CRAFT’s Student Consulting Network is a grant-funded program that aims to support regional food businesses with no-cost services while also providing students with valuable work experience and connections. 

This service is open to all food and farm business owners; upcoming, new, and seasoned. If you can use the support outlined below, this program is for you.

Support options include copywriting, copyediting, social media, and more! Find our full list of support options and steps to apply below:

Support Options

Copywriting: Copy creation for web pages, sales sheets, short reports, and more.
Copyediting: Editing existing web pages, sales sheets, reports, and other assets.
Marketing/Social Media: Designing assets for social media platforms.
Nutrition Labels: Creating nutrition labels through Recipal.
Research Support: Research for business planning, grant applications, and product or process design.
Websites: Building or updating templatized webpages (e.g., Squarespace, Wix).

Food Businesses - Ready to apply?

First, review the Application Prep document. It contains the questions that will be asked on the support application and steps to help you prepare.

Click the “Apply” button on this page, provide the requested information, and submit your application. That’s it!

We will begin reviewing submissions on a rolling basis and will follow-up as soon as possible thereafter. Be sure to keep an eye on your email!

Students - Ready to help?

Are you ready to help food businesses become more successful while earning money and gaining valuable experience? Click below to apply to be a part of the network!

FAQ

  • Our Student Consultants are graduate students at Chatham University. Each student has been selected to work with local businesses based on their skills, knowledge, and desire to better understand and support the regional food economy.

    All Student Consultants, regardless of their background, receive training on delivery processes and expectations before being matched with businesses.

  • Yes. Student Consultants are paid hourly and receive a living wage for their efforts.

  • Yes. The Student Consulting Network is funded by multiple USDA and regional grants making the program free for all businesses selected to receive support.

  • We are currently accepting and matching applications on a rolling basis. Shortly after your apply, you will be notified of your application’s status–Accepted, Waitlisted, or Deferred–and next steps shortly thereafter.

    If accepted, we’ve accepted your application and are actively matching you with a Student Consultant. You can expect your project to move forward soon.

    If waitlisted, we’ve accepted your application but are not able to prioritize it just yet. Once support becomes available, we’ll be in touch.

    If deferred, we’ll redirect you to other resources that are a better fit for your needs or ask you to apply again during the next application cycle.

  • Applications are limited to two support areas at a time, and we ask that you only apply once per cycle to ensure we’re able to support as many businesses as possible.

    The application will also prompt you to select the level of support you need within each support area offered. Support beyond these levels is not available at this time.

  • We get it, it’s a lot to take in! Please reach out to us at SCN@chatham.edu with any questions. We’re happy to help.