We connect startups and small businesses with talented students from one of America’s top-ranked colleges. Our team of carefully selected student consultants combines the analytical rigor of a premier liberal arts education with fresh, innovative thinking to deliver results for your short-term projects.

WHAT WE OFFER

Customer Insights & Research
Market Intelligence & Growth Strategy
Digital Presence & Website Services
Strategic Content & Communications
Data Analysis & Business Intelligence

We’ll help you understand who your customers really are, what they need, and how to reach them more effectively.

  • Customer Research – We’ll gather feedback directly from your customers through surveys or interviews to uncover what’s working and what needs improvement
  • Customer Segmentation Analysis – We’ll identify 3-5 distinct customer types in your business so you can tailor your marketing and services to each group
  • Customer Journey Mapping – We’ll map out every touchpoint customers have with your business to find opportunities to improve their experience

We’ll identify where your biggest opportunities lie and help you plan for sustainable growth.

  • Competitor Research & Positioning Analysis – We’ll analyze what your competitors are doing so you can differentiate yourself and stand out in the market
  • Industry Analysis & Trends Report – We’ll research what’s happening in your industry to help you stay ahead of trends and spot new opportunities
  • Target Client Database Building – We’ll build you a list of qualified B2B prospects so you can focus your sales efforts on the right companies
  • Growth Strategy Development – We’ll create a roadmap for expanding your business based on your goals, resources, and market opportunities

We’ll strengthen your online presence so customers can find you and understand what you offer.

  • Digital Presence Audit & Recommendations – We’ll review your website, social media, and online listings to identify quick wins for improving your visibility
  • Website Performance Audit – We’ll evaluate how easy your website is to use and how well it shows up in search results, with specific recommendations
  • Website Creation – We’ll build you a professional website (up to 5 pages) that clearly communicates your value and converts visitors into customers
  • Website & Platform Enhancements – We’ll improve your existing website or online platforms with new features, better navigation, or updated content

We’ll create professional content that clearly communicates your value and engages your audience.

  • Strategic Copywriting – We’ll write compelling email campaigns, LinkedIn posts, and website copy that speaks to your customers and drives action
  • Marketing Asset Design – We’ll design professional brochures, presentation templates, and marketing materials that make your business look polished
  • Product Photography – We’ll photograph your products or services in a way that showcases their value and appeals to customers
  • Video Editing – We’ll edit your existing video footage into polished final products

We’ll turn your numbers into clear insights so you can make smarter decisions about your business.

  • Business Performance Analysis – We’ll analyze your sales, operations, or financial data to identify patterns, problems, and opportunities for improvement
  • Sales & Pricing Analysis – We’ll review your sales data and pricing structure alongside competitor pricing to identify which products or services are most profitable and recommend pricing adjustments that keep you competitive
  • Data Analysis & Insights – We’ll analyze your data (sales, customer, operational, or other datasets) to uncover trends, patterns, and actionable recommendations for your business.
Customer Insights & Research

We’ll help you understand who your customers really are, what they need, and how to reach them more effectively.

  • Customer Research – We’ll gather feedback directly from your customers through surveys or interviews to uncover what’s working and what needs improvement
  • Customer Segmentation Analysis – We’ll identify 3-5 distinct customer types in your business so you can tailor your marketing and services to each group
  • Customer Journey Mapping – We’ll map out every touchpoint customers have with your business to find opportunities to improve their experience
Market Intelligence & Growth Strategy

We’ll identify where your biggest opportunities lie and help you plan for sustainable growth.

  • Competitor Research & Positioning Analysis – We’ll analyze what your competitors are doing so you can differentiate yourself and stand out in the market
  • Industry Analysis & Trends Report – We’ll research what’s happening in your industry to help you stay ahead of trends and spot new opportunities
  • Target Client Database Building – We’ll build you a list of qualified B2B prospects so you can focus your sales efforts on the right companies
  • Growth Strategy Development – We’ll create a roadmap for expanding your business based on your goals, resources, and market opportunities
Digital Presence & Website Services

We’ll strengthen your online presence so customers can find you and understand what you offer.

  • Digital Presence Audit & Recommendations – We’ll review your website, social media, and online listings to identify quick wins for improving your visibility
  • Website Performance Audit – We’ll evaluate how easy your website is to use and how well it shows up in search results, with specific recommendations
  • Website Creation – We’ll build you a professional website (up to 5 pages) that clearly communicates your value and converts visitors into customers
  • Website & Platform Enhancements – We’ll improve your existing website or online platforms with new features, better navigation, or updated content
Strategic Content & Communications

We’ll create professional content that clearly communicates your value and engages your audience.

  • Strategic Copywriting – We’ll write compelling email campaigns, LinkedIn posts, and website copy that speaks to your customers and drives action
  • Marketing Asset Design – We’ll design professional brochures, presentation templates, and marketing materials that make your business look polished
  • Product Photography – We’ll photograph your products or services in a way that showcases their value and appeals to customers
  • Video Editing – We’ll edit your existing video footage into polished final products
Data Analysis & Business Intelligence

We’ll turn your numbers into clear insights so you can make smarter decisions about your business.

