| Our Sponsors | | Portland Development Commission
TriMet
US Bank
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Precision Castparts
Port of Portland
Portland State University
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BOP Turns to Social Media
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Client Spotlight
Dig A Pony
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DAP Owners: Aaron Hall, Jake Carey, and Page Finlay
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In July 2011, Dig a Pony (DAP), Portland's newest and hottest bar/restaurant opened at the corner of SE Morrison and Grand. Owners Aaron Hall, Page Finlay and Jacob Carey have worked diligently over the past 18 months preparing to launch their new business, with the idea to bring good friends, food and cocktails together in a warm, welcoming establishment...and that they have done.
At the pre-start up stage of Dig a Pony, the owners sought out the assistance of the PSU BOP to help them take their ideas of being business owners to a reality. With in-depth support through one-on-one advising from Lara Damon, DAP's primary advisor, the team worked endlessly and patiently to find an ideal location, develop the business model and execute a build out for the new space. DAP has worked with BOP community partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP., to assist with an operating agreement and lease agreement. BOP student resources have leant a helping hand to the business plan development of DAP, in addition to working with a BOP Accounting Intern to help set-up and train them on bookkeeping practices.
Since the grand opening in mid-July Dig a Pony is well exceeding their projected growth and currently employs twenty-eight Portland residents. The BOP is happy to see the hard-work of Aaron, Jacob and Page be realized through the success of the business and will continue to support them over the first few years of their growth into becoming an established business and valuable contributor to the Portland economy.
"Dig a Pony will be eternally grateful for the help and support from the BOP. They provided an amazing amount of information and insight during the process of starting our business, and continue to offer their support and knowledge now that our business is open. If we have questions they may not be able to answer from their own experience they will go to great lengths to research and find the best option for our business. What more could a small business ask for? It has been a privilege!" ~The Ponies (Aaron, Page and Jacob)
Dig A Pony, 736 SE Grand Ave. www.digapony.com
Open daily 4 pm-2 am, happy hour 4 pm-7pm.
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Upcoming Learn + Network Event
Credit, Banking & Lending for Your Small Business
Monday, November 7th | 6:30-8:30pm
presented by
PSU Business Outreach Program
Do you want to better understand the banking and lending environment for your small business?
Join us for an evening of learning and discussion to help you understand how your personal credit, the microlending environment and business banking relationships can help you and your small business prepare for growth.
Guest Speakers include:
- Abby Becic-Wood, Metropolitan Family Services on Personal Credit
- Sanford Maddox, Microenterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) on Microlending
- Miten Bhatia, US Bank on Business Banking & Lending
Where: Portland State Business Accelerator | 2828 SW Corbett Ave.
Driving Directions: www.psba.pdx.edu/drivingdirections
This event is provided at no cost to PSU BOP clients or participants of partner organizations. Please RVSP at: bop@sba.pdx.edu Questions: contact us at: 503-725-9820 or bop@sba.pdx.edu
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Program Updates
TriMet seeks the services of PSU BOP to support Small Businesses
As TriMet continues to develop public transit via light rail throughout the Portland community, they have sought the services of the PSU Business Outreach Program to help businesses that are being affected by future transit projects. The BOP is working with small businesses along the new Portland-Milwaukie line to help mitigate the impacts of transit construction. Eligible businesses are offered customized one-on-one consulting services including but not limited to; business strategy, marketing, operational planning, relocation assistance and financial planning. The BOP expects to serve over thirty businesses under this contract over the course of the next couple years. We look forward to building our partnership with TriMet while continuing our organizational mission to help small businesses sustain and grow their business and reach their potential.
Welcome Scott Robinson, BOP Business Advisor
The BOP is proud to welcome Scott Robinson as our newest Business Advisor. Scott comes to the BOP to lead our TriMet project.
Scott has been a business consultant for over six years working with small and medium sized businesses providing financial, marketing and strategic support. His clients have included wind power, telecom, online, transportation logistics and manufacturing companies.
Scott provides companies with assistance in developing business plans, financial budgets, strategic alliances and in building management teams. Prior to consulting, Scott was an investment banker at Strategic Group Equities in Portland, Oregon.
"I enjoy working with business owners and helping them grow their business. Each owner has so much experience, knowledge, and expertise about their business and industry. I learn something new every day. My experience from working with dozens of businesses can often help business owners recognize an opportunity or find solutions."
Student Engagement
This fall PSU students in our Small Business Consulting course are working to help three local businesses with their growth plans. We are proud of the work that these students and local businesses put forth to make Portland a great community. Click on the logos below to check out this term's businesses, Portland Pedal Power, Metrofiets Cargo Bikes, and Chalk-Let Mobile Candy Bus.
 
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Resources
PSU BOP and the Portland Business Alliance partner to extend resources to BOP small business clients
Current participants in PSU's Business Outreach Program have a new benefit - a trial membership with the Portland Business Alliance, the region's chamber of commerce. Whether it's helping businesses grow, advocating at City Hall, or giving back to the community, the Portland Business Alliance is here to help businesses grow and improve the economic vitality of the Portland region. Program participants will be able to engage in Alliance committee work, receive member pricing at Alliance events and build relationships with the other 1,200 member companies.
"Your commitment to the success of your company inspires us," said Alliance President and CEO Sandra McDonough. "It is because of your passion, hard work and dedication to strengthen your business that we are pleased to offer you a trial membership as our gift to support your efforts. It is the hope of the Alliance that you take advantage of your membership to meet potential customers, increase your visibility, have a voice and save money!"
For more information regarding this benefit to BOP clients please contact bop@sba.pdx.edu
211info.org - Connecting People with Community Resources
There's no manual for dealing with life's problems. That's why 211info, a local nonprofit, provides community services knowledge to those who need help. Every year, 211info makes more than 250,000 connections to vital services as diverse as foreclosure assistance to the most up-to-date information on flooding or a storm.
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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.
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Lara Damon, Director
Business Outreach Program School of Business Administration Portland State University
503-725-9820 office
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