Business

The GRT business subgroup is responsible for coordinating outreach, publicity, funding, and FIRST submitted awards. Each season, the business team arranges venues for us to showcase our robot and promote FIRST. We participate in many community events including the Palo Alto May Fete Parade, JLS Back-to-School Night, and the Nixon Elementary School Science Night.

Business members are central to planning and finding new partners for our outreach program—empowering every GRT member to volunteer.

GRT at the 2023 JLS Back-to-School Night.

GRT generates funds for robot materials, machine shop maintenance, and competition fees primarily through student work and corporate sponsorships. The business team organizes and manages GRT members who staff concession stands at Stanford University sports events (8-10 events each year), and who plan and staff a summer robotics camp (2 weeks each summer). The business team also applies for grants and sponsorships to defray team expenses.

GRT at the 2023 Nixon Science Night.

During build season, the business group focuses on crafting a story about GRT for various awards. The subgroup prepares our submissions for the FIRST Impact Award, Dean’s List Award, and Woodie Flowers Award. Before competitions, the team prepares our pit crew to professionally answer questions from judges.

GRT in the 2022 Palo Alto May Fete parade.