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Welcome to Our E-Newsletter
The BOP is pleased to present our e-newsletter series to keep you, our clients and partners, informed of the latest program happenings and offerings. Our newsletter will be published quarterly with periodic updates and opportunities as they pertain to you and your involvement with the BOP. Our goal with this and other program mailings is to keep you informed but not burden your inbox with unnecessary mail. We hope you find this information helpful and informative.
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Client Spotlight: Eleza Faison
Eleza Faison is the perfect example of a true entrepreneur. Not only does she own and operate a coffee shop and a wholesale coffee roasting business, she recently opened a full service restaurant in downtown Portland. In a time when many business owners are cautious and risk adverse, she is boldly seeking new opportunities.
Over the last three years, Eleza has received hundreds of hours of assistance from the PSU Business Outreach Program. The BOP has provided her with business plans for her coffee roasting business as well as accounting, financing and marketing consultation and assistance. Most recently, the BOP developed an operational and marketing plan for her new restaurant.
Thanks to Eleza's hard work, innovation and dedication, her businesses are valuable contributors to Portland's business community, employing over 14 workers and providing quality food and beverage with friendly service.
You can visit the AJ businesses at: AJ Java Coffee: 6425 N Albina St. (at Rosa Parks Blvd) Portland, OR 97217 AJ on the Rails Restaurant 1022 SW Morrison St. Portland, OR 97205 AJ Java Roasting Available at New Seasons Market, Market of Choice, Food Front, Proper Eats and The Alberta Street Co-Op. www.ajjava.com | |
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Program Updates
BOP Receives Civic Engagement Award
We are happy to announce that the Business Outreach Program was awarded a Civic Engagement Award for Departmental Civic Engagement earlier this year. The Portland State University's Center for Academic Excellence recognized the Business Outreach Program for involving students and the community in the school's mission to "Let Knowledge Serve the City."
Pictured are Assistant Dean for the School of Business Darrell Brown, accepting the award for the BOP, and PSU Provost Roy Koch.
BOP Assists Downtown Small Business Owners Through TriMet Construction
June marked the end of our Downtown Small Business Support project with TriMet. Over the course of the last three years, eligible small businesses impacted by the construction of the new downtown bus mall and MAX Green line on SW 5th & 6th Avenues received assistance from the BOP.
Overall, 33 businesses were assisted, each receiving up to 250 hours of specialized services. 10 low-interest loans, ranging from $15,000-$50,000, were funded to help offset construction impacts and prepare for post-construction increases in traffic.
The common needs of the small businesses engaged in this program included:
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Controlling labor costs
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Streamlining operations and management issues
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Increasing marketing and advertising
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Improving financial literacy
Low-Income Individuals Succeed: Economic Opportunity Initiative
June also marked the graduation of 10 business owners from the Portland Development Commission's Economic Opportunity Initiative, through the City of Portland.
The program, designed to provide business support, technical assistance and training to low-income, small business owners, has worked with the BOP since 1996.
This year we are happy to report that after receiving anywhere from 80-250 hours of services, 85% of our graduates remain in business after their three year involvement with the BOP. Congratulations graduates! |
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Business Development Workshop Series
Launched last summer, the BOP Business Development Workshop series is a tool to develop current or potential business ideas. To date over 30 individuals have successfully completed the free workshop series.
The five week series is designed for potential clients with a focus on providing an understanding of general business concepts and assessment of the feasibility of the business idea. The workshop format allows for an exchange of ideas and individual participation.
The series sessions are:
Orientation: An introduction to the services available from the BOP and an initial assessment.
Business Planning: Discussion of the need for business planning and its application to the participant's business.
Marketing: An overview market research and advertising.
Financing and Accounting: A presentation on obtaining funds and record keeping.
Review and Next Steps: A review of concepts and individual consultations.
For more information and upcoming workshop dates visit our website. |
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Coming Soon: Networking Events
The Business Outreach Program will soon be launching Networking Events and Workshops to connect program clients with each other, other business owners, and guest business professionals. These events will begin with a brief presentation from a business professional and conclude with an informal opportunity to meet and network with other attendees. Stay tuned for more information. |
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Donate to Our Mission
The Business Outreach Program's mission is to help small businesses, including emerging, minority and women-owned businesses, achieve their potential while providing students with opportunities for community-based learning.
The 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.
Please note: to see that your gift reaches the BOP, please designate "other" and indicate "Business Outreach Program." | |
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Thank you for your participation and support of the Business Outreach Program.
Sincerely, |
Lara Damon, Director
Business Outreach Program
School of Business Administration
Portland State University
503-725-9820 office
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