2009 Semi-Annual Performance Report. January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009

Transcription

1 2009 Semi-Annual Performance Report January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009

2 NEVADA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER 2009 Semi-Annual Performance Report This reflects activities of the Nevada Small Business Development (NSBDC) from January 1, 2009 through June 30, ADVOCACY: Served on numerous boards and committees, as well as attended events, trade shows, and meetings throughout Nevada to promote NSBDC, SBA, and small business resources. Partnered with SCORE throughout the state to counsel NSBDC and SCORE clients on topics related to business start-up. In Carson Valley, held workshops at NNDA targeting existing businesses, alternating between starting a business and how to improve your business. In Reno participated in SCORE Business Survival Seminars. Continued to organize a monthly business training program for the Sparks Chamber of Commerce, called BizFlash, and helped market that event. Managed resource materials and access to NSBDC for Carson City s redevelopment /development office. NSBDC Business Environmental Program (BEP) staff continued to meet with local, State, and federal environmental agency representatives to identify and address the needs of businesses in Nevada. BEP provided a workshop on Green Business Practices for the University of Nevada, Reno Earth Day Event on April 21. BEP moderated the Working Smarter to Deliver Low Cost and Efficient Environmental Assistance to Small and Medium-Sized Businesses at the National Environmental Partnership Summit in San Francisco on May 6. Assisted as an Education Partner for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Education Division. Presented NSBDC services and business information to NxLeveL Course entrepreneurs. Also assisted NxLeveL instructors find business expert guest speakers for their classes. Continued to improve the NSBDC website with resource information, as well as work on a new presentation that will better assist clients and economic development partners. Staffed numerous trade booths at various events statewide, to promote NSBDC and other program and partner resources. On a monthly basis, reported to the Elko Economic Committee of the Elko Chamber of Commerce to update the community on the current status of the NSBDC and its contribution towards economic development in the county. Assisted with Critical Issues Conference for the Business Council of Douglas County. Introduced new speakers for the event and manned an NSBDC booth. Provided resources to attendees of the Pahrump Biz Expo 1

3 Primary Funding Partners ($100,000 or more/year) U.S. Small Business Administration University of Nevada, Reno U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Nevada Department of Taxation University of Nevada, Las Vegas Contributing Partners (=>$25,000/year): AT&T Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Citibank City of Henderson City of Reno Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Henderson Economic Development Humboldt Development Authority Nevada Commission on Economic Development NVEnergy Rural Nevada Development Corporation Wells Fargo Host Institutions (full-time hosts of NSBDC services) Carson Valley Chamber of NVEnergy Commerce and Visitors Authority Rural Nevada Development Churchill Economic Development Corporation Authority University of Nevada Las Vegas City of Winnemucca University of Nevada Reno Great Basin College Laughlin Chamber of Commerce Assistance Network Partners (networking and technical assistance partners) American Business Women Carson City Association Charles Schwab Asian Chamber of Commerce Churchill ARC Associated General Contractors City of Elko Association of Small Business City of Henderson Neighborhood Development Centers (ASBDC) Services Austin Chamber of Commerce City of Henderson Economic Battle Mountain Chamber of Development Commerce City of Henderson Redevelopment Beatty Development Corporation City of Las Vegas Boulder City Chamber of City of Las Vegas Business Commerce Retention Council Boys and Girls Club of Northern City of North Las Vegas Nevada City of North Las Vegas Economic Builders Association of Northern Development Nevada City of Reno Builders Association of Western City of Sparks Nevada Clark County Business Business Council of Douglas Development Advisory Council County Clark County School District Caliente Chamber of Commerce College of Southern Nevada 2

4 Community Business Resource Center Community Services Agency of Northern Nevada Dayton Chamber of Commerce Desert Research Institute Diversity in Construction Employment (DICE) Douglas County Economic Development Authority for Esmeralda/Nye Counties Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada Economic Opportunity Board of Clark County Elko County Economic Diversification Authority Eureka County Economic Development Program Fallon Area Chamber of Commerce Great Basin Development Association Henderson Business Action Committee Henderson Chamber of Commerce Henderson Convention and Visitors Authority Henderson Economic Development Resource Partners Henderson Resource Center Hispanic Business Network Humboldt County Humboldt Chamber of Commerce Humboldt Development Authority Incline Village Chamber of Commerce Japan America Society Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce Las Vegas Business Network Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Las Vegas Water District Latin Chamber of Commerce Lincoln County Regional Economic Development Authority Lyon County Lyon County Economic Development Authority Mesquite Chamber of Commerce MGM Mirage Community Advisory Council MIBN (Moms in Business Network) Minority Business Enterprise Coalition Mineral County Economic Development Authority Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Enterprise Coalition National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Nevada Alliance Group Nevada Association of Economic Developers Nevada Association of Employers Nevada Association of Purchasing Management Suppliers Nevada Business Connections Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (NCET) Nevada Commission on Economic Development (NCED) Nevada Commission on Tourism National Contract Management Association Nevada Cooperative Extension Nevada Department of Business and Industry Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation Nevada Department of Veterans Affairs Nevada Development Authority Nevada Economic Development Association 3

5 Nevada Energy Team Nevada Industry Excellence (formerly) Management Assistance Partnership (MAP) Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization Nevada JobConnect Nevada Manufacturers Association Nevada MicroEnterprise Initiative Nevada Minority Business Council Nevada Procurement Outreach Program Nevada Rural Development