SBI encourages its members and other college and university faculty to involve students in practical consulting projects. Faculty-guided, student-based field projects serve clients who own or operate local business ventures or non-profit organizations. Supervised by faculty, these projects provide students opportunities to help make lasting improvements in their clients' business operations. As a result, students learn about operating small businesses, gain a sense of achievement, and earn respect. The projects culminate in a final written consulting report that is delivered to the client. SBI recognizes first place, second place, and third place awards to programs in both undergraduate and graduate divisions that complete either specialized consulting projects or comprehensive projects.