Question 1

Do I need prior consulting experience to join?

Accepted Answer

No. Roots explicitly describes itself as a low-barrier-to-entry organization and admits members based on proven work ethic and passion for small businesses and social impact, regardless of grade level, major, age, socioeconomic background, or race.

Question 2

What kinds of projects will I actually work on?

Accepted Answer

Members work with real local small businesses on problems like pricing and revenue strategy, marketing and brand visibility, customer research, operations, and business growth planning. Past clients have included El Tiny Cafe, Thayir Sadam, and Slunks.

Question 3

Is the consulting work paid or pro bono?

Accepted Answer

All consulting work is fully pro bono. Roots charges no fees to the businesses and nonprofits it works with.

Question 4

What is the Roots Impact Fund?

Accepted Answer

The Roots Impact Fund is a separate initiative that accepts tax-deductible donations to fund small business micro-grants, marketing and operational resources for local entrepreneurs, community programming, and tools that help student teams deliver better work. Donations go through the official ASUC portal with 'Roots Consulting' designated.

Question 5

Who founded Roots Consulting and how new is it?

Accepted Answer

Roots was founded in 2025 by UC Berkeley Haas School of Business transfer students, making it one of the newest consulting organizations on campus.