Oregon City’s Economic Development Department held the graduation ceremony for the second BIZ POD class over the weekend.
BIZ POD is an exclusive education program designed to support the growth and development of start-ups and emerging companies in Oregon City. While the program gets approximately thirty applications with each cohort, only six candidates are chosen. Hence, ensuring a balance of individual attention and group collaboration. With a focus on peer-to-peer support as well as coaching from experienced experts, it offers a unique and highly effective approach to business education.
The seven-week program is designed to offer a customized review of each business enrolled to determine their strengths and vulnerabilities, as well as training on topics such as technology data applications, logistical business operations and process flow, the use of financial data to make informed business decisions, and guerilla marketing techniques, just to name a few. Curriculum topics are presented by paid, experienced professionals who also provide one-on-one support and mentorship on their subject area of expertise.
Finally, each person who successfully completed the course received a $3000 grant to help with their business’ development.
“In today’s business environment, it is vital to have ongoing financial and market data and to know how to use it in growing one’s business. No longer is it possible or recommended that business owners run their businesses on hunches and guesses. BIZ POD helps these local/emerging business owners by arming them with tools and knowledge to overcome hurdles,” said James Graham, Economic Development Manager.
This year’s graduates were: Corinne Lowenthal from The Emerald Homestead, Heidi Blackwell from Be Well Events and Services, Maria Ekstrand from Ekstrand Creative, Jessica Guarrera from Free Flow Dance – Movement & Pole Fitness Studio, Shay Bachelder from Casler Financial, and Michelle Boerker from Trail Skipper Studio.
“This year’s cohort represented a wide array of businesses. From art and creative to finance and marketing, this group will help to broaden and strengthen our local business community,” said Graham.
Work on the third BIZ POD is already under way. Stay tuned to new announcements on the next BIZ POD Cohort.
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