Nastaran Simarasl

Project 1 Summary

Client: Pomona Chamber of Commerce
Consultants: MHR 4610S (Senior Project) Students
Instructor: Dr. Nastaran Simarasl
Project Duration: Spring 2024 

Project Objective:

The Pomona Chamber of Commerce sought insights into how to better promote Pomona as a business-friendly city and understand the support needs of existing businesses.

Research Process:

- Conducted a literature review on business-friendly environments.
- Developed and piloted a 43-question survey in collaboration with the Chamber.
- Collected responses from 32 local entrepreneurs between April 1 and May 1, 2024, through both digital and in-person outreach.

Select Findings: 

- Common business challenges: 

- Hiring and retaining skilled workers
- Lack of business knowledge
- Insufficient income and perceptions of safety

- Only 30% of businesses used both websites and social media.
- Almost 30% reported not using any technology in their operations.