Perform a financial analysis and outline a tactical plan for how to become a benefit corporation.

Single location full-service restaurants in the US are the 5th largest industry by employment and generate over $209 billion in revenue annually. Across the country, these operations are under threat of collapse because of the impact climate change is having on their day-to-day operations and supply chain. Because of extreme weather events that range from droughts and floods to rising temperatures and smoke-filled air, restaurants face increased closure, decreased foot traffic, and higher food costs.

The James Beard Foundation advocates for and designs programs that aim to make the independent restaurant industry more equitable, sustainable, and financially viable for all. In spring 2024, the Foundation launched its Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign, which unites chefs across the country to raise awareness, educate federal policy makers, and galvanize action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The campaign is based on a report JBF published with the Global Food Institute at George Washington University that found that rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifts in agricultural patterns have all contributed to the rise in costs and operational challenges in recent years.

The Foundation seeks to collaborate with a team of Ross EMBAs to further examine the economic impact of climate change on restaurants and collect and analyze more data from chef-owners in a specific region of the country (to be determined together based on team interest/location, access to a critical mass of chef-owners, and marked climate change impact). Building a robust data-driven report on this economic impact is key to advocate for climate-smart solutions, both in legislation and operating practices. The final report and presentation should also include strategies for mitigating that economic impact.

Work with the GAM (Goodwill Associates of Michigan) to develop strategies to increase domestic textile recycling, keeping our materials local, earning more value which decreases exporting lower value textile bails, and decreases global textile waste.

Craft a business strategy along with an operations and distribution model for how to bring sustainably produced bushmeat from indigenous communities to high-value markets.

Make strategic recommendations in the intersection of AR, manufacturing, and inclusive workforce.

Formulate a deep understanding of the mobile game market context (F2P, subscription) and opportunities for Game Pass to address the mobile gamer

Develop a future business strategy for KKCredit, the most popular online product of Vcredit.

Develop the value proposition and go-to-market plan for a new sustainability program

Develop a strategy and recommendation on how to create new, innovative partnership opportunities that will result in advanced Life & Health tech and data solutions for the next 2-5 years.