Fayetteville State University partnered with an HBCU and international university on a distinctive educational collaboration allowing students to engage in hands-on business consulting and entrepreneurial development for businesses in Kingston, Jamaica.

Throughout the fall semester, the initiative engaged students from Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) and FSU’s Broadwell College of Business and Economics in cross-institutional teams to work directly with small businesses in Kingston to address their operational and strategic challenges. This practical approach allowed students to acquire actual business problem-solving skills and to develop comprehensive business strategies, with a focus on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The businesses were particularly interested in marketing and global expansion strategies.

“Our aim was to transcend traditional academic boundaries, fostering real-world impact and preparing students to thrive in a diverse global economy,” said Meysam Manesh, Ph.D., assistant professor of management and program’s primary investigator, in a press release.

In addition to the substantial learning opportunities, the program provided the experience of navigating cultural and business practices in America and Jamaica.

“The program served as an exceptional platform for students to develop cross-cultural competencies, which are highly sought after in today's global business environment,” Manesh said in a press release.

This collaborative project was funded by the United States Agency for International Development with prospects for future collaborations.