California State University – Northridge received a $125,000 donation from the nonprofit Wurwand Foundation. The money will go toward funding the undergraduate side of the school’s Small Business Consulting program at the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics.The semester-long program aims to provide students with practical experience by pairing them with local businesses that have at least $100,000 or more in annual revenue. The students, in teams of three to five, analyze the business’ model and provide marketing, cash management and long-term strategy consulting.There is also an equivalent program for graduate students, though it is funded separately.The Wurwand Foundation, headquartered in Santa Monica, connects entrepreneurs in Los Angeles with funding, coaching and other community resources through its FOUND/LA initiative, which in January began accepting applications for small business grants.The nonprofit has been a benefactor to CSUN’s undergraduate consulting program for several years. It has donated a total of $425,000 including this week’s gift.Co-founder Jane Wurwand is also the founder of skincare company Dermalogica and the International Dermal Institute, a post-graduate training center for professional skin therapists. Both are based in Carson.In a statement, Wurwand called CSUN’s consulting program “incredible.”“The education those business owners receive can open them up to other opportunities, within their own business and in partnerships with others,” she added. “They become part of a like-minded community.”Nazarian College Dean Chandra Subramaniam said in a statement the school is “beyond appreciative” of the foundation’s continued support.“This is a critical time for small business owners,” he added. “The additional support from the Wurwand Foundation allows us to expand our resources and reach to provide these businesses with more assistance. The gift also enables us to fulfill our mission of preparing our students for career success and to be a force for a better future, by giving them the opportunity to gain real-world experience and make an impact on the surrounding community.”
