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BOP Turns to Social Media
 Join us on Facebook and LinkedIn
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Client Spotlight
Evan Mitchell, Alternative Surfaces
Evan began working with the PSU BOP in 2008 when he was in the formative planning stages of his business concept. After attending our Business Development Workshop series, Evan had a strong understanding of the necessary steps to take to launch his business. In January 2009 Alternative Surfaces began.
BOP Services:
Since 2008 Evan has received assistance from the BOP including a student consulting team who worked with Evan to research and write a complete business plan with a heavy emphasis on marketing. The market research that the students did in conjunction with our partner, Oregon MicroEnterprise Network (OMEN) allowed Evan to identify his target customer demographics, location and consumer preferences.
About Alternative Surfaces:
For discerning customers looking to create spaces that look and feel good, Alternative Surfaces products encourage them to ditch their shoes and discover the invigorating freedom of barefoot living. Products include innovative and sustainable finishes like their Recycled Glass Wall system, stone carpet finishes, polished concrete and eco-friendly epoxy surfaces in a range of hues which can be customized with designs for the most discerning client.
On Business Successes and Challenges:
A Perspective from Owner, Evan Mitchell
"I'm not sure we could have picked a more challenging time to start a business but over the past 2 years we have been very fortunate and have seen consistent growth - our original business plan has evolved as the market has dictated and we have created a niche market for ourselves.
We now work throughout the NW and in California and our work has been features in numerous national trade magazine along with Architectural Digest and California Homes and we have recently completed a project for internationally renowned glass artist, Dale Chihuly in Seattle.
Moving forward we are trying to diversify and focus more on commercial projects to help balance out our business and continue our growth. Our continuing challenge will of course be market stability which is out of our control, being in an extremely competitive industry. Our number one challenge is product awareness - offering niche products that appeal to a variety of trendsetters, tastemakers, architects and designers is where we ideally would be."
Alternative Surfaces | (503) 830-0207| alternativesurfaces.net |
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New Spaces
Congratulations to BOP clients Dig a Pony and Betsy & Iya. Both businesses recently opened their new storefronts. As you are out and about this summer, be sure to stop by their places for a visit!
Dig a Pony: new bar with an old feel. Located at 736 SE Grand Ave.
Betsy & Iya: jewelry design studio and lifestyle boutique. Located at 2403 NW Thruman.
Welcome New BOP Clients
The BOP is happy to welcome the following new client businesses:
Von Tundra: a design house specializing in the creation of contemporary furniture, fixtures, installations, and interiors.
Dig a Pony: a new bar with an old feel situated at 736 SE Grand Ave.
Chalk-Let: It's chocolate. It's candy. It's Portland. It's a bus. 3267 SE Hawthorne.
Metrofiets: Custom built cargo bikes including their newest addition, Beer Bike rentals.
Record Room: Independent record store specializing in new and used vinyl and tapes. Beer and wine served. 8 NE Killingsworth.
Bothwick Kitchen: Handmade dessert toppings, including Salted Carmel flavor.
Kate Braidwood Masks: Specializing in larval and full-face masks.
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Program Updates
BOP Appreciation Luncheon
On May 20th over 100 people gathered at the McMenamin's Kennedy School to support small business in Portland and see the impact that the BOP has made on its community. Guests included students, BOP clients, BOP board members, community partners, sponsors, representatives from PSU as well as government officials. Award winners Betsy Cross (Betsy&Iya) and Jenn Pereau (Rawdacious) were honored for their respective success and contribution to the community. Student speaker Curtis Branson shed insight on the value of the BOP Capstone course from a student's perspective. Portland State University President Wim Wiewel gave an uplifting speech about the economic and social impact that the BOP makes on both individual entrepreneurs and Portland itself.
Board Member Spotlight: Megan Moran
Bio
Meghan Moran is an attorney with David Wright Tremaine LLP focusing on business transactions and general corporate law for entities of all sizes. Her clients are primarily in the hospitality (food, wine and beer) and outdoor industries. Among other things, Meghan assists clients with entity formation and development, contract drafting and review, distribution counseling and corporate governance matters. She attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad and Lewis & Clark Law School for her law degree. Originally from Chicago, she has lived in, and loved, Portland for 11 years now. She enjoys reading, cooking, hiking and orienteering.
Interest Statement
"I have long been an advocate of growing small businesses as they create a way for communities to thrive and give entrepreneurs an outlet for seemingly boundless energy and passion. After my board position ended with Young Women Social Entrepreneurs--an organization that provides business-building resources to women--I was looking for another way to get involved. The PSU Business Outreach Program board was the perfect fit. The BOP is invaluable by providing skill-building in all areas and creating a sounding board for those that may need some extra assistance to get their business off the ground or to move to the next level."
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Microenterprise Abroad
BOP Director Visits Nicaragua
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Lara Damon and PSU MBA students with a Nicaraguan family in their home after installing a solar panel and wiring the home for electricity. This is the first time this family has had light by electricity in their home.
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BOP Director, Lara Damon, recently returned from a study abroad trip to Nicaragua. Lara's trip to the rural villages of Nicaragua was another great opportunity to expand her knowledge of microenterprise and fuel her passion to learn more about the smallest of small business.
Through the PSU MBA program Lara traveled to Boaco, Nicaragua to study renewable energy and micro-enterprise. Hosted by a non-governmental organization in Nicaragua called AsoFenix, PSU MBA students were able to hike in and out of villages to assess, install and/or measure the outcomes of micro-renewable energy projects.
"This experience was quite humbling. I appreciate the opportunity to be welcomed into the homes of these Nicaraguan families, have them share their challenges with us, and seek our advice on how to sustain and grow their businesses to provide for their families. Culturally, international microenterprise differs greatly from our work in the U.S. but one thing seems to always remain the same throughout cultures, micro-entrepreneurs have a passion for what they do and are working hard to reach their goals of growing a business to sustain their families and communities. I have a lot of respect for these hard working individuals and feel honored to be able to work with them in reaching their goals both in Portland and in Nicaragua." -Lara Damon
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Upcoming Events
Business Development Workshop Series
Starts Wednesday, October 12th | 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-October 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 bop@sba.pdx.edu to register.
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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.
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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
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