Agora Data is a non-prime auto fintech company that excels in capturing and analyzing data from subprime auto loans originated through independent car dealerships. With access to detailed loan-level characteristics and borrower profiles, the company is well-positioned to generate valuable market insights. However, the challenge lies in translating this data into actionable insights that can be shared with dealers and stakeholders in the auto finance industry.

The current gap is the underutilization of Agora's data in creating market insights that can benefit dealers and help Agora establish itself as a thought leader in the industry. This underutilization limits Agora's ability to provide valuable guidance to dealers and the broader auto finance market, potentially impacting the company's growth and influence in the sector.

This project addresses the challenge by engaging Montclair State University economics students in a focused research effort. Students will work with a sample of Agora's internal data, complemented by external economic indicators, to produce a research brief that identifies meaningful market stories. This provides a unique opportunity for students to apply their academic knowledge to a real-world business challenge, enhancing their skills in research, analysis, and strategic planning.

The project is divided into key phases, including data analysis, trend identification, and report generation. Each phase allows students to build upon their findings, ultimately producing a polished insight report and presentation. This project is ideal for students as it offers experiential learning in consulting, finance, and market research, preparing them for future careers in these fields.

By exploring this strategic challenge, students will gain real-world experience that goes beyond academic theory. They will develop skills in data interpretation, economic analysis, and business communication, making the project relevant and exciting for those aspiring to careers in consulting, finance, or market research.