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The
BOP strives to develop and maintain long-term
relationships with its clients. As businesses have different
needs at different stages of growth, the BOP provides a comprehensive
set of services for emerging and maturing firms.
What services are offered? Business Plan Development Business plans are individually developed or augmented to aid clients in their firm’s development and growth. The plan is created to clearly define the business and to identify its purpose and goals. Plans define the client firm in operational and financial contexts and may serve as a tool in the loan acquisition process. Market Research and Analysis Market research and analysis is tailored to the needs of each client. Once the problem is identified, research objectives are outlined. The research plan specifies relevant data sources and research approaches to follow. The information is collected and analyzed within the context of the client firm. Clients are enabled to make strategic decisions based on the findings. Marketing Plan Development Marketing plans are developed to meet the individual needs of clients. Internal and external factors are analyzed and an opportunity and issue analysis is performed. The subsequent marketing strategy includes, but is not limited to, positioning, product or service management, pricing, distribution, and communications. Marketing plans also include a plan of action, financial projections, and implementation controls. Pro Bono Legal Services with Davis Wright Trmaine LLP The Portland office of Davis Wright Tremaine provides pro bono legal services to applicable clients of the BOP. Attorneys undertake issues of business structure for tax and liability purposes, landlord/tenant disputes, intellectual property, and human resources. Assistance with cases involving litigation is not available. Human Resource Support Assistance is offered in the creation of human resource policies and the creation of employee literature (manuals). Cost analysis for employee recruitment and compensation is provided. Operations Assistance Client firms are evaluated and enhanced with respect to value chain operations and work process flow. Operations assistance with respect to human resource policy is also available. Product Cost Analysis Cost accounting to determine marginal costs and total cots of goods and services is provided. Services may contribute to current or proposed expansion of client firm operations. Business Assessment Business counselors provide honest and objective assessment of client firms upon beginning program involvement. Measurement criteria include revenue models, current profitability, profit potential, financial health, liquidity, and marketing strategy. Accounting System Set Up and Training Client firms are assisted in the set up and training on a PC based accounting system. Accounting issues and discrepancies are identified and solved. Portland State University Student Teams Having identified itself as an urban university, Portland State University requires that each student participate in a community-based learning course called a Capstone. These Capstone courses allow the student to take a course related to their course of study or in an area of interest outside their major. The Business Outreach Program was the first Capstone course offered by the School of Business, and until recently was the only Capstone course offered by the School of Business. This two-term, six credit class puts the student in the role of business consultant working with BOP clients. All Capstone course introduce students to critical thinking and how to work within a team to solve a real problem. During the first part of the term, students are given background information on the mission of the BOP and how it is implemented. Using a textbook coupled with actual situation, students learn the role of the consultant. This is where the importance of the student's work is emphasized: business owners are seeking solutions to their problem from the student teams. Teams are self-selected and are required to develop a team contract. From the list of businesses needing assistance, each team chooses a project. After a couple of initial meetings with the business owner, the team devises a Statement of Work based on their understanding of the issue(s) the business owner wants to address. THe Statement of Work also outlines the parameters and expectations of the project. In the second term the team begins the work outlined in the Statement of Work. Once the project is completed, the team provides the business owner with an actual document and oral presentation showing what was accomplished along with recommendations based on the research. One-on-one Counselor Assessment Business Outreach Program (BOP) counselors are active business professionals within the Portland metropolitan area. Counselors work on an individual basis with clients in areas such as, but not limited to, identifying marketing strategies, establishing operating accounting procedures, and developing human resource policies. Additionally, counselors network clients to a host of beneficial contacts and resources in the Portland metropolitan area. Symposiums and Peer Mentoring The BOP sponsors quarterly meetings for its clients in the months of January, May, July, and November. Some meetings consist of roundtable discussions with metropolitan area small business owners in which problems and successes are shared. Other meetings are symposiums that target relevant client-specific business issues such as business law, accounting, and marketing. Prominent metropolitan area professionals lead the sessions and provide an interactive discourse to assist clients with their specific concerns. |
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Core
Sponsors City
of Portland, Bureau of Housing and Community Development Program Sponsors Davis
Wright Tremaine Annual Luncheon Sponsors U.S.
Bank
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