Cultivating Growth.
Elevate your business with SEED—the Suffolk Entrepreneurship and Educational Development Collaborative—the first-of-its-kind, cross-functional consulting clinic that empowers entrepreneurs in today’s competitive marketplace.
Emerging entrepreneurs need more than just consultants. They deserve trusted partners to help them realize their vision—and Suffolk is one of the most trusted names in Boston.
SEED delivers bespoke business services through a dynamic collaboration of Suffolk faculty, alumni professionals, and talented students working across disciplines—from finance and advertising to legal and funding opportunities.
Our approach combines the personal attention of a boutique advisory firm with the robust resources of a world-class university. We provide the strategic expertise and technical assistance necessary for your business to flourish.
Our Expertise, Your Success
Consulting Clinic
Transform your business challenges into actionable initiatives with our cross-disciplinary consulting teams.
Resource Acquisition Clinic
Navigate the complex world of business funding with confidence.
Accounting Clinic
Build a sturdy financial foundation with our comprehensive accounting services.
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Resource Acquisition Clinic
Our team serves in an investment banker capacity, helping your business become funding-ready through intensive, personalized project work. We explore diverse funding sources—from grants and loans to venture capital, private equity, government programs, and private investors—matching you with the most appropriate options. Gain both the knowledge and practical tools to access current and future funding opportunities that align perfectly with your business vision.
Consulting Clinic
Our SEED Scholars work alongside seasoned experts to analyze your specific industry landscape and business stage, delivering nimble growth strategies tailored to your unique needs. Using models, frameworks, and methodologies, we help you identify key growth areas, explore strategic options, and implement practical solutions that drive sustainable growth.
Accounting Clinic
We begin by understanding your financial structure and goals, conducting thorough reviews of your financial statement and compliance, and identifying critical opportunities and pain points. Our team assesses your current technology systems and processes, then recommends and implements financial reporting solutions that provide the clarity and insights your business needs to prosper.
SEED STANDS OUT
Distinguished Faculty
Our faculty combine hands-on academic innovation with real-world business leadership, bringing both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to the table.
Top-tier SEED scholars
Selected through a rigorous process from Suffolk University’s student body, our SEED Scholars represent the next generation of business trailblazers.
Industry-Leading Clinical Experts
Our clinical experts are bold thinkers who bring decades of experience in consulting, accounting, resource acquisition, and sales & marketing.
Meet Our People
READ MORE
Boston Globe
Meet the small business owners who will get up to $100,000 from the JHL-BXC Accelerator Program.
Impactful Partnerships
SEED is partnering with top organizations and institutions, including Jaylen Brown’s Boston Xchange, the Jrue & Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund, the City of Boston, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Harvard University, MIT, Roxbury Community College, Motta Financial, Foley & Lardner LLP, and Lando & Anastasi, LLP. These impactful partnerships help expand SEED’s reach and resources for uplifting businesses.
READ MORE
Suffolk university news
Suffolk hosts SEED Panel at The Fierce Urgency of Now Festival.
Nicholas A. Vadala
Executive in Residence, SEED Clinic Director
Executive Advisor, Preowned Auto Logistics
“The SEED team brings decades of experience building and running businesses, supported by expertise in funding, accounting, law, marketing, and leveraging AI to drive and support our client work. We share a common commitment to giving back to the community by imparting our knowledge to students while helping the businesses we serve grow and gain a competitive advantage.”
Meet Our Clinical Directors
Take the next step in your business journey with SEED’s strategic consulting services. Apply now to learn how we can help you achieve your vision.
Let’s grow
Dat le
accounting Clinic Director
Founder, Motta Financial
“We guide entrepreneurs from entity formation to exit planning and everything in between. Unlike traditional firms, SEED takes a modern, approachable stance—leveraging technology to streamline processes while ensuring that business owners truly understand their finances.”
Kenneth J. Mooney
Resource Acquisition Clinic Director
Member, Chain Reaction Boston
“SEED provides multifaceted services to clients across all business stages. With over 35 years of experience helping companies solve their funding challenges, my expertise aligns perfectly with the Resource Acquisition Team’s mission to identify optimal funding solutions for our clients.”
Dmitri Tcherevik
Executive-in-Residence for AI
Founder and CEO, AnyQuest
“We help organizations navigate the rapid evolution of generative AI, translating complex technical capabilities into tangible business outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of security, ethics, and governance.”
