Business and Marketing

Division Overview

The Business & Marketing (B&M) division manages all financial, promotional, and external relations aspects of the Formula SAE team. Its mission is to secure funding, manage sponsor relationships, promote the team’s brand, and coordinate merchandise and events. This division ensures that the technical work of other divisions is supported with the necessary resources, visibility, and public engagement. 

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Subareas (Components of the Division) 

1. Business Management 

   
   

   • Organizes budgets for manufacturing, merchandise, and travel. 

   • Ensures expenses remain within financial limits and aligned with priorities. 

   • Tracks spending with detailed accountability reports. 

     
     

2. Inventory & Sales Management 

   
   

   • Controls merchandise and materials to avoid confusion at events. 

   • Implements systems to track items sold, restocked, or reserved. 

   • Ensures smooth sales logistics during expos and campus events. 

     
     

3. Sponsorship 

   
   

   • Accountability: Provides clear visibility to sponsors (logos, media presence, reports). 

   • Acquisition: Creates proposals and pitches that demonstrate the value of investing in the team. 

   • Maintains ongoing sponsor relationships to secure long-term support. 

     
     

4. Social Media & Media Production 

   
   

   • Manages Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and other channels. 

   • Prioritizes platforms with the highest engagement and strategic reach. 

   • Produces high-quality photos, videos, and graphics to grow visibility. 

     
     

5. Branding & Design 

   
   

   • Ensures a consistent aesthetic across all media, merchandise, and presentations. 

   • Defines style guidelines (colors, fonts, tone). 

   • Strengthens the team's recognition as a professional brand.

6. Logistics & Sales 

   
   

   • Plans fundraising activities, both on and off campus. 

   • Coordinates event logistics, permits, and staff assignments. 

   • Develops creative ideas to boost revenue through merch, expos, and collaborations. 

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Software

• Microsoft Excel – for budget tracking and sponsorship reporting. 

• Canva – for design and branding content. 

• Social Media  – for campaign management. 

• Inventory Systems – to track sales and merchandise. 

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Requirements

• CONT 3011: Principles of Accounting 

• MERC 3115: Principles of Marketing 

• Basic knowledge of Excel and Canva 

• Experience in Social Media, Photography, and Editing 

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Division Knowledge Guide

BM members must know how to manage budgets strategically, allocating funds between manufacturing, merchandise, and travel to avoid overspending. In inventory management, clear labeling and digital tracking help prevent mistakes during fast-paced sales events. Sponsorship accountability is vital: when a sponsor raises concerns about visibility, the team must respond with proof of exposure (such as social media posts, logo placement on the car, or event photos) and offer additional visibility if needed. In sponsorship acquisition, persuasion is key: show potential sponsors the team’s reach, professionalism, and alignment with their values to prove the investment is worthwhile. 

In  social media strategy, not all platforms carry the same weight: Instagram and TikTok may drive broader engagement, while LinkedIn is crucial for professional outreach. For branding, consistency is non-negotiable — every post, flyer, or merch item must follow the same design language, so the team looks unified. Finally, in logistics and sales, creativity drives results: fundraising ideas might include bundle sales, collaborations with local businesses, online campaigns, or themed merch drops. 

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