By Brenda Alling, WSU Vancouver
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver has received the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Regional and Economic Development Award for the success of its Business Growth Mentor & Analysis Program in the Carson College of Business.
Business Growth MAP provides analysis and consulting to small businesses while preparing business students for the workforce through experience working on real issues. Since 2011, more than 400 students have participated, 119 organizations have been helped and participating companies have grown $2.3 million in new revenues and created 26 full-time jobs.
The award requires institutional excellence represented by campus activities that:
• Promote innovation and technology transfer to local businesses, nonprofit organizations or governments
• Improve regional competitiveness and prosperity
• Foster entrepreneurial activity on the campus and in the community
• Address workforce development and job creation issues