COBE’s location in the heart of our region’s business center and close relationship with the business community provides unparalleled opportunities for COBE students. The unlimited number of student internships and projects provide a laboratory of action-based learning, real-world experience, a sampling of careers, and a foot in the door. Not only do COBE students benefit from these opportunities, but businesses also prosper.
For example, this Fall students in GB450 worked with several clients of COBE’s business help centers (Small Business Development Center and TECenter). Each team conducted a financial assessment, a SWOT analysis and a final project / presentation. The objective, scope and deliverables for the final project were based on the client’s needs and the findings in the financial assessment and SWOT analysis. Below is a list of the businesses helped and services provided:
Free Wheel (SBDC client)
The team presented a three-pronged business strategy for this early-stage company. They examined the target market and assessed the feasibility of licensing, partnering and manufacturing the Free Wheel product.
Satin Serenity (SBDC client)
The team conducted a company review, analysis and provided strategic recommendations. They assessed the profitability of each product and reviewed their current channels of distribution. Their recommendation included website improvements, affiliate marketing and public relations.
AeroLEDs (TECenter client)
The team completed a financial analysis and examined the product-level profitability as well as company-wide profitability. They made recommendation to save the company money and track expenditures as they grow.
Nutralife (SBDC client)
The team conducted a feasibility study for an early-stage product. They identified and examined three potential target markets.
Ready Financial (TECenter client)
The Team conducted a target market study. They examined the current customers and identified strategies and tactics to increase their pre-paid debit card usage. They also explored alternative marketing tactics and potential alternative markets.
Best Bath (SBDC client)
The team conducted a thorough market review of State and federal contracts as well as hospitals. The project detailed the next steps the company needs to take to be eligible for these contracts and how to bid on them.
MetaGeek (TECenter client)
The team conducted a retail market review which consisted of a customer survey as well as one-on-one interviews with retail managers. Their findings will help Metageek decided whether or not to pursue a retail sales channel.
Milligan Events (SBDC client)
This team conducted a market analysis for event planning. They examined the target market and identified emerging technologies, event planning trends and industry trends in North America and Europe.
Idaho Candy (SBDC client)
The team examined Idaho Candy’s accounting processes, cash flow, production and marketing. They provided recommendations to the company to help them reduce their overhead and grow their business.
Entrepreneurial Management 421: This entire class focused on one company, AuctionFrogs.com (TECenter client). The class was divided in half and one half focused on developing a management strategy and the other half focused on a marketing strategy.
To see more examples of how students add value to local organizations click here
To learn more about the services offered by COBE help centers go to the following websites:
The Small Business Development Center
TECenter
TechHelp
