Answers to Pacific Business Center Program Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs)
Why should I use PBCP? We can link you to technical experts throughout the University
of Hawaii system and with other universities and colleges
in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. UH alone has over 5,000
experts in 88 fields. We have close working relationships
with governments, institutions, and agencies, including the
US Department of commerce’s Economic Development Administration
and Small Business Administration. We have strong contacts
with private sector businesses, and with business and educational
organizations in Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.
Our staff has many years of experience working in a variety
of businesses in the public and private sector, as well as
consulting and teaching in the Pacific region.
How confidential is the work done for me?
Our PBCP staff is trained and diligent in respecting and maintaining
our clients’ confidentiality, including proprietary information.
Procedures are in place to ensure the confidentiality of client
discussions, records, and other privileged information.
Can you provide me with practical advice I need now?
Yes. PBCP has served over 1,800 clients over the past 15 years,
many in less developed rural areas and remote islands in the
Pacific, from start-up businesses to well-established major corporations
in the Pacific.
Do students advise clients?
Yes, as appropriate. MBA graduate research assistants and business
development support specialists research issues for the professional
staff, who closely supervise their work. Many of the students
have worked several years in a variety of industries, before
enrolling in the University of Hawaii for their MBA degrees.
Who are PBCP clients?
PBCP clients range from government agencies and non-profit organizations,
to entrepreneurs, small family businesses, limited partnerships,
and small and large corporations. We assist clients in Hawaii,
American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Marshall Islands, Palau and the Federated States
of Micronesia (Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Yap). We also work
with clients in other Pacific Island nations, in coordination
with their governments.
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