The UF S.W.O.T. team arrives on-site wearing matching shirts, modeled by team chair, senior Virginia Wills.

The University of Findlay’s student S.W.O.T. team may not serve high-risk arrest warrants, perform hostage rescue and armed intervention or engage heavily armed criminals, but it does help the local economy by helping area small businesses improve their marketing strategies.

The S.W.O.T. team, which uses a common business analysis tool as its name (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats Analysis), was formed this semester as an extension of the Marketing Club under the direction of faculty adviser S. Chris Ward, Ed.D., assistant professor in the College of Business.

The group of 11 undergraduate students works with Greater Findlay Inc. and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to find new clients that would benefit from its services.

“The owners of small businesses open their businesses because they’re good at what they do, but they may need help in marketing. We give them the opportunity for us to go to their business, rather than them coming to us,” said senior Virginia Wills, S.W.O.T. team chair.

When the team, clad in matching UF-orange S.W.O.T. team shirts paid for by Mass Mutual, arrives at a new location, the members evaluate the business’ curb appeal, Web site, print ads and other materials and store appearance. They even will provide mystery shoppers to assess how customers are treated. These services are provided at no cost to the business.

Currently, the group works with the Findlay Downtown Area Association and the Fostoria Chamber of Commerce, and additional businesses have expressed interest in retaining the team’s services.

“It’s a challenge because we’re working with small businesses with small budgets. You have to be creative, and that’s part of the fun,” said Wills.

Any business owner interested in having the S.W.O.T. team evaluate his or her marketing strategy is welcome to contact Greater Findlay Inc. or the SBDC.