Services

Delivery of Services

Business Development Workshop Series

Many begin thier engagement with the BOP through our Business Development Workshop Series. This is a five-week workshop open to individuals in all stages of business development, from concept phase to ongoing operations. The focus is to build an understanding of general business concepts and assess the feasibility of the business idea. This workshop series is a forum for participants to learn from our program staff and each other. We encourage an open and interactive environment.

The series sessions include:

• Orientation: Introduction to the services available from the BOP and an initial business assessment.
• Business Planning: Overview of business planning, outline of business plans and the roles of a small business owner.
• Marketing: Review of market research, identifying your target market and advertising.
• Budgeting and Finances: Learn to budget for start-up, break even and forecast for the future and an overview of potential sources of financing your small business.
• Human Resources & Legal Considerations: How to staff your small business, legal considerations and a review of workshop concepts.

Interested in attending? Fill out our Inquiry Questionnaire.

Client Ashley Doty (Owlita) meeting with Business Advisor Leslie Siegle and BOP Director Lara Damon

One-on-One Consulting

Business Outreach Program (BOP) Business Advisors are active business professionals within the Portland metropolitan area. Business Advisors work on an individual basis with clients in areas such as identifying business and marketing strategies, establishing operating and accounting procedures, financial planning and developing human resource policies. In addition, Advisors network clients to a host of beneficial contacts and resources in the Portland metropolitan area.

Small Business Forums

Our Small Business Forums cover a range of business topics, led by professionals in particular areas of expertise. The evening events provide learning opportunities around business topics, from website development and small business legal issues to business banking and lending. These forums are designed to be informative and provide opportunities for small business owners to interact with each other and learn from knowledgeable professionals.

Student Consulting Teams

Students taking PSU's undergraduate Small Business Consulting course are put in the role of a business consulting team, working with BOP clients. The Student Consulting teams consist of three to four students, the business owner and the Business Advisor. Together this team identifies and executes a consulting project based on the needs of the business.

Student Interns

The BOP internship program allows students from the School of Business Administration (SBA) at Portland State University to gain experience as business consultants. Interns are placed with client businesses on an as-needed basis to provide specific assistance to the client and practical experience for the students. Frequently, these targeted assignments are in marketing, finance, accounting, human resources and general management. Most internships involve research and recommendations to the client; as well as hands on experience in assisting and sometimes leading the implementation of recommendations.

What We Do

Business Plan Development

Business plans are individually developed or augmented to aid clients in their business’ development and growth.  The plan is created to clearly define the business and to identify its purpose and goals.  Plans define the client's business in operational and financial contexts and may serve as a tool in the loan acquisition process.

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. 

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 businesses 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 costs of goods and services is provided.  Services may contribute to current or proposed expansion of client business operations.  

Business Assessment

Business Advisors provide honest and objective assessment of client businesses 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 businesses are assisted in the set up and training of an accounting system.  Accounting issues and discrepancies are identified and solved.

Pro Bono Legal Services

The Portland office of Davis Wright Tremaine, LLC provides some 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.
*Eligibility for these services is required.

Interested in becoming a client?
Fill out our Inquiry Questionnaire.