pre-term: Weekly meetings with faculty begin 8 weeks before the term (brief or skipped as needed)
  • During the term: At least two structured meetings with the student team (kickoff and final presentation)
  • Additional check-ins may occur as needed throughout the project
  • At the conclusion, students will present their findings and submit a formal report to the client
  • Meetings can be held via Zoom or in-person

Targeting Specific Businesses

  • Startups: 1+ year in operation, 1+ employees, and $25K+ in revenue
  • Established Businesses: 3+ years in operation, 5+ employees, and $1M+ in revenue

Eligible businesses should meet one of the above profiles to align with university guidelines and ensure project feasibility.

Administrative Requirements

  • Businesses must be registered FSBDC clients
  • Client engagement agreements will be required
  • Students submit weekly timesheets
  • All final deliverables will be submitted via Salesforce

For more information, contact the Florida SBDC at FIU at SBDC@FIU.EDU or 305.779.9230.

Apply for a Student Team