Boost Program Completed
Palo Alto Software gives away $3M in software to Oregonians
What:
Free Business Plan Pro software for every Oregonian ($199.95 value)
When:
This event was held on July 1, 2009.
Contact info:
- 'Chelle Parmele
- 541-683-6162
On July 1, Palo Alto Software offered a free copy of our best-selling Business Plan Pro Premier software to every resident in Oregon. No strings attached. We wanted to help spur small-business growth and entrepreneurship in our home state, which has the nation's second highest unemployment rate.
A small-business stimulus package of our own
During the one-day Oregon Small Business Boost giveaway, we worked with the state government to distribute more than 16,000 free software vouchers.
Across the state, the turnout was tremendous. Software was downloaded by residents in more than 300 zip codes, including cities like Eugene, Portland, and Salem as well as more out-of-the-way places like Joseph and Bonanza and Gearhart.
By the time the redemption period expired 48 hours later, almost 5,000people had downloaded and installed their free software.
We learned some interesting facts about these Oregonians. Most survey respondents reported that they had never written a business plan before, or that they had once started, but never finished, writing one. Only 33 percent said they had successfully completed a business plan in the past.
- 51 percent were going to write a plan for an existing business
- 24 percent had a start-up business in the works
- 22 percent were just thinking about starting a business
The free software they received was the real deal, not a trial or stripped-down version. Boost participants received the same popular, full-featured software that sells for $199.95 nationwide. And they will have access to free customer service and technical support for the life of the software, the same service and support provided to customers who paid the retail price.
Business leadership at the grass roots
Throughout Oregon, small- and medium-sized businesses are struggling to sustain growth, keep their staff intact, or even just remain open. That's why we worked with 85 Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offices, and other government agencies throughout the state to get the software into the hands of our neighbors who needed it.
As an Oregon-based small business ourselves, we at Palo Alto Software felt the Boost was a simple way we could support other Oregon businesses and help as many as possible get through the current tough times and succeed.
The kickoff event began with a speech by Eugene mayor Kitty Piercy, who spoke to a crowd of about 100 Eugenians who lined up at the Chamber of Commerce office to claim their software. "We're here today to acknowledge what Oregonians do best -- we take care of each other during difficult times. And so today, we have the opportunity to take the lead and provide a stimulus initiative of our own. This is possible because successful companies -- and the people responsible for that success -- recognize the value of giving back to their communities. This is what we call grass roots business leadership."
Helping small businesses discover local resources
As supporters of entrepreneurship and small business, we believe in the value of business planning as a growth and management tool. We are confident that our business plan software can help give Oregon businesses a boost by making available a vital planning tool to better start, run, and grow their businesses.
We also wanted to highlight the valuable resources and services provided by our government partners. Entrepreneurs picking up their free software had a great opportunity to learn more about the great people at the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, SmartUps.org, and many other statewide agencies who came out to promote their business assistance services.
"These efforts could not have come at a better time for Oregon," said Susie Stevens, executive director of Opportunity Knocks, a volunteer-driven business assistance organization.
Rose Alsbery, event coordinator for the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce, added, "We know this will help many new and current businesses learn to thrive and succeed."
Customers respond to giveaway
"As a person recently laid off, and seriously trying to start a business, I cannot thank you enough. You have a loyal customer."
"We moved to Oregon last year with the hopes of starting a new business... then the economy tanked so we have not made as much progress as we'd planned. Your software will help us keep moving forward. Thank you!"
"Thank you for your incredible gift of free versions of Business Plan Pro to start-up companies in Oregon. I am just such a company and greatly appreciate this kind gesture."
More updates to come...
Our goal for this event is to help Oregon businesses start, grow, and thrive. We will be following up with Boost participants to learn more about what they are doing with their companies. Check back here for updates in the coming months.