Work With Us
SEED LEADERSHIP
Boris Lazic
SEED, Business & Partnership Development Lead
Vice President, Administration
Suffolk University
blazic@suffolk.edu | 617-994-4270
Chaim Letwin
SEED, Business & Partnership Development Lead
Professor, Management & Entrepreneurship
cletwin@suffolk.edu | 617-573-8363
Marketing Contact: Roxana Morse, Associate Vice President for Marketing & Branding
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marketing Clinic
Understand, segment, and communicate with your target audiences to achieve measurable success.
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Legal Clinic
Navigate the legal landscape with support from a team of experts.
marketing Clinic
Our team conducts a detailed review of your products, industry, and target customers to develop an effective marketing strategy that supports your goals. We research and help you administer the mix of marketing channels—from digital and social to advertising and PR—that your business can implement, sustain, and, most importantly, measure.
Legal Clinic
Our legal expertise has deep roots in Boston and beyond. Our team counsels you on the key legal matters your business must address, including formation, transactions, and contract law, as well as patent (utility and design), trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
Beth Dirusso
Alumni mentor
Outside General Counsel, various start-ups and emerging companies
“SEED provides students with exposure to Clinic Directors who are seasoned professionals. Student teams brainstorm with Directors as well as with clients to find creative ways to help the businesses navigate hurdles on their route to success. The energy, focus, and inventiveness of the students in this setting is inspiring."
Darrell g. mottley
Faculty Director, Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship Clinic (IPEC)
Assistant Clinical Professor of Law, Suffolk University
“SEED has been transformative for both our students and the broader Boston community. Through the integrated collaboration of IPEC and SEED, students gain invaluable, hands-on experience in intellectual property and entrepreneurship, working directly with local innovators and small businesses. This not only deepens their practical legal skills but also fosters a spirit of service and collaboration.”
Christopher M. Hill
Marketing clinic director
Board Chair & Chief Executive Officer, SindyXR, Inc.
“Effective marketing is essential for business success. Regardless of business stage—from start-ups to growth companies to turnarounds—my passion lies in directing our SEED resources to deliver measurable client success.”
Nathaniel Weaver
Consulting clinic
MSM/MSBA ‘25
“At the core of education is teaching people to be better human beings, not just mastering material. That’s what inspires me—the opportunity to create meaningful change through learning and community.”
Grace Walsh
Consulting Clinic Finance and Business Economics Double Major
Class of 2027
“Success isn’t only measured in dollars. It’s also measured by the positive impact we can make in our community.”
READ MORE
Marketing Clinic
Understand, segment and communicate with your target audiences to achieve measurable success.
READ MORE
Legal Clinic
Navigate the legal landscape with the support of a team of experts.
READ MORE
Resource Acquisition Clinic
Navigate the complex world of business funding with confidence.
READ MORE
Accounting Clinic
Build a sturdy financial foundation with our comprehensive accounting services.
READ MORE
Consulting Clinic
Transform your business challenges into decisive opportunities with our cross-disciplinary consulting teams.
Marketing Clinic
Our team conducts a detailed review of your products, industry, and target customers to develop an effective marketing strategy that supports your goals. We research and help you administer the mix of marketing channels—from digital and social to advertising and PR—that your business can implement, sustain, and, most importantly, measure.
Legal Clinic
Our legal expertise has deep in roots in Boston and beyond. Our team counsels you on the key legal matters your business must address, including formation, transactions, and contract law, as well as patent (utility and design), trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
Resource Acquisition Clinic
Our team serves in an investment banker capacity, helping your business become funding-ready through intensive, personalized project work. We explore diverse funding sources—from grants and loans to venture capital, private equity, government programs, and private investors—matching you with the most appropriate options. Gain both the knowledge and practical tools to access current and future funding opportunities that align perfectly with your business vision.
Accounting Clinic
We begin by understanding your financial structure and goals, conducting thorough reviews of your financial statement, compliance, and identifying critical opportunities and pain points. Our team assesses your current technology systems and processes, then recommends and implements financial reporting solutions that provide the clarity and insights your business needs to prosper.
Consulting Clinic
Our SEED Scholars work alongside seasoned experts to analyze your specific industry landscape and business stage, delivering nimble growth strategies tailored to your unique needs. Using models, frameworks and methodologies, we help you identify key growth areas, explore strategic options, and implement practical solutions that drive sustainable growth.
Our Expertise, Your Success
Distinguished Faculty
Our faculty combine hands-on academic innovation with real-world business leadership, bringing both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to the table.
Top-tier SEED scholars
Selected through a rigorous process from Suffolk University’s student body, our SEED Scholars represent the next generation of business trailblazers.
Industry-Leading Clinical Experts
Our clinical experts are bold thinkers who bring decades of experience in consulting, accounting, resource acquisition, and sales & marketing.
SEED STANDS OUT
READ MORE
Suffolk university news
Suffolk hosts SEED Panel at The Fierce Urgency of Now Festival.
READ MORE
Boston Globe
Meet the small business owners who will get up to $100,000 from the JHL-BXC Accelerator Program.
SEED is partnering with top organizations and institutions, including Jaylen Brown’s Boston Xchange, the Jrue & Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund, the City of Boston, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Harvard University, MIT, Roxbury Community College, Motta Financial, Foley & Lardner LLP, and Lando & Anastasi, LLP. These impactful partnerships help expand SEED’s reach and resources for uplifting businesses.
Impactful Partnerships
Take the next step in your business journey with SEED’s strategic consulting services. Apply now to learn how we can help you achieve your vision.
Work With Us
Let's grow
Our expertise
marketing Clinic
Our team conducts a detailed review of your products, industry, and target customers to develop an effective marketing strategy that supports your goals. We research and help you administer the mix of marketing channels—from digital and social to advertising and PR—that your business can implement, sustain, and, most importantly, measure.
Capabilities:
Marketing-needs assessment, plan, and strategy
Branding and market identity
Website design and development support
Social media and digital marketing support
Content creation
Advertising, PR, and communication
Legal Clinic
Our legal expertise has deep in roots in Boston and beyond. Our team counsels you on the key legal matters your business must address, including formation, transactions, and contract law.
Capabilities:
Intellectual property matters (e.g., trademark, copyright, patent, trade secret)
IP-related transaction law (e.g., drafting IP contracts, bylaws, nondisclosure agreements)
Strategies for identifying and safeguarding potential IP
Assistance with regulatory compliance and risk assessment related to trademark matters
Legal considerations and options for entity formation (e.g., operating agreements, bylaws)
Resource Acquisition Clinic
Gain both the knowledge and practical tools to access current and future funding opportunities that align perfectly with your business vision. Our team serves in an investment banker capacity, helping your business become funding-ready through a thorough review of your financial position and future capital requirements. We explore diverse funding sources—from grants and loans to venture capital, private equity, government programs, and private investors—matching you with the most appropriate options.
Capabilities:
Funding requirement assessment
Identifying funding options
Creating a funding plan and alternative funding options
Client funding process guidance
Understanding and leveraging banking products
Assisting with funding source introductions
Accounting Clinic
We begin by understanding your financial structure and goals, conducting thorough reviews of your financial statement, compliance, and identifying critical opportunities and pain points. Our team assesses your current technology systems and processes, then recommends and implements financial reporting solutions that provide the clarity and insights your business needs to prosper.
Capabilities:
Accounting and bookkeeping support
QuickBooks/financial system setup and support
Financial statements and reporting
Tax return preparation and compliance support
Payroll preparation and compliance support
Financial analysis and key performance indicators
Budget and forecast modeling
Consulting Clinic
Our SEED Scholars work alongside seasoned experts to analyze your specific industry landscape and business stage, delivering nimble growth strategies tailored to your unique needs. Using models, frameworks and methodologies, we help you identify key development areas, explore strategic options, and implement practical solutions that drive sustainable growth.
Capabilities:
Strategy formation and choices
Market research and analysis
Competitive and product analysis
Operations analysis and process assessment
Sales and marketing strategy and process
Project management
Clinics
SEED’s approach combines the personal attention of a boutique advisory firm with the robust resources of a world-class university. We provide the strategic expertise and technical assistance necessary for your business to flourish.
Work With Us
Take the next step in your business journey with SEED’s strategic consulting services. Apply now to learn how we can help you achieve your vision.
Let’s grow
Take the next step in your business journey with SEED’s strategic consulting services. Apply now to learn how we can help you achieve your vision.
Work With Us
Let's grow
Our Impact
SEED expands Suffolk’s capacity to make a difference in Boston’s business landscape. Our student-led teams tackle business challenges and deliver actionable solutions, helping students and clients rise together.
We’re also partnering with top organizations and institutions, including Jaylen Brown’s Boston Xchange, the Jrue & Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund, the City of Boston, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Harvard University, MIT, Roxbury Community College, Motta Financial, Foley & Lardner LLP, and Lando & Anastasi, LLP. These impactful partnerships help increase SEED’s reach and resources for uplifting local businesses.
“SEED has been a transformative journey for me. I found myself questioning everything: the direction of the class, the relevance of business modeling, even my ability to adapt. I realized I had been holding on to a fixed mindset shaped by decades of operating in a relatively stable industry. But SEED pushed me to reframe my thinking. I began to understand the power of business models—not just as tools for start-ups, but as frameworks that help us make sense of problems and design meaningful, scalable solutions.
I also learned how dangerous fixed thinking can be, especially in a world defined by rapid change. Most importantly, I experienced the strength of collaboration. Working with my teammates taught me that innovation isn’t a solo act—it’s a process of listening, iterating, and building together. This course didn’t just change the way I think. It helped me become the kind of leader I want to be: one who embraces change, values diverse perspectives, and understands that at the heart of modern business is the ability to respond to uncertainty with creativity and courage.”
Bo Zhang, Consulting Clinic MBA ’25
Student Impact
Rex Yip, Accounting Clinic
Accounting Major
Class of 2026
“What drew me to SEED was the opportunity to provide practical accounting skills to emerging businesses, giving them the direction they need to potentially last decades.”
Aylin Donmez, Consulting Clinic
Global Business and Management Double Major
Class of 2026
“As a business grows, sometimes the biggest challenge is staying afloat among giants. I want to be the person who helps these entrepreneurs navigate their journey and turn their vision into reality.”
The seed team
SEED brings together experts and thought leaders from across Suffolk University’s distinguished faculty and administration, high-achieving student body, and vast alumni network.
With decades of industry expertise across consulting, accounting, resource management, and other relevant areas, our people are the driving force behind SEED: identifying potent opportunities to steer your business toward lasting success.
LEadership
Boris Lazic
SEED, Business & Partnership Development Lead
Vice President, Administration
Suffolk University
Amy Z. zeng
Dean, Sawyer Business School
Andrew Perlman
Dean, Law School
Edie Sparks
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Chaim Letwin
SEED, Business & Partnership
Development Lead
SEED, Business & Partnership
Development Lead
Professor, Management & Entrepreneurship
ERNST GUERRIER
Suffolk University Trustee
Pelin Bicen
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs; Associate Professor, Marketing
Sarah Boonin
Associate Dean, Experiential Learning; Director, Clinical Programs; Clinical Professor, Law
RASHIDA CONSTANTINE
Chief Human Resources Officer
Brian Mcdermott
Associate Vice President, Campus Experience
Roxana Morse
Associate Vice President for Marketing & Branding
Christopher M. Hill
Marketing clinic director
Board Chair & Chief Executive Officer, SindyXR, Inc.
“Effective marketing is essential for business success. Regardless of business stage—from start-ups to growth companies to turnarounds—my passion lies in directing our SEED resources to deliver measurable client success.”
Dmitri Tcherevik
Executive-in-Residence for AI
Founder and CEO, AnyQuest
“We help organizations navigate the rapid evolution of generative AI, translating complex technical capabilities into tangible business outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of security, ethics, and governance.”
Dat le
accounting Clinic Director
Founder, Motta Financial
“We guide entrepreneurs from entity formation to exit planning and everything in between. Unlike traditional firms, SEED takes a modern, approachable stance—leveraging technology to streamline processes while ensuring that business owners truly understand their finances.”
Kenneth J. Mooney
Resource Acquisition Clinic Director
Member, Chain Reaction Boston
“SEED provides multifaceted services to clients across all business stages. With over 35 years of experience helping companies solve their funding challenges, my expertise aligns perfectly with the resource acquisition team’s mission to identify optimal funding solutions for our clients.”
Darrell g. mottley
Faculty Director, Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship Clinic (IPEC)
Assistant Clinical Professor of Law, Suffolk University
“SEED has been transformative for both our students and the broader Boston community. Through the integrated collaboration of IPEC and SEED, students gain invaluable, hands-on experience in intellectual property and entrepreneurship, working directly with local innovators and small businesses. This not only deepens their practical legal skills but also fosters a spirit of service and collaboration.”
Beth Dirusso
Alumni mentor
Outside General Counsel, various start-ups and emerging companies
“SEED provides students with exposure to clinic directors who are seasoned professionals. Student teams brainstorm with directors as well as with clients to find creative ways to help businesses navigate hurdles on their route to success. The energy, focus, and inventiveness of the students in this setting are inspiring."
Nicholas A. Vadala
Executive in Residence, SEED Clinic Director
Executive Advisor, Preowned Auto Logistics
CEO, COO, & CFO for growth companies
“The SEED team brings decades of experience building and running businesses, supported by expertise in funding, accounting, law, marketing, and leveraging AI to drive and support our client work. We share a common commitment to giving back to the community by imparting our knowledge to students while helping the businesses we serve grow and gain a competitive advantage.”
Meet Our Clinical Directors
SEED Scholars are leaders-in-the-making who understand the importance of doing good with their work. Guided by industry professionals, our scholars develop real-world business skills while directly supporting up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
Seed scholars
Resource Acquisition Clinic
Bulent Birgun Olivia DeLonais Andoreni Erazo Nataijah King-Wittle Laura Nobrega Martinez Niklas Nilsson Dmitriy Pak Jack Raimo
Matthew Rooney Khoi Vong
accounting Clinic
Jessy Bonilla Reyes
Hyee Eun Cha
Micaela Palacios Verastegui Min Park
Lia Santiago
Rex Yip
Consulting Clinic
Madison Cannon Ruben Cardona-Matul Patricija Corey Aylin Donmez
Kincaid Holmes
Alden Leso
Sankalp Sanjiv Patel Colin Sheehan Grace Walsh
Nate Weaver Bo Zhang
Dimitry Pak
Resource Acquisition Clinic Entrepreneurship Major
BSBA in Accounting, ’25
“SEED bridges theory and practice while supporting diverse entrepreneurs with meaningful missions—from chess programs to child nutrition initiatives.”
Patricija Corey
Consulting clinic
MBA, ’25
“SEED helps businesses thrive based on their values. We’re supporting mission-driven organizations that can make a real difference in the world.”
JAYLEN BROWN’S BOSTON XCHANGE
JRUE & LAUREN HOLIDAY SOCIAL IMPACT FUND
CITY OF BOSTON
GREATER BOSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HARVARD UNIVERSITY
MIT
ROXBURY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MOTTA FINANCIAL
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
LANDO & ANASTASI, LLP
Partners
Meet the leadership Team
Brian Mcdermott
Associate Vice President, Campus Experience
Our origin story
At a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce CEO roundtable in November 2023, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey addressed a critical challenge: local small businesses were either leaving the state or struggling to grow due to insufficient resources and support. Governor Healey called on higher education institutions to contribute meaningful solutions to this problem.
Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly, a Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee Board member, took the governor’s call to heart. She assembled a cross-functional leadership team that included Boris Lazic, Suffolk’s vice president of administration, and Chaim Letwin, professor of management and entrepreneurship, who brought a proven track record running the Suffolk Consulting Clinic—an initiative providing consulting services to clients across diverse industry sectors.
The need for seed
Lazic and Letwin joined forces to develop what would ultimately become SEED, the Suffolk Entrepreneurship and Educational Development Collaborative. Their comprehensive process involved extensive consultations with small businesses and other service providers to identify gaps that SEED could effectively address.
Launched in spring 2025, SEED stands as the first-of-its kind, multidisciplinary business support initiative that leverages the talents of Suffolk students, faculty and alumni experts, and top business practitioners to empower entrepreneurs from all backgrounds throughout Greater Boston and Massachusetts.
Cultivating Success
SEED combines the interdisciplinary expertise of the SEED leadership team alongside Suffolk faculty, alumni, and students to offer comprehensive services across six key areas: resource acquisition, marketing, accounting, HR, IT, and legal.
Guided by seasoned professionals, student teams deliver tailored solutions to uplift clients. Throughout the process, students gain an immersive, real-world learning experience while directly supporting emerging entrepreneurs.
How Seed Works
READ MORE
Suffolk university news
Suffolk hosts SEED Panel at The Fierce Urgency of Now Festival.
READ MORE
Boston Globe
Meet the small business owners who will get up to $100,000 from the JHL-BXC Accelerator Program.
Planting seed with strong partners
READ MORE
Suffolk university news
Suffolk hosts SEED Panel at The Fierce Urgency of Now Festival.
READ MORE
Boston Globe
Meet the small business owners who will get up to $100,000 from the JHL-BXC Accelerator Program.
READ MORE
Suffolk university news
Suffolk hosts SEED Panel at The Fierce Urgency of Now Festival.
READ MORE
Boston Globe
Meet the small business owners who will get up to $100,000 from the JHL-BXC Accelerator Program.