In teams of four students each, they’re traveling 4,000 miles across America, visiting 12 small businesses and entrepreneurs to help them develop solutions to their most pressing challenges.
The program,called Open Road at Ross – Powered by Ford, is an action-based social impact adventure that is now its fourth year at Ross. The program was developed by Michigan Ross students as a way to assist visionary entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact in their communities across the country to scale their efforts.
Each week on the road trip, students consult with a different entrepreneur in a new part of the country on a business opportunity or challenge they are facing. After spending time with the business owner, employees, and community members, the students will develop a suggested solution or plan of action for the businesses.
The event is organized by Ross MBA students and supported by Business+Impact at Michigan Ross, the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, and the Ford Motor Company.
