Collaboration of state agencies helps small businesses develop

Collaborative efforts between the Nevada Small Business Development Center and the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative/Women’s Business Center (NMI) are demonstrating solid benefits to funding sources and the public. “More than ever state agencies must be efficient and results-oriented in how tax dollars are spent,” said Sam Males, NSBDC’s state director.

“Working with top leaders like Lu Torres of NMI makes it easy not to duplicate efforts. We’re focused on our statewide presence throughout Nevada to provide effective programs and services that ultimately lead this state to a stronger economy via small business development and entrepreneurship.”

Males was also key in bringing the volunteer organization SCORE to the NSBDC offices at UNR’s College of Business more than a decade ago. “There is impressive talent among these business mentors who volunteer their time and expertise to help our small business community.” SCORE also offers free counseling and monthly small business orientations that dovetail nicely with the wide range of NSBDC services. With more than 40 SCORE volunteers in the Reno chapter they offer quite a diverse knowledge base of multiple industries and professions.

People need to know what’s out there and who’s out there to help. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development Procurement Outreach Program (POP) will help people to compete for government contracts. There are significant grants through the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program for technology inventions and transfer. The Nevada Women’s Business Center has programs for working mothers and women re-entering the workforce seeking self-employment and self-sufficiency. These agencies are under the umbrella in some capacity of the U.S. Small Business Administration or work closely with the SBA to provide small business assistance.

“Working together on our training programs has allowed us to better serve the range of people looking for solid business plan training,” said Kathy Carrico, NSBDC’s statewide training director. “NMI has adopted the micro-level curriculum of NxLeveL, our cornerstone program for more than a decade. Nevadans now have the option to choose the 15-week NxLeveL for start-ups or the 13-week NxLeveL for Entrepreneurs curriculum. This is also true for our Spanish-speaking population as well.”

People pursuing the American Dream of self-employment sometimes want that dream overnight. Similar to a college education that lands a better paying job, smart business planning over time will more likely account for a higher profit margin. What separates the NxLeveL from most other training programs is the length of the course, the topic selection, materials and expert guest speakers each week. “You have an opportunity to ask your legal questions to a lawyer, or your financial questions to a CPA” said Carrico. “NxLeveL is applied education where you learn it today and use it tomorrow.” In the micro-stages of planning it’s important to conduct a self-assessment and a feasibility study of one’s idea. Market research is critical. Once someone completes these processes they just might be ready to write their business plan with all its important pieces to open the doors, access some capital and be their own boss.

Not everyone is cut out to own and operate a business. Too many people have lost significant dollars and valuable time trying to do it alone. No assessment, no plan, no resources and limited funding will decrease anyone’s odds for success. Nevada has resource agencies that can help, educate, guide, mentor, teach and train. By working together and understanding the roles and expertise, tax dollars are spent efficiently and small business development becomes a viable path to a stronger economy. If you’re serious about growing your existing business, your future business or simply your business idea then let us know. Call the NSBDC at 775-784-1717 or access our training calendar at HYPERLINK "http://www.nsbdc.org" www.nsbdc.org for a full listing of these agency programs.

Upcoming in Reno:

NSBDC’s NxLeveL for Entrepreneurs: 13 consecutive Tuesday evenings beginning February 21
NMI’s NxLeveL for Micro Start Ups: 15 consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning February 22
POP’s Building Successful Contracting Teams: February 16
SCORE’s Small Business Orientation: February 21 and February 25
NSBDC’s Small Business Innovative Research Seminar: February 22
SCORE’s Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: 4 consecutive Saturdays beginning March 10

NxLeveL classes are scheduled to launch throughout Nevada from February 21 through March 20 – please click on the link below if you require any specifics for Reno, Las Vegas, Carson City, Winnemucca, Virginia City or Yerington.
HYPERLINK "http://nsbdc.org/education-training/nxlevel-entrepreneur-training/" http://nsbdc.org/education-training/nxlevel-entrepreneur-training/
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