  • Business Performance Analysis – We’ll analyze your sales, operations, or financial data to identify patterns, problems, and opportunities for improvement
  • Sales & Pricing Analysis – We’ll review your sales data and pricing structure alongside competitor pricing to identify which products or services are most profitable and recommend pricing adjustments that keep you competitive
  • Data Analysis & Insights – We’ll analyze your data (sales, customer, operational, or other datasets) to uncover trends, patterns, and actionable recommendations for your business.

WHY BUSINESSES CHOOSE DCCG

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

DCCG recruits Davidson’s most capable and dedicated students through a comprehensive multi-round selection process. Davidson’s renowned Honor Code creates a community where integrity and accountability are foundational, and students live and work by these principles throughout their college experience. This institutional commitment to character, combined with our additional selection criteria, means you’re working with individuals who not only bring exceptional talent and drive, but also a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to every project.

PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY WORK, ACCESSIBLE PRICING

DCCG delivers high-quality work that provides real value to your business. Most projects are priced at just $700-$1,000, and pro bono support may be available for those who need it. Thanks to generous philanthropic support, we’re able to make professional assistance accessible while maintaining the caliber of work your business deserves.

TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS

Every business faces different challenges and opportunities, and DCCG recognizes that one-size-fits-all approaches rarely deliver the results you need. We work closely with you to develop a project scope that aligns with your specific goals, timeline, and resources. While we offer guidance through our practice areas and project examples, we remain flexible in how we structure each engagement to fit what matters most to your business.

Diverse Perspectives Drive Results

36

CONSULTANTS

20

MAJORS REPRESENTED

14

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

20

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

6

STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS

PREVIOUS CLIENTS INCLUDE

RECENT PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Student consultants partnered with a local service-based startup whose founder was spending significant time on day-to-day operations, limiting capacity for strategic growth. The primary challenge was scaling the business profitably while maintaining service quality, a key competitive differentiator. Student consultants conducted competitive market analysis and developed a data-driven pricing strategy that enabled the company to adjust rates while remaining competitive. In parallel, students conducted qualitative research with service providers to understand motivations and retention factors. The findings enabled more intentional hiring and retention practices to support sustainable growth without compromising service standards.

Student consultants partnered with a food and beverage business in a regional tourist destination that was exploring new revenue streams following a significant operational transition. The business wanted to expand beyond its core offering by adding a retail merchandise line. Students conducted market research on comparable retailers in the tourism sector, analyzing product offerings and current trends in relevant categories. Based on these insights, they collaborated with the owner to refine the brand identity, recommended a cohesive product line, and delivered a detailed implementation plan that included manufacturer recommendations, pricing strategy, suggested quantities, and production timelines.

Student consultants partnered with a digital wellness platform looking to increase brand awareness and customer acquisition. The team conducted a comprehensive audit of the company’s social media presence and comparable brands in the industry, delivering content and growth strategies. They also evaluated the feasibility of an AI-driven feature the company was considering and provided a phased implementation roadmap to guide development and rollout.

HOW IT WORKS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long do engagements typically last?

Most are completed within 4-8 weeks. 

Yes, you may submit a request at any time. Work is completed during student availability periods, which typically run September-November, January-April, and June-July.

Most engagements are priced at $700-$1,000, which is well below market value for professional consulting services. Pro bono support may be available for businesses that need it, thanks to generous philanthropic support and local partnerships that help us keep our services accessible.

Most engagements require approximately 3-5 hours of your time, though this varies depending on the project. A typical timeline includes a 30-minute kickoff meeting, 1-2 brief check-ins during the project, and a 30-60 minute final meeting. You may also need time to gather materials, share platform access, or answer questions between meetings.

Students are assigned based on their availability, skills, interests, and career goals. Each engagement includes a Project Lead with relevant experience or expertise.

DCCG is a consulting program, and we don’t facilitate traditional internships. Students collaborate on clearly scoped projects with defined deliverables rather than providing ongoing operational support. Many organizations have offered formal internships or employment to students after they’ve worked with them through DCCG, but those arrangements happen separately from the program.

Our program focuses on for-profit businesses. Nonprofit and public-sector organizations should connect with Davidson College’s Center for Civic Engagement, which is part of the Institute for Public Good and specializes in connecting students with mission-driven organizations. To learn more about their offerings, contact the CCE or visit their website.

DCCG is an experiential learning program that helps students develop professional skills in a real-world setting. Students work on projects that align with their career interests, not just areas where they’re already skilled, allowing them to grow aspirationally. Project Leads gain leadership and project management experience, while all consultants build capabilities in professional communication and collaborative problem-solving. Through regular team meetings, professional development sessions, and guest speakers, students receive ongoing support as they drive real impact for businesses.

You can learn more about the program and our recruitment timelines on this page.

SUBMIT A REQUEST

Before completing the form, please review our service offerings in the “What We Offer” section above to ensure your project aligns with our current capabilities.

Questions? Contact Amy Tirpak at amtirpak@davidson.edu

Please note that due to high demand, we have limited availability for spring 2026 and are beginning to accept projects for summer (beginning in June).

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