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News Release
June 28, 2007
Idaho Small Business Development Center Offers Workshops for
High-Growth Businesses
The Idaho Small Business Development Center, based at Boise State
University, is offering two workshops throughout the state aimed at helping
high-growth businesses that are struggling with profitability.
The workshops are part of a special project to help small- and medium-sized,
high-growth companies in Idaho maximize profitability by streamlining their
operations using integrated software solutions.
Workshop presenter Jeff Fletcher has more than 20 years’ experience in
business consulting, operations management, product development,
manufacturing and product support. Having worked in high-growth environments
at a Fortune 500 company as well as a small start-up, Fletcher is well
acquainted with the challenges of managing profitable growth.
Following the workshops, attendees will have an opportunity to apply for
assistance in the selection and/or implementation of an enterprise resource
planning (ERP) system. Up to 12 companies will be chosen from workshop
attendees through a competitive application process. The 12 companies will
receive up to $20,000 in grant funding to supplement their own company funds
for this project.
The project is supported by a grant from the U.S. Small Business
Administration and project partners Idaho TechHelp and Kocer Consulting and
Engineering.
“It is rare that we receive funding for this kind of project,” said Jim
Hogge, Idaho SBDC director. “The cost of a workshop of this caliber would
typically be at least $1,000, and we expect that most companies will be able
to quickly apply the concepts learned to see immediate bottom line value.”
Workshop I will examine the nature of high-growth companies, the types of
issues they experience and strategies for improving and sustaining
profitability. Case studies are used to highlight the importance of
strategic planning in the areas of organizational development, operations
and enterprise resource planning. Attendees are introduced to tools they can
utilize to evaluate business processes and identify opportunities for
improvement within their own high-growth organizations. Consulting services
and business resources available through the Idaho Small Business
Development Center and affiliated organizations will be discussed.
Workshop II will build on concepts for high-growth companies introduced in
Workshop I. Managing a company through a period of high growth is a complex
and challenging undertaking. It requires a wide range of technical,
financial, organizational and interpersonal skills. This course is an
opportunity for participants to build the skills, knowledge and contacts
needed to develop and implement effective strategies. Proven tools and
business practices employed by successful companies will be reviewed.
Enterprise resource planning system capabilities, potential benefits and
implementation strategies will be discussed in detail. Potential benefits
derived from consulting services also will be examined.
All workshops will run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; registration opens at 7:30 a.m.
The cost is $49 each. To register in advance, visit www.idahosbdc.org.
The schedule is as follows:
Boise/Nampa — Workshop I, July 11; Workshop II, Aug. 15; Boise State
University West Campus
TECenter, 5465 E. Terra Linda Way, Nampa, 208-426-3875
Post Falls — Workshop I, July 26; Workshop II, Aug. 23; North Idaho
College Workforce Training Center, 525 West Clearwater Loop, 208-666-8009
Lewiston — Workshop I, July 24; Workshop II, Aug. 21; Lewis-Clark
State College Williams Conference Center, 500 8th Ave., 208-792-2465
Twin Falls — Workshop I, July 17; Workshop II, Aug. 29; Red Lion
Canyon Springs Hotel Conference Center, 1357 Blue Lakes Blvd. N.,
208-732-6450
Pocatello — Workshop I, July 31; Workshop II, Sept. 11; ISU
Business/Technology Center, 1651 Alvin Ricken Drive, 208-232-4921
Idaho Falls — Workshop I, Aug. 1; Workshop II, Sept. 12; Idaho
Innovation Center, 2300 N. Yellowstone, 208-523-1087
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Contact: Jim Hogge, Idaho Small Business Development Center, (208)
426-3799, jhogge@boisestate.edu
Media Contact: Sherry Squires, University Communications, (208)
426-1563, ssquires@boisestate.edu
Boise State University is the largest institution of higher education in
Idaho, offering more than 190 fields of interest in eight colleges. The
deadline for degree-seeking students to apply for fall admission is July 18.
Discover the New U Beyond the Blue.
The Office of Communications and Marketing - Boise State
University
1910 University Drive - Boise Idaho 83725-1030
Located in Capitol Village, 2225 W. University Drive
208-426-1577
(fax)208-426-4001
email
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Last reviewed on
Thursday, June 28, 2007
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