A Strategic Plan to Grow Oregon’s Small Businesses

The Challenge
The Oregon Small Business Development Center Network was due to develop a comprehensive 5-year Strategic Plan that met federal accreditation standards and reflected diverse partners including Community College host institutions, nineteen centers across Oregon, Business Oregon, The Small Business Administration, and other key stakeholders.

Our Solution
A. Hart Associates worked with a broad, statewide group of internal and external stakeholders over six months to create the 2020–2025 SBDC Networkwide Strategic Plan. A. Hart Associates also worked with the network to implement their plan and is currently facilitating a second Strategic Planning cycle.

Outcomes
The strategic planning process was the most inclusive that the Oregon Small Business Development Network had ever completed with deep interaction by all stakeholders that will continue through implementation. The final plan encompasses the accreditation standards set by the Small Business Administration and addresses the needs of the nineteen Centers across the state. Center Directors were engaged throughout the planning to provide perspective on rural versus urban challenges as well as resource considerations based on center size. Key partners such as Business Oregon and the Statewide Advisory Council also provided input. The plan focuses on productive partnerships; continuous improvement for services with a focus on agility, accessibility, and relevance; and growing organizational capacity. Ultimately the 2025 Strategic Plan provides a roadmap to support the Network’s vision and mission: Helping Build Oregon’s Best Businesses.

Services
Strategic Planning, Facilitation and Training, Stakeholder Engagement

Learn More
Review the SBDC 2020-2025 Strategic Plan.