Consult Your Community: Empowering Small Businesses Through Student-Led Consulting

At NC State’s Poole College of Management, students aren’t just learning about business–they’re actively shaping the local economy. Consult Your Community (CYC), a student-led nonprofit, providing pro-bono consulting services to small businesses and nonprofits in the Raleigh area.

We spoke with Nitin Chitrala, a senior majoring in aerospace engineering and economics and the president of CYC, to learn more about the organization’s impact, evolution and future.

Consult Your Community’s mission is simple yet powerful: to equip under-resourced small businesses with strategic solutions that drive sustainable growth. “Our diverse student teams work on projects that span marketing, financial planning, technical engineering, and overall business strategy,” says Chitrala. “It’s all about making a tangible impact on local businesses that need it the most.”

Founded nationally at UC Berkeley in 2013, CYC came to NC State in 2016 when students Hunter Davis and Tanner Purvis recognized a need within the Raleigh community. Initially, they aimed to assist other student organizations, but their vision quickly expanded to help small businesses–a shift that has fueled the chapter’s success ever since.

What started as a small team of 25 members working on four consulting projects per semester has evolved into a well-established program with 75 members taking on a record eight engagements this semester. “In the beginning, our leadership team went door-to-door, trying to convince business owners to work with us,” Chitrala recalls. “Now, business owners are coming to us.”

Beyond numbers, CYC has also expanded its consulting expertise. What once focused primarily on business strategy has grown to include technical services like website development, app creation and full-scale engineering design. The organization has even taken on major projects with the City of Raleigh, showcasing the depth and quality of student-led consulting work.

CYC’s events, particularly the annual Small Business Fair, play a crucial role in student development and campus engagement. Chitrala highlights four key areas where these initiatives make a difference: 

Creating Lasting Impact: The success of events like the Small Business Fair underscores the impact a student organization can have. It’s a reminder that our work extends far beyond the classroom,” says Chitrala. “With dedication, collaboration and a clear mission, students can drive real change–supporting local businesses, bridging communities and empowering entrepreneurs who might not otherwise have the resources to thrive.”

Practical Skill Development: Events and consulting engagements provide students with real-word experience in project management, problem-solving communication and leadership. By working with local businesses, students apply their education to real world business challenges, enhancing their problem-solving and analytical skills.

Community Engagement: CYC bridges the gap between NC State and the greater Raleigh community. The Small Business Fair highlights local entrepreneurs and supports under-resourced businesses, strengthening the connection between students and the broader community beyond campus.

Leadership Development: Through event planning, mentorship programs, and CYC’s culture of empowerment, students take on leadership roles that challenge them to think strategically, collaborate effectively and manage complex projects from start to finish.

CYC’s success is driven by a dedicated leadership team. “Nothing CYC does would be possible without my incredible leadership team,” Chitrala emphasizes. “A huge shoutout to Jacob Friend, Tia Burmi, Brock Lopez, Keller Thomas, and Gavin Johnson—they are the real rock stars who drive us closer to our vision every day.”

The team operates with a shared vision and a culture of open communication, which enables members to execute their roles effectively. “Everyone has bought into our mission, and we foster an open environment where no one is afraid to speak their mind,” says Chitrala. “This allows us to trust each other, work efficiently, and make a meaningful impact.”

Looking ahead, CYC is committed to sustainable growth. “We’re building a strong organizational structure now so that we can scale our impact and support even more small businesses and nonprofits in the future,” Chitrala explains.

Expanding the scope of consulting services is a key focus, with plans to take on more ambitious projects and establish new partnerships. “I see us broadening our work into areas like life sciences and health consulting, and taking on larger-scale projects with government entities like the City of Raleigh,” he says. “By diversifying our engagements, we can continue to challenge ourselves and push the boundaries of what we can accomplish.”

Through its continued growth and impact, Consult Your Community exemplifies how students can drive real change. As Chitrala puts it, “Our work is about more than consulting—it’s about empowering businesses, strengthening our community, and giving students hands-on experience that prepares them for the future.” For more information about Consult Your Community and how to get involved, visit their website or follow them on social media.