FRESHconsult is an innovative initiative and a unique project within the Romanian academia, designed to create a direct connection between universities and businesses. By fostering a collaborative and continuously evolving ecosystem, the project has the potential to generate long-term positive synergies for all stakeholders involved.
Through FRESHconsult, entrepreneurs – particularly those leading micro and small enterprises – gain free access to general business consulting services, leveraging the specialized expertise, digital competencies and innovative thinking of student teams working under the scientific coordination of university professors and researchers.
From market research and competitors analysis to marketing and sales strategies, business model optimization and the validation of new business ideas, FRESHconsult delivers genuine added value to participating companies. The project provides tailored solutions, structured strategic proposals and actionable recommendations designed to address real business challenges and drive measurable results.
Launched in 2017 at the initiative of Professor Mariana Drăgușin, PhD, FRESHconsult was further developed together with Professor Raluca Mariana Grosu, PhD, following a carefully designed structure inspired by the American higher education model. Associate Professor Mirela Octavia Sîrbu, PhD, also played a key role in the project’s implementation. All three are members of our research center.
Over the course of its nine completed editions, FRESHconsult has brought together the expertise and support of numerous members of the Business Administration Research Center, including Professor Lelia Voinea, PhD, Associate Professor Robert Bumbac, PhD, Associate Professor Răzvan Dina, PhD, and Associate Professor Smaranda Giușcă, PhD. Their contributions have expanded the project’s interdisciplinary perspective into areas such as design thinking, information systems, sales, commodity science, and consumer sciences.
Impact (2017-2026)
638 entrepreneurs
2446 students that collaborated with entrepreneurs
25.927 hours of free general consultancy
3151 recommendations, many translated into practice
Through the FRESHconsult project, the Business Administration Research Center promotes a true “win-win” collaboration model, where companies gain access to innovative ideas aligned with emerging market trends, while students and academics strengthen the relevance and real-world impact of their expertise by applying knowledge in practical business contexts. At the same time, FRESHconsult continues to serve as a valuable source of research themes and insights, contributing to the generation of new knowledge on the complexity, transformation and evolving dynamics of the Romanian business environment. By connecting academic inquiry with real organizational challenges, the project reinforces the Center’s mission of driving meaningful knowledge transfer between research and practice.
Entrepreneurs’ testimonials
“The innovative ideas brought forward by the student team convinced us to implement several important changes, including expanding internationally through foreign-language courses and improving the company’s website. It was a highly successful collaboration for both sides. This project is extremely valuable.”
Alexandru Elena
“We received highly valuable insights and very interesting suggestions from the student team. I intend to implement six out of the ten recommendations they proposed! Thank you, and best of luck! A truly commendable project!”
Filat Simina
“It was a real pleasure working with the students, especially because they bring a broader and fresher perspective. Through this collaboration, I gained valuable insights into how the new generation perceives bars and hospitality experiences. They were deeply involved in identifying innovative solutions for the growth of my business, including student discount programs, website structure improvements, and the integration of home delivery services. I believe the FRESHconsult project represents an important opportunity for both current and future entrepreneurs.”
Rădulescu Cătălin