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David Chavez and his business partner had owned two small event space locations in Las Vegas for several years, but found they were limited in terms of the number of people and services they could accommodate. When one of their locations was at risk of shuttering because of a building sale, Chavez knew that if he wanted to continue expanding his business, he needed capital infusion to acquire a larger space to host more grand events for his customers.
"Nevada SBDC is a blessing. I'd definitely recommend the services and mentoring they offer — it's such a gift. All you have to do is reach out."
Chavez reached out to Nevada SBDC for assistance, working closely with Nevada SBDC expert business advisor Anabel Navarro to work on financial planning and marketing strategy. Chavez also attended the NxLevel business education class (also taught by Navarro) to learn advanced business techniques and applied for the Clark County Office of Community and Economic Development's Technical and Economic Assistance Program (TEAP). Nevada SBDC provided the technical assistance portion of the TEAP program, ensuring that awarded funds were used to appropriately sustain or grow Clark County small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chavez successfully graduated from the 10-week NxLevel program and now has a slate of new tools at his disposal to sustain and grow his business. He also successfully completed the 12-month long TEAP program, receiving a capital infusion grant of $25,000 and in-depth guidance on expanding. Factory of Dreams Banquet Hall was able to expand and acquire a much larger space, allowing Chavez to host an array of grand events including weddings, birthdays, quinceaneras, and more. The business is on track to do nearly $1,000,000 in sales in 2024.
John Pinnington owned and operated AA Printing, providing same-day, full-color digital printing services and supplies to the Las Vegas valley for several years, but began to feel that his business was becoming stagnant. Pinnington knew he needed a boost of capital and new ideas if he wanted to continue growing his printing services. After discovering the Clark County Community and Economic Council's Technical and Economic Assistance Program (TEAP), Pinnington applied and was paired with a Nevada SBDC advisor to assist with the technical aspect of growing his business.
"The Nevada SBDC has been an invaluable partner in growing my business. The grant they helped secure for my company has allowed me to expand our marketing efforts and hire a new employee, significantly boosting our growth. Their expert guidance, tailored resources, and unwavering support helped me navigate challenges and uncover opportunities I hadn't considered. I truly credit their expertise for not only helping me secure the grant but also guiding me in leveraging it effectively to grow my business."
Pinnington was paired with Nevada SBDC advisor Charae Parks, who assisted him in re-tooling his business plan and providing market research. Parks worked closely with Pinnington throughout the duration of the 12-month TEAP program to ensure that he met necessary milestones and accurately processed the quarterly reports required to receive the grant funding.
AA Printing's John Pinnington completed the year-long Technical and Economic Assistance Program with the help of a Nevada SBDC advisor and SBDC interns and was awarded a $50,000 grant. He has invested this money into his business, expanding his marketing reach and hiring a new employee, guaranteeing that he can continue to provide excellent printing services to the Las Vegas area for the foreseeable future.
Christine Johnson saw an opportunity in the Reno/Tahoe area to offer mobile bar services to local weddings, corporate events, and other large gatherings, but was unsure of licensing requirements or how to raise funds to get her new venture off the ground. Without appropriate business and alcohol licensing, Johnson's dream of serving up the good times in her community would never come to pass.
"Nevada SBDC has been essential to the development and success in starting my small business here in Reno. I've been an entrepreneur my whole life; however, that doesn't mean you're an expert in all things business. Bubbles & Brews Reno Tahoe is a completely new industry for me; and when I needed guidance and help navigating some turbulent waters this year...my first call was to Nevada SBDC. The advice, the contacts and the information I receive time in and time out are nuggets of gold. Not only have they pointed me in the right direction, but they made introductions that will last a lifetime. Thank you!"
Johnson reached out to Nevada SBDC to receive guidance on what licenses she needed to obtain to legalize her business before launching. Johnson was paired with Nevada SBDC Director of Advising Jacob Carrico, who assisted her in navigating the business and alcohol licensing requirements as well as ways to fund her startup costs and launch her business.
After working with Carrico and a Nevada SBDC marketing intern, Johnson was able to acquire the appropriate licenses needed to ensure her business would be in good standing and able to serve alcohol for events in different areas. Carrico was also able to provide guidance on funding, leading to Bubbles and Brews receiving a $75,000 equity line of credit. Johnson was able to use this to purchase her major startup assets and officially launch her business.
