Small Business Development Center - Mesquite Office

Rachel Dahl

Nevada Small Business Development Center has offices across the state, and is part of a nationwide assistance program funded in part by the U.S Small Business Administration in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  The SBDC offices help people start and grow businesses in order to create economic growth through the creation of new businesses and new jobs, the retention of jobs, and access to capital. 
Rachel Dahl, President/CEO of MRB knows the importance of a strong local small business culture when it comes to attracting industry to a community.  “We cannot do our job of industry attraction if our small businesses here are suffering or are non-existent,” she said.  “We are more than please to host the SBDC in our offices and work closely with Suzy and the state team to provide access to the extensive resources in this state and facilitate small business success in our community.”
The SBDC offices across the state are a resource for one-on-one counseling services, which are free to business owners and entrepreneurs.  SBDC counselors also offer workshops, business planning, educational courses, assistance writing the ever-intimidating business plan, and a variety of other services.  There are several different business assistance opportunities that may be helpful when thinking about starting a new business or strengthening and existing one.  Counselors routinely help with researching demographic data and analysis, environmental management and energy assistance, writing proposals, and providing assistance with government contracting. 
Over the years, the training opportunities available through the SBDC have grown and include a wide variety of workshops, seminars, and courses in collaboration with public and private sectors.  There are many successful business owners and advisors teach entrepreneurial practices to new and existing business owners through a wide range of training events and the training schedules can be accessed on the SBDC website. 
Business Counseling through the SBDC office includes assistance with starting a business; for those who have always had an idea and want to make it a reality assistance ranges from legal structure selection, licensing and permitting, market research, site selection, business plan creation, finding capital, and franchising agreements. 
Other challenges are often faced by existing businesses who are seeking to grow and expand and include managing cash flow, strategic planning, developing a network, rebranding and reinventing, establishing personnel policies, marketing, and succession planning.  Also available is help with sustaining businesses with expertise in valuing and buying a business, hiring employees, legal and tax considerations, customer service, financial management, risk management, marking, advertising, sales, and more. 
Bennet encourages anyone who has thought about starting their own business as well as those who are currently in business and ready for expansion, or if your existing business is experiencing challenges, to contact her at the SBDC office by phone, 702-613-0109 or email sbdc@MRBNV.org.
“Starting or growing your business can be intimidating,” said Bennett, “the SBDC office has resources that can help and I am so excited to serve our region and be a guiding hand for our small businesses.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the SBDC offices can go online to www.NevadaSBDC.org to sign up to request counseling assistance or access the extensive resources that are offered.