Wells Fargo Gift Supports CSUN Students, Valley Small Businesses by Linda Kossoff, CSUN Today
As part of its ongoing commitment to CSUN students’ success, Wells Fargo has donated $100,000 to support the MBA Small Business Consulting Program in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics.
This latest gift from Wells Fargo will support two semesters of the ongoing program. The Small Business Consulting Program enables teams of MBA students to provide free consultation services to small businesses in the San Fernando Valley. Local businesses that might not otherwise receive help gain the information, tools and support they need to thrive in a competitive environment, while CSUN students acquire the unique experiential learning and increased marketability they need after graduation.
During each of the two funded semesters, seven teams of four students each are paired with seven “client” businesses. Students perform intake interviews, collect relevant business documents for research and analysis, offer suggestions and guidance, and prepare and submit written reports and recommendations to their clients. The hands-on experience for participating students is invaluable training, according to Chandra Subramaniam, dean of the college.
“By working closely with actual small businesses, our MBA students are able to hone their skills to analyze real-world problems and develop solutions, all while learning how to work effectively in teams,” Subramaniam said. “We are grateful to Wells Fargo for their continual desire to see our hardworking and ambitious business students fulfill their dreams.”
Wells Fargo is a longtime supporter of the CSUN Nazarian College’s programs , notably the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic, in which accounting and finance students offer financial coaching and tax preparation services to low-income taxpayers.
“At Wells Fargo, we are committed to investing in the future of our next generation of leaders,” said Robin Choi, Wells Fargo San Fernando Valley Region Bank president. “Through our continued support, our hope is that CSUN students will continue to provide guidance to the small-business community in the San Fernando Valley.”
Approximately 6,000 of CSUN’s nearly 40,000 students are enrolled in the CSUN Nazarian College, which has been ranked among the top business schools globally by U.S. News & World Report, CEO Magazine and the Princeton Review.