DIR Impact Projects provide students at the Ross School of Business with the unique opportunity to work with a Detroit non-profit for a semester-long consulting project to solve real business challenges. Impact Project teams consist of 5-6 students who meaningfully contribute to the project by leaning on their past professional and personal experiences to deliver impact for their client.
Past partners have come from a variety of industries, ranging from education to entrepreneurship to neighborhood development. Each year, the projects culminate in a presentation to the clients, followed by a celebration open to others students and community members at the Impact Conference.
Brightmoor Artisans Collective (https://brightmoorartisans.org/)
Project type: Strategic Planning
The mission of Brightmoor Artisans Collective is to collaboratively and holistically foster an equitable, resilient, and sovereign local food system for the benefit and wellness of all Brightmoor residents.
This project will focus on supporting a growing network of BIPOC-led urban farms and small-batch food producers who seek to collaborate on processing, packaging, distribution, and shared market access. It is an ideal opportunity for students interested in social enterprise, entrepreneurship, equitable development, and sustainable food systems.
The primary goals of the project are to:
1. Develop a business plan and operational framework for a multi-stakeholder food producers cooperative.
2. Recommend a legal structure and governance model that supports equity, shared ownership, and long-term sustainability.
3. Identify key market channels, shared service opportunities, and pathways for startup funding.
4. Create accessible onboarding tools for new members.
The BIG Art (https://www.thebigart.org/)
Project type: Strategic Planning
The BIG Art organization focuses on using art as a tool for education and community engagement. Their initiatives aim to create public art installations that enhance cultural understanding and foster community collaboration.
This project will support The BIG Art’s effort to transform an enormous, blighted industrial site in Detroit into a multi-functional arts facility and gathering space that will benefit local artists, diverse art audiences, and the community at large.
They would like the Ross students to support them by creating a professional strategic planning document that can be presented to major funders.
Detroit Recovery Project (https://www.recovery4detroit.com/)
Project type: Growth & Marketing Strategy
Detroit Recovery Projects mission is to support recovery which strengthens, rebuilds, and empowers individuals, families and communities who are experiencing co-occurring mental illness, and substance use disorders. We achieve this by ensuring access to integrated networks of effective and culturally competent holistic health services.
Detroit Recovery Project would like to expand its reach through increased social media and marketing ventures, as well as rebranding our organization to meet the growing needs of our community. They are looking for assistance to create internal structures that will ensure their branding and marketing are as effective as they can be.
Dog Aide (dogaide.com)
Project type: Growth Strategy
Dog Aide supports Detroit dog owners and their dogs by providing underserved families with access to resources, care, and assistance they need to keep their pets safe, happy, and healthy in their homes.
The project will focus on developing a 5-year strategic plan to guide the organization’s growth goals. Key priorities include building long-term sustainability by engaging greater financial and in-kind support, transitioning from a volunteer-only model to one with paid staff, and strengthening organizational structure. The strategy will also explore ways to engage more young people, as well as activating partnerships with corporate groups and foundations to expand impact.
The Austin Foundation (theaustinfoundation.org)
Project type: Marketing Strategy
The Austin Foundation provides youth educational resources, services, and programs that will innovate, empower, and engage the community for a brighter future.
The Austin Foundation is looking for the DIR team to help build a simple, effective internal marketing system for our Becoming Young Adults program. They are looking to improve how they promote fundraisers and events and keep messaging clear and consistent. The goal is to build a scalable framework with easy to use tools and processes that help them engage more supporters and expand the impact of their youth development work.
The Kresge Foundation (www.kresge.org)
Project type: AI Strategy
The Kresge Foundation works to expand opportunity in America's cities through grantmaking and social investing.
The project will support preparation for a board-level conversation on the intersections of AI and mission-driven work. Students will provide strategic consultation to help shape a foundation-wide framework for AI integration and governance. The engagement will also identify strategic opportunities for AI across grantmaking and social investments, while addressing the ethical and societal implications of AI in philanthropy.
Michigan Central (michigancentral.com)
Project type: Economic Impact Analysis
Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and culture hub focused on creating transformative economic and community impact through workforce development, arts and culture, youth programming, and job creation.
The project will provide a comparative analysis of innovation districts across the country, examining their impact on wealth gaps and employment outcomes. In addition, the student team will complete a data-driven assessment of Michigan Central’s local economic impact, including effects on small businesses, neighborhoods, housing development, and property values. The findings will equip Michigan Central with insights to guide decision-making and engagement with state and municipal partners.
Detroit Food Academy (detroitfoodacademy.org)
Project type: Business Strategy & Financial Modeling
At Detroit Food Academy, food is more than a meal—it’s a gateway to learning, leadership, health, and opportunity. Through edible education, mentorship, and industry immersion, they help young people cultivate essential life skills, grow confidence, and build college and career pathways within our food system and beyond.
The project will support the relaunch of a youth-run business with a focus on building a sustainable and profitable model. Students will help develop a comprehensive business strategy, including a Business Model Canvas, sales forecasts, sensitivity analysis, and pro forma financials. Additional work will include marketing and branding updates, packaging, labeling and nutrition guidance, trademarking, and market research. The engagement will culminate in a strategic plan that positions the business for long-term growth and operational success.
City of Detroit, Jobs & Economy Team (www.detroitmi.gov)
Project type: Economic Development & Regulatory Strategy
The purpose of the Jobs & Economy Team is to advance the mayor's agenda in promoting economic growth for Detroit and job creation for Detroiters
The project will analyze how the City of Detroit can enable growth for companies in a chosen sector by assessing both facilitation and regulatory roles. Students will evaluate the current ecosystem, identify gaps in infrastructure, financing, and regulations, and benchmark Detroit against three U.S. or international cities with effective sector support. The team will provide actionable recommendations for policies, partnerships, and initiatives that empower companies to locate, grow, and scale within Detroit. The final deliverable will be a report or presentation outlining strategic steps for positioning Detroit/SE Michigan as a hub for the sector.
Roar Brewing Company (https://brightmoorartisans.org/)
Project type: Go to Market Strategy
Roar Brewing Co. exists to bring people together through unapologetic fun, community pride, and great beer. We celebrate Detroit’s grit and resilience by crafting bold, approachable brews that connect fans, veterans, and locals alike. We proudly champion the spirit of sports and create a space where everyone can raise a glass, cheer loud, and roar together.
The project will help Roar refine its growth strategy by providing targeted guidance across marketing, sales, and distribution. Students will define core customer segments, establish revenue targets, and develop an optimized distribution strategy for Detroit and beyond. The engagement will also include ROI-maximization tactics, channel economics analysis, and a scalability framework to guide sustainable regional and national expansion. The final deliverable will be a comprehensive playbook outlining actionable steps for profitable growth.
Piquette Partners (piquettepartners.com)
Project type: Real Estate Development
Piquette Partners works to contribute to Detroit's continued economic revitalization through placemaking
The project will support a flagship mixed-use redevelopment in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood by providing actionable recommendations on parking strategy and ground-floor programming. Students will assess parking supply and demand, evaluate potential solutions, and model cost and feasibility to identify the optimal approach. They will also research market trends, tenant mix, and leasing potential to recommend a programming strategy that maximizes value, community impact, and absorption success. The final deliverable will include market benchmarking, cost-benefit analyses, and a presentation with clear, actionable recommendations.
Leña (https://www.lenadetroit.com/)
Project type: Brand Positioning and Strategy
Leña delivers memorable hospitality experiences in Detroit's Brush Park neighborhood
The project will support Leña in strengthening its brand positioning and elevating its marketing strategy to drive growth and customer engagement. Students will assess the restaurant’s current brand perception, benchmark against competitors, and refine its narrative and visual identity. The team will also evaluate marketing efforts and recommend targeted, high-impact tactics to expand Leña’s customer base and build loyalty among both local diners and visitors. Deliverables will include a market research report, a refined brand framework, and an actionable marketing roadmap with short- and long-term initiatives.
Monotonous Engineering (https://www.monotonousengineering.com/)
Project type: Business Development & Market Strategy
Monotonous Engineering is a Detroit-based prototyping firm that shortens the path from concept to hardware by integrating machining, 3D printing, electronics, and testing under one roof. While prototyping is its core, the company also leverages its expertise to advance clean energy, focusing on hydrogen and next-generation nuclear systems. Its mission is to accelerate innovation and deliver reliable, zero-carbon technologies to meet urgent global needs.
The project will support the startup in building a strong business foundation to complement its engineering focus. Students will develop a structured business plan, refine the company’s pitch deck and product materials, and create a market strategy and business model to guide growth. The team will also provide marketing support to strengthen brand presence and customer engagement. Deliverables will include investor-ready materials and a strategic roadmap to position the startup for long-term success.
Constrat (https://constrat.ai/)
Project type: Data Analytics & Financial Strategy
Constrat leverages AI to provide strategic financial intelligence for commercial market contractors and manufacturers
ConStrat AI is building a financial scoring system to help small and mid-sized trade contractors make data-driven decisions around profitability and growth. The Ross student team will support the development of ConStrat’s scoring algorithms by normalizing financial and operational data from platforms like QuickBooks and Sage into actionable KPIs. The project will focus on designing multi-dimensional scoring models, defining key benchmarks, and validating use cases for both contractors and financial partners. This work will lay the foundation for a scalable tool that enhances financial transparency and decision-making in the construction industry.
Craig’s Coffee (www.craigs.coffee)
Project type: Growth Strategy
Craig’s Coffee provides traceable, sustainable coffee to the residents of Detroit.
Craig’s Coffee is entering its next growth phase with a focus on expanding both revenue streams and customer reach. Over the next 12–24 months, priorities include scaling online sales through direct orders and subscriptions, building a dedicated sales and distribution team, and expanding café operations to seven days a week with extended hours. A Michigan Ross student team will provide strategic guidance to sharpen growth plans, evaluate operational needs, and recommend approaches for sustainable expansion.