VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University’s Carson College of Business celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Business Growth Mentor and Analysis Program last Wednesday night with an event to recognize the businesses, volunteers and students involved in the program.
Created in 2010, Business Growth MAP is a pro-bono student-led consultancy. Student teams of four or five help with needs businesses identify, including startup, growth, marketing and accounting. Volunteer mentors from the business community meet with student teams weekly during the semester-long project to offer advice and feedback. Faculty members from the Carson College of Business oversee each project.
The program has grown from eight projects in the first year to 56 this year, said Mistie Josephson, program manager. It has delivered great results for businesses and students alike.
Since the program’s inception, participating companies grew $5.4 million in new revenues and created 36 full-time jobs, of which $4.6 million of new revenues and 15 full-time jobs are directly attributable to student team projects.
This year three student teams were recognized for outstanding work.
Outstanding Growth Assessment Project
Hydraulics, Inc. Team
- Kelly Hobson, 2014, management and operations
- Craig Parsons, 2014, marketing
- Julie Parsons, 2015, accounting
- Samnang Touch, 2014, management information systems
Hydraulics, Inc. is a Vancouver-based, family business that distributes Eaton Aeroquip hydraulic and pneumatic industrial hoses, fittings, accessories and specialty equipment. The student team did analysis on ways to grow the business and created compelling recommendations totaling a return on investment of more than $640,000.
Outstanding Growth Assessment Project
Maids by Trade Team
- Chris Caesar, 2015, accounting
- Jack Quilici, 2014, management and operations
Maids by Trade is a Portland-based residential cleaning service that uses green products. The student team’s recommendations provided creative solutions that can be implemented quickly totaling more than $100,000 in return on investment.
Outstanding Marketing Project
Oasis Diagnostics Team
- Nicci Johnson, 2015, business administration
- Nick Scholz, 2015, business administration
- Jana Scott, 2015, marketing
- Kevin Simmons, 2014, marketing
- Nina Wooten, 2014, marketing
Oasis Diagnostics is a developer and manufacturer of non-invasive tools for the diagnosis of diseases using saliva. The student team did marketing research for a potential new medical device in a complex industry. The team created a plan including medical research and cost documentation.
Students in Business Growth MAP benefit from the practical experience they gain. 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø 2014 alumnus Steven Kinlock said the Business Growth MAP program was the difference between reading the driver’s manual and driving the car. After two or three years of reading books and studying theory, Business Growth MAP allows you to do real work for a real business he said. Kinlock currently works as business systems analyst for Intel Corporation.
Businesses that would like to apply for Business Growth MAP services may call 360-546-9533, email bgmap@vancouver.wsu.edu or visit business.vancouver.wsu.edu/bgmap. New projects begin in late August.
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MEDIA CONTACT(S)
Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu