The Orcas Research Group (ORG) has been organized to support and encourage the creation of new businesses or the expansion of existing business on Orcas Island that will generate the majority of their revenue by selling products or services to customers off island, and will also have the short-term potential in their business plan to provide for compensation above the average wage in the county. Preference will be shown to potential businesses that preserve the overall culture of the island, do not encumber community services in excess of incremental value, and draw the majority of their employment from current residents of Orcas Island.

Pursuant to this charter, the ORG will undertake the following activities:

• EDUCATION: Work with Skagit Valley College and other educational institutions to develop and promote business courses, taught on the island, that will provide the tools and business knowledge necessary for new or expanded businesses to compete in local, national and international marketplaces.

• MANPOWER: Build and maintain a database of businesses-related talent currently resident on the island for the purpose of:
  • matching employment or consulting talent experienced in specific functions or industries with fledgling businesses

  • identifying individuals who might be encouraged to grow or expand specific business opportunities.

• MANAGEMENT: Work with local institutions to provide management assistance to fledgling, but promising businesses by matching the observed needs or weaknesses with consulting talent experienced in that function or industry.

• FINANCE: Assist new business start-ups and established businesses to obtain founding or in obtaining growth capital by building budgets, cash flow statements and proposals for presentation to the Small Business Administration, banks, or other potential sources of such capital. Establish and manage a local venture fund to provide timely and direct funding when needed.

• COOPERATION: Work with the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council, and other public business-oriented organizations to encourage their support of the Charter of the ORG.

• PUBLIC RELATIONS: Be proactive in providing public information on the goals, projects, and accomplishments of the ORG.