Mission
WSU Vancouver’s Business Growth Mentor and Analysis Program (MAP) contributes to regional economic development by helping small businesses and nonprofits grow and succeed while providing educational opportunities for Carson College of Business students.
Program impact
- Since the program began in 2011, approximately 165,000 hours of pro bono consulting have been provided to more than 390 small businesses and nonprofit organizations
- 100% of clients recommend Business Growth MAP to their colleagues
- More than $17.5 million generated in new revenues fueled the local economy since 2011
- 100% of clients will implement a recommendation from their student business consultant team
- 21 businesses participated in 2023/24
Client and student testimonials
I was very impressed with the way the students conducted the study of our business, as well as the professional approach and the creating of the library of useful data we can implement into our business.
In all, the whole team, from students to mentors to organizers were a true pleasure to work with. I had the benefit of an essentially complete business analysis by a very competent group of senior students, and moving forward will take their recommendations to heart and implement what I can to achieve growth in my small business.
The best part of the MAP experience for me was to have a group of people that were committed to the outcomes of their ideas, who were thinking really critically about the business and how to make it grow and improve. I appreciated the care and attention each student gave to this business and how seriously they took this project. It exceeded my expectations, for sure.
The absolute best thing about our MAP experience was coming away with a very clear understanding of changes that need to be made, and steps that need to be taken, in order for our businesses and nonprofit to be successful.
This course provides real-world experience in working with clients and working in groups. The ability to adapt and pivot was crucial when addressing our clients’ issues and our group members’ strengths. This experience gave us invaluable learning lessons that we will carry through our lives and careers.
I enjoyed this course and gained a lot of experience and skills along the way. I worked with an actual business and was able to give my input on solutions that I believe will help the business. I was able to work with business professionals and learn how they operate and think
Geographic reach
- Battle Ground: 1
- Camas: 2
- Lake Oswego: 1
- Milwaukie: 1
- Portland: 4
- Raymond: 1
- Ridgefield: 1
- Stevenson: 1
- Vancouver: 8
- Washougal: 1
Kudos best project team winners
Outstanding Team Project Award Recipient: Small Eats, Growth, fall 2023
Thank you
Business Growth MAP is deeply grateful to businesses and volunteers throughout the community for their help strengthening the program.
Community volunteers
- During the 2023/24 academic year, we welcomed eight new volunteer mentors to the program.
- In total, 24 volunteer mentors shared time and expertise with student teams, committing 100+ hours to projects over the course of the academic year.
Donors and sponsors
Without the generous support of sponsors, Business Growth MAP could not have the positive impact that it has on our students and the community. Thank you!
- Jane and Joe Cote (Cote Faculty Fellowships and MAP Program Student Internship)
- U.S. Bank
Advisory board
- Lisa Burkard, Riverview Bank
- Robert Benke, Riverview Bank
- Angela Clark, Distinctive Living
- Jane Cote, Professor Emerita, WSU Carson College of Business
- Julie Desimone, Moss Adams
- Fisher, Riverview Bank
- Ryan Hart, Port of Vancouver USA
- Bruce Jooste, Tax Law Associates
- Andy LaFrazia, ControlTek (retired)
- Amy McGeachy, McGeachy Consulting
- Kevin Mest, Contract Services Solutions
- Linda Reid, Heritage Bank
- Lynn Sheehan, Evolve Strategic Ventures
- Evan Strandberg, iQ Credit Union
- Micah Piippo, Intel Corporation
- Megan Yann, U.S. Bank
Thanks to generous donors, Business Growth MAP has established a MAP endowment. This endowment ensures the future of the award-winning program by delivering a dependable source of funding, insuring the ability to prepare future leaders, help small businesses and advance the local economy now and in the future.