Portland State University Business Outreach Program
Winter 2011
PSU Business Outreach Program
Newsletter
 
In This Issue
Client Spotlight
Program Updates
Upcoming Events
Donate to Our Mission
Quick Links
Our Sponsors
Portland Development Commission
TriMet
US Bank
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Precision Castparts
Port of Portland
Portland State University 

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Client Spotlight 
 
Michelle Sarchiapone & The Peoples Yoga

Michelle Sarchiapone, The Peoples Yoga 

 

Michelle Sarchiapone had a dream, a dream in which she and her friends could afford to practice yoga. From that dream and desire for a low-cost place to practice, The Peoples Yoga was born. Since 2008 The Peoples Yoga has done just that, bringing affordable yoga to NE Portland. Michelle's vision was a success and the student demand soon outgrew the original studio on NE Alberta Street. In 2009, needing to expand, The Peoples Yoga partnered with local micro-lender MercyCorps NW  to gain the financing needed to support the build out costs of the new space on NE 30th & Killingsworth St.

 

Fast forward to present day and Michelle is at it again...she's taking The Peoples Yoga mission and vision a bit north, to St. Johns. This March will see the grand opening of The Peoples Yoga North where the same great teachers and low-cost model will be introduced to a wonderful location in the St. Johns Neighborhood. Again, with some assistance from MercyCorps NW, Michelle is able to retain her low-cost model and open yoga access for all.

 

Since 2009 Michelle has been working with the PSU Business Outreach Program where she has received business advising across many business disciplines and matters. From working one-on-one with BOP Business Advisor, Leslie Croghan to the QuickBooks accounting software training from our Accounting Interns. Michelle has also had the opportunity to work with an undergraduate student consulting team through the PSU Capstone program. The student team met with Michelle over the course of six months to better understand her business model and create a comprehensive business plan for the NE location, complete with in-depth market research to better understand and serve the Peoples customer base. Michelle has also greatly benefited from PSU BOP's legal partnership with Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP as she expands her business.

 

Learning to be a small business owner is a challenge but with the support of the PSU Business Outreach Program, Michelle is excelling! Her hard work and dedication to the mission of affordable yoga for all is taking off. Kudos Michelle! We look forward to the second The Peoples Yoga North location in St. Johns.

 

About: The Peoples Yoga is a unique low-cost community-oriented yoga studio located in the lovely Alberta Arts neighborhood. We were established as a direct response to members of our community who feel yoga is financially out of their reach but who wish to be included in the many and varied healing benefits yoga has to offer. Our purpose is to provide classes, workshops and trainings that are accessible to all regardless of economic barriers. Offering over 30 yoga classes per week, with styles ranging from beginner to advanced, we hope to foster a diverse, non-dogmatic, warm and encouraging environment free of competition and expectations to fit within the commercial mold.

Grand Opening: Join Michelle on Sunday, March 13th for Grand Opening festivities at the new St. Johns location. Classes begin on Monday, March 14th. 7334 N Chicago Ave.

The Peoples Yoga | NE: 3016 NE Killingsworth St.  | St. Johns: 7334 N Chicago Ave.| 503-877-YOGI (9644) | thepeoplesyoga.org | 

 

Program Updates  

Welcome New BOP Clients

The BOP is happy to welcome Stephen Colvin of East Portland Sash & Carpentry. Stephen and his business partner Geoffrey Halsey offer restoration of wood windows, rope tying, glazing, weather stripping and reproduction sashes to get your beautiful original windows back in working order.

 

 PSU Students Making a Difference

BOP Capstone Class
Fall-Winter BOP Capstone Class

Winter term is a busy time for the Business Outreach Program and the PSU Capstone student consulting courses. We currently have 56 undergraduate students working with 15 local micro enterprise businesses to develop comprehensive business plans, marketing strategies and distribution plans. These 56 students are living out PSU motto to "let knowledge serve the city" through their community engagement with BOP clients. Thank you students and business owners for participating! 

 
TriMet & BOP Team Up Again

 TriMet

TriMet is working on expanding the light rail again. The newest Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project will expand the light rail lines from PSU, south to the City of Milwaukie. The Business Outreach Program is excited to partner with TriMet again and will be providing business assistance and advisory services to the local businesses that will be impacted by relocation due to the new line.  We'll keep you informed on our successes as the project progresses.

 

Upcoming Events
   

Small Business Forum: Business Insurance & Payroll Services

Monday, March 7th | 6:30-8pm

 

Join the BOP and special guests Jeff Johnnie and Kevin Ohanesian for an evening of discussion around business insurance and payroll services for your small business. Whether you are a start-up or existing business, come and get your questions answered and decode some of the mystery behind business insurance and payroll services from two great guest speakers.

 

Jeff Johnnie, President of Certus NW:

Jeff brings over 20 years of experience in insurance and financial services, both in sales management and producer experience. He has progressed throughout his career, growing his business based on an uncommon level of personal service and commitment to the client. Jeff also believes in giving back to the community. In his time away from the office he volunteers as a youth football and lacrosse coach, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the Oregon/SW Washington chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

 

Kevin Ohanesian, President of Portland Payroll:

Kevin has over 25 years of experience as a CPA working with small businesses.  He sold his CPA practice in 2006 to start a local payroll company to service the businesses of the Portland Metro area. Portland Payroll's mission is "to enhance the lives of our employees, customers and community by providing the greatest work environment, unparalleled customer service and genuine care for those around us." 

RSVP appreciated at: [email protected].

 

 

Business Development Workshop Series

Starts Monday, April 4th | 6:30-8pm

 

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. Our next series will start in mid-January at our office space in SW Portland.

 

The five 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.

  

Contact us at [email protected] to register.

 

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.

Sincerely,
Lara Damon, Director

Business Outreach Program
School of Business Administration
Portland State University

503-725-9820 office