Academics

Independent Projects in social enterprise complement the classroom-based courses by providing second-year MBA students the opportunity to apply their skills to the real-world challenges facing social enterprises. Under faculty supervision, individuals or teams of students work on a project of strategic importance to the organization and report their recommendations at the end of the term.

Students undertaking a Social Enterprise Independent Project may be eligible for the Social Enterprise Independent Project Fund Program to support their project expenses. Funds are awarded to support these academic projects by providing funding for expenses directly related to research and analysis. The fund does not support expenses related to start–up business expenses. Learn more about how to apply.

Independent Project Funds are awarded on a case-by-case, funds-available basis.

• For a team with one HBS student: maximum funds will be $1,000 for eligible expenses, based on student demand and funds available.
• For a team with more than one HBS student: maximum funds will range from $1,000 - $2,000 for eligible expenses, based on student demand and funds available.

We expect that you will receive a percentage of your request, based on student demand and funds available.

Organizations can find more information about posting an independent project on the MBA Recruiting site.

• September 19, 2025, 12:00 noon: fall term projects
• December 5, 2025, 12:00 noon: spring term projects (if your expense items include travel during January)
• February 13, 2026, 12:00 noon: spring term projects (if your expense items are only February through April)