Special Projects
Special Projects are on a fee-for-service basis for local governments, non-profits organizations, and economic service providers
For more information about Special Projects contact Tom Dorr 360-733-4014, ext. 123.
The Center for Economic Vitality (CEV) formerly the SBDC has been involved in special projects on a fee-for-service basis for local governments, non-profit organizations, and economic development service providers. The work can encompass surveys, work-feasibility studies, cost/benefit analysis, strategic planning, and the business plan development that support our community and economic development partners. The work has included:
2007 and 2008 Projects (Alphabetical order)
Cama Beach Business Plan
Updating a business plan that will contribute strongly to a successful opening May 2008 as Washington’s newest state park
Cama Beach State Park is being restored as a “classic” 1930s fishing resort and has been struggling to open for several years. The CEV helped Cama Beach develop a 2005 business plan that resulted in $6.5 million in funding. In 2007 Park administrators solicited the SBDC to update the business plan since timelines, contractual agreements, assumptions, and funding parameters had changed.
Photo: Cama Beach
City of Bellingham Central Business District Inventory
Performing a business inventory of Bellingham’s central business district (CBD)
The City of Bellingham secured the services of the CEV to identify and document the current business environment and future opportunities in the downtown core. Using state and national benchmarks in connection with the current business inventory, the City of Bellingham was able to create a vision and strategic plan for future economic development downtown.
Photo: Kenni B. Merritt
City of Bellingham’s Permit Center Survey
Conducting a quarterly survey of recent Permit Center clients
In an on-going effort to improve customer satisfaction and process efficiency, the City of Bellingham has contracted with the CEV to survey Permit Center clients. This research consists of obtaining customer contact information, collecting satisfaction data via an online survey, and analyzing the data to identify trends, barriers, and areas for improvement.
Photo: Steven Niedermeyer
International Business Assistance Project
Undertook a primary survey with faculty from the College of Business & Economics that identified the major impacts that cross-border-owned companies have on local economies
The research found that both American and Canadian expansion brought significant employment and revenue to their host countries. While the reasons for the expansion are the same, the benefits differ. Obstacles for expansion for Canadians included labor and border issues in Whatcom County while Americans identified the federal government in Lower British Columbia. This research will be used to shape economic development policies and strategies. BPRI presentation PDF.
Native American Entrepreneurial Outreach Program
Supporting the development of sustainable businesses with the Nooksack, Lummi, Swinomish, and Upper Skagit tribes
A certified business advisor worked at both the tribal government and individual tribal member levels. Besides the development of numerous customized business education presentations on the reservations, the CEV also provided research to support the tribes’ economic development activities.
Physician Gap Analysis and Medicaid/Medicare Access Survey
Collaborating with Whatcom County’s Department of Health and the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access (WAHA) to assess healthcare issues and shortages in Whatcom County
A 2008-09 study measured the supply of healthcare providers in family practice and across 25 specialties to identify gaps in specific types of healthcare services. The survey also addressed access and capacity challenges for Medicaid and Medicare patients in the County. The CEV has been a partner in this healthcare access assessment every year since 2006.
Collaborating with Whatcom County’s Department of Health and the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access (WAHA) to help the business side of medical practices
Certified business advisors also provided business counseling to medical practices to assist with retention and continuity of care in Whatcom County.
Physician Shortage Survey and Physician Retention Survey
Collaborated with Whatcom County's Department of Health and the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access (WAHA) to assess the current and future capacity and needs for obstetric care in Whatcom County
SBDC research analysts collected survey data from every healthcare provider in the county that could officially deliver babies. Working closely with the WAHA recruitment and Retention Committee, the SBDC analyzed the data and identified important barriers and opportunities for improving access to obstetric care. Certified business advisors also provided business counseling to mediacl practices to assist with retention and continuity of care in Whatcom County.
Research Center Services Expand Statewide with Economic Gardening
Redefining best practices and expanding economic gardening abilities to Small Business Development Centers in Washington State
After years of success in supporting the retention and expansion efforts of businesses in Whatcom County with the help of Washington State legislative funding, we expanded the economic gardening services of our Research Center to all Washington state SBDCs and to under-served Economic Development Councils in Washington.
Washington State Parks Brochure
Creating a professional, full-color brochure that will be made available to more than 200,000 annual parks users
Washington State Parks sought the help of the CEV to assist in updating and improving their existing brochure. The printed piece highlights the historic vacation homes throughout the Parks system. This project consists of secondary research of the parks and vacation homes, graphic design services and conducting primary research with park rangers. Additionally, a brochure distribution proposal was developed.
Washington State Parks Data Mining
Assisting park administrators in making informed and strategic decisions regarding the best way to maximize the experiences offered to park users
Washington State Parks contracted with the CEV to perform a comprehensive data- mining project of their historical usage database. Noting a decrease in the percent of overnight repeat park users, Park administrators wanted scientific research to identify trends and opportunities.
Whatcom County Council of Governments
Serving as a subcontractor on an extensive passenger foot ferry service feasibility study
The assessment of a passenger ferry between Bellingham and Friday Harbor included a business plan, financial projections, identification of strategic partnerships, operational considerations, and the integration of customer feedback.