Campus Meets Commerce: How UB Students & Faculty Fuel Small Business Success

In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan are joined by Michael Krupski and Cassie Nguyen, Clinical Assistant Professors at the University at Buffalo School of Management, to explore the innovative Projects Clinic. Designed to bridge the gap between academia and small business, the Projects Clinic pairs student teams with real companies to tackle real challenges—from data and operations to marketing and strategy. You’ll hear how this program empowers students with hands-on experience while delivering tangible results to businesses, often at no cost. The discussion busts myths about academia being out of touch, highlighting how deeply embedded UB faculty and students are in Western New York’s entrepreneurial community. Topics Discussed: What the Projects Clinic is and how it works Types of businesses and projects that participate How student teams are selected and matched with companies Real-world success stories from local businesses The role of experiential learning for students and business owners Insights into UB’s broader efforts to support entrepreneurs How even solopreneurs can benefit from university partnerships The value of fresh perspectives and multidisciplinary student teams Whether you’re overwhelmed by your to-do list or looking to level up your operations, this episode will show you how to turn student talent into real-world impact. Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios