| Our Sponsors | | Portland Development Commission
TriMet
US Bank
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Precision Castparts
Port of Portland
Portland State University
Visit Our Sponsors |
|
Client Spotlight
Blaq Design
Paul and Jeremy are bringing their dream to life. Their dedication to the biking community and to creating quality products for bike commuters shows in all aspects of their products. Their messenger bags, backpacks, canopies for cargo bikes, and accessories for bikes and riders withstand not just the test of time, but also the test of their riders who 'abuse their gear.'
They started working with the Business Outreach Program through the TriMet Initiative in late 2012 with Scott Robinson and Liz Feldman. They are now working with a student team and receiving help on everything from Quickbooks to Business Planning. They were one of the small businesses forced to move due to light rail construction, but they haven't let relocating slow them down. Their new place allows them a retail space on top of manufacturing capabilities. They are making the best of their new situation.
Next time you are in inner SE, stop by and check out their new retail store and ask them what makes their bags and accessories so special. Be ready to be amazed by the level of thought and detail in the design of every bag.
|
Program Updates
Thank you PSU Bookstore!
We want to acknowledge the PSU Bookstore for their generous donation to the Business Outreach Program. It is because of supporters such as the PSU Bookstore that the we are able to carry out the mission of the BOP and serve our local small business community.
Thank you!
|
We're Growing!
Welcome to our Newest BOP Staff
Liz, Business Advisor
Liz joined the BOP in December after completing her MBA at Bainbridge Graduate Institute in June and spending the summer as a guide on service learning and adventure programs in Ecuador. She combines a background of working with individuals, families, groups and teams in the Peace Corps, experiential education and wilderness therapy programs with an interest in business strategies, management systems and financial modeling. She is co-founder of SLICE Finance, creating a marketplace to facilitate low interest rate educational loans between graduate students, alumni, family, and friends.
Liz feels lucky to be a new member on the BOP team. She has always loved looking for ways to understand and streamline processes. She thrives when she can help others use resources in ways that help their businesses grow and make their lives easier. Whenever possible, Liz enjoys climbing, eating, interacting with music, and spending time outdoors with friends.
Charlene, Accounting Intern
Charlene joined the BOP in December 2012 as an accounting intern. She is a small business owner, (a food cart in downtown Portland), as well as a student and mother. Charlene is in the process of completing her accounting degree at PSU. Her background includes corporate payroll as well as small business ownership.
"I believe that I can relate to the plight of the small business owner in Portland, and look forward to helping our clients get organized through QuickBooks!"
Merissa, Marketing Intern
Merissa joined the BOP in December and is completing her BS in Marketing through Portland State University. Through her studies she has worked as a scheduling coordinator for a large telecommunications company, and in multiple roles at a non-profit medical clinic. While beginning as a management major, her passion for research drew her into marketing, and her desire to help people succeed lead her towards working with small businesses. She is excited for this opportunity to work with the BOP and the community.
|
|
Welcome New Clients
Welcome New BOP Businesses!
Meet the BOP's newest businesses. These microbusinesses have recently joined our long-term support program through PDC's Economic Opportunity Initiative (EOI). We look forward to sharing their stories of success over the coming years.
Clockn Auto & Truck Repair - A mobile service that does general repairs, scheduled maintenance, brakes, tune ups, oil change and electrical trouble shooting.
3 Sisters Nixtamal - Makes organic corn masa using the centuries old, nutritionally-rich process of Nixtamalization
NW Tree Work - A professional Oregon and Washington State CCB licensed tree service company. Their specialty is trimming large trees and removing them in small urban spaces.
UP Design Lounge - Offers low cost how-to classes and one on one consultations on the art of interior design and decorating. They also consult retail locations on how to best display merchandise to appeal to customers.
Urban Gita - Produces ghee, a traditional Indian health food and cooking oil made from organic cultured butter.
Woodstock Motorsports - Is dedicated to the preparation of cars and drivers for the racetrack. They specialize in chassis setup, engine tuning, welding, metal fabrication and composites, as well as all aspects of race car restoration and complete scratch builds.
The following microbusinesses have been selected for our first cohort in our new Business Development Support Program (BDSP). We are excited to be working with this group of entrepreneurs!
|
Business Development Workshop Series
Begins Tuesday April 2nd, 2013
6:30 - 8:30pm
Do you know of an entrepreneur who could use assistance in further developing their business or business idea?
The BOP Business Development Workshop series is a forum to develop current or potential business ideas. The 5-week series is designed to provide participants with a better understanding of general business concepts and participate in an assessment of the feasibility of the business idea. The workshop format allows for an exchange of ideas and individual participation.
|
|
Donate to Our Mission
The PSU Business Outreach Program's mission is to help local small businesses, including emerging, minority and women-owned businesses, achieve their potential while providing students with opportunities for community-based learning.
The PSU Business Outreach Program's is a self-funded program that relies on support through various governmental agencies, public and private grants, and private organizations and individuals.
If you, your organization or a friend would like to show your support of the Business Outreach Program please donate here.
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you for your participation and support of the PSU Business Outreach Program.
|
Lara Damon, Director
Business Outreach Program School of Business Administration Portland State University
|
|
|
