develop ADVANCED BUSINESS SKILLS

Pictured: Increase Project cohort 1 celebration

Applications are not open at this time

If you would like to be notified when the application reopens, please email: hello@livelihoodnw.org

GROW YOUR BUSINESS. You have built your business to a promising level of success. Now it's time to grow your business skills and take them to the next level. This 1-year, intensive, executive education program combines one-on-one advising with group learning and peer support.

are these challenges getting in the way of business growth?

 

  • Has your business run - without a plan - for too long? 

  • Looking for help keeping yourself accountable?

  • Feeling isolated as a small business owner?

  • Need a fresh perspective, new resources, or professional connections?

  • Has revenue or profit plateaued? Or started to decline?

  • Struggling to hire or retain good employees?

  • Are your internal systems breaking and causing mistakes or inefficiencies?

  • Unsure which opportunity or path is best for your business?

  • Need more tools to evaluate how your business is doing, and decide where to go next?

  • Is it time to create intentionality around your next stage of growth?

 

Are You ready to…

Learn and grow and try new things? Work ON your business, not just IN your business?

increase project could be a great next step

Program Benefits

Taught by our professional Business Advisors, using the Interise Streetwise MBA Curriculum, you will explore advanced skills in: strategy, marketing, and financial & resource management. You will use those skills to craft your own 3-Year Strategic Growth Plan™, a detailed and action-oriented roadmap from where you are now to where you want to be in the future.

No previous degree or affiliation with upper education is needed.

Lara Damon (Executive Director) at the Increase Project celebration

  • In this program, you’ll create a 3-Year Strategic Growth Plan: an internal, strategic roadmap, detailing your specific journey from where you are now to where you want to be in 3 years.

    You’ll work together with your instructor, cohort of peers, guest experts, and Business Advisor to craft an actionable plan for YOUR business and YOUR goals you can actually use.

  • Develop the advanced business skills needed to create your growth plan, measure your progress, and access the resources you will need to grow.

    Build your skills in the following areas so you are equipped to grow your business to the next level.

    • Business development strategies

    • Strategic planning

    • Finance and financial management

    • Marketing/sales

    • Human resources

    • Accessing growth capital

    • Contracting with the government & major corporations

  • Grow your professional network of business owners and resources. Connect with peers and industry professionals, and access resources.

    • Monthly meetings with a Livelihood NW professional Business Advisor

    • Group learning sessions

      • 15 group learning sessions (over 9-11 months)

        • The schedule varies by cohort

      • 1 final presentation event & celebration

      • 7 focused peer discussion group meetings

      • All meetings & events are virtual, via Zoom

    • Self-guided learning assignments to prepare for each session

    • 4 growth plan drafts with advisor feedback

ELIGIBILITY & COST

 

  • Minimum Eligibility Requirements

    • Must live or have a business in Oregon

    • 1+ years in business

    • $50k+ annual revenue

    • Interested in growing your business

    • Willing to learn new skills and try new things

    • Flexible schedule and/or employee(s) to cover operations 4-6 hours per week

    • Existing bookkeeping system & ability to run standard reports — Not there yet? We can help you get there! Schedule an Open Accounting Advising meeting with our Livelihood NW Accounting Advisors.

    Ideal Candidates

    These metrics are flexible, and we evaluate every application individually:

    • 2+ years in business

    • $100k+ annual revenue

    • 1+ employee (other than the owner)

    If you have questions, please email us or contact us.

    • This program has an engagement fee of $200-$1000 based on household income

    • Scholarships are available

    • We will make sure that the fee will not be a barrier to enrollment in this program

  • In collaboration with various community partnerships, and supported by program grants and giving, Livelihood NW offers a variety of free and low-cost programs. Learn more about our program sponsors and partners.

 

Have More questions?

Meet with an Increase Project Instructor to get your questions answered before applying, or nominating a business.

 

Increase Project clients

testimonials from past Increase project clients

Are you a current Increase Project Client?

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APPLY

Applications are not open at this time

If you would like to be notified when the application reopens, please email: hello@livelihoodnw.org

Can’t wait? Meet with a Business Advisor through Open Business Advising — No application needed!