SBDC advisors showcase entrepreneurial expertise on ‘Hello, Rose City!’
Story by James Hill
From left, PCC small business advisors Jill Beaman, Kayla Banda and Elisa Wickstrom chat with KGW host Lacey Evans.
The bright lights of local television were not too bright for Portland Community College’s Small Business Development Center staff.
Portland Community College’s Small Business Development Center received an impactful five-minute spotlight on KGW’s “Hello, Rose City!” show on Aug. 4. Business advisors and training facilitators Jill Beaman, Kayla Banda and Elisa Wickstrom explained how PCC’s SBDC helps entrepreneurs move from an idea to a commercial ready product and potential for a viable business through expert-led training and individualized advising. The conversation centered on “Getting Your Recipe to Market,” the SBDC’s program for aspiring food-product entrepreneurs and its 20-year anniversary. Overall, more than 7,600 people watched the show live and generated more than $5,400 in Publicity Value, demonstrating the message was effective.
Watch the “Hello, Rose City!” Segment.
“This is a must see five-minute spot that was brilliantly coordinated and presented,” said Tammy Marquez-Oldham, director of PCC’s SBDC. “The members of the PCC SBDC Leaders team watched this today and it was inspiring.”
They described the many steps between a home recipe and a shelf-ready product, food safety and science, packaging and labeling, pricing and costs, production, distribution, marketing and pitching to retailers. The segment also highlighted PCC’s partnerships with Oregon State University’s Food Innovation Center and New Seasons Market, including opportunities for participants to receive practical feedback from industry professionals and buyers. Read the PCC feature about the GYRM anniversary and impact on local entrepreneurs.
“Today, many GYRM alumni can be found on the shelves of New Seasons Market and other retailers throughout the region and nationwide, a testament to the lasting impact of investing in Oregon’s small businesses and the communities they serve,” Banda said.
The appearance went well. Overall, it was a strong, positive showcase of PCC as a practical partner for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. This was fifth of a multi-part focus on PCC and its academic, training and support programs. Earlier in the summer, KGW featured:
- The college’s Office of Planning and Construction and PCC’s bond work
- International Ed and the Impact of Its Students
- Panther Athletics is a Slam Dunk
- Payal Roy: Math Faculty And Belonging Expert
Learn more about PCC’s SBDC by visiting pcc.edu/small-business/
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »