SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Discuss St. Petersburg College and City of Clearwater partnership to bring a Management Consulting Services pilot program to the North Greenwood CRA
Body
SUMMARY:
The City of Clearwater, in partnership with the College of Business at St. Petersburg College (SPC), is prepared to launch a Management Consulting Services (MCS) Pilot Program designed to strengthen local business performance while advancing student professional development.
This initiative offers pro-bono consulting services to one Clearwater-based business per quarter, delivered by a team of junior business consultants-SPC students enrolled in an intensive 8-week Management Consulting course. These students will operate under the expert leadership of Dr. Andy Rojas, a seasoned professor with over 25 years of consulting experience across diverse industries.
Program Overview:
• Duration: 8 weeks (beginning October 2025)
• Participation: One small to medium-sized Clearwater business per quarter
• Consulting Team: 7-10 students per project, led by Dr. Rojas
• Deliverables: A comprehensive, co-branded business report that includes a SWOT analysis, industry and competitive research, and a tailored strategic growth plan
Business Commitment Requirements:
• Signed Certificate: To recognize student participation and achievement
• Availability: Participation in two in-person meetings (onboarding and final presentation) and virtual collaboration throughout the engagement
• Open Communication: Ongoing access to company information and personnel as needed
Benefits to Participating Businesses:
• Complimentary business assessment and strategic growth plan
• Customized insights into operational improvements and competitive advantages
• Contribution to student career readiness and community-wide economic development
Next Steps:
City staff met with leaders of the Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition and Dr. Rojas to discuss the pilot program, and both sides were excited about this collaboration and would like to proceed in the process. Dr. Rojas will list the course for open enrollment and as soon as they have a minimum of six students enrolled, we can proceed.
The St. Petersburg College Management Consulting Services pilot program represents a unique opportunity to foster innovation, education, and economic development in Clearwater by bridging academic talent with real-world business challenges.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.5 Facilitate partnerships with educational and research institutions to strengthen workforce development opportunities.
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain diversified business sector.
2.3 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local investment, supports eco-friendly enterprises and encourages high-quality job growth.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower community pride and belonging.
