News

Portland State University’s Business Outreach Program (BOP) will celebrate its 12th anniversary celebration of successfully assisting small businesses. The celebration will consist of a reception and silent auction, dinner and keynote speaker, former NBA All-Star and local entrepreneur Terrell Brandon, on Thursday, May 4, 2006, from 5:15–8 p.m. in the Legacy Emanuel Hospital Atrium (2801 N. Gantenbein, Portland, Ore.).

In the 2005–2006 academic year, PSU students worked in teams through the BOP to provide business assistance to 25 companies, including Harold’s BBQ, Sylvia’s Corner restaurant, Buddha Belly Bakery, Angelo’s Meat Market, Ruby Jewel Treats and many more. Through a combination of mentoring and coaching by counselors and technical assistance provided by the student teams, BOP consulting services include creating business plans, researching market potential, developing human resource plans, and developing and implementing financial and accounting systems with interns from Portland State University and Portland Community College.

“The Business Outreach Program provides, at no cost to the client, long-term, hands-on assistance to businesses in N/NE Portland focusing on minority and women owned operations in an effort for them to reach their potential and to provide students with real-life experience working with small businesses,” said Gary Brown, director of the Business Outreach Program.

Since its inception in Portland State’s School of Business Administration in 1994, the BOP has worked with more than 400 companies, 1,000 PSU students and has helped create hundreds of new jobs in North and Northeast Portland—more than 150 in the past three years alone. The BOP’s mission is to help small and emerging businesses achieve their potential by providing knowledgeable and relevant mentoring and technical assistance, to provide students the opportunity to engage in community-based learning with local small businesses, and to collaborate with other service providers to improve the overall economic well-being of the neighborhoods the BOP serves.

The celebration recognizes the progress of participating businesses partners, the contributions of BOP supporters and advisory board members, and applauds the student consultants’ efforts. The evening features co-chairs Oregon Sen. Margaret Carter, and Bruce Warner, executive director of the Portland Development Commission, a silent auction, awards ceremony and a keynote address from Terrell Brandon, local entrepreneur and former NBA All-Star. Tickets are $45 for the general public. Media wishing to attend the luncheon should call Erin Malecha Arias at 503-725-8794. For other information, call the BOP, 503-725-3705, or visit www.bop.sba.pdx.edu.

For Immediate Release (#06-067)

Source: Gary Brown (503-725-8918)
Director, Business Outreach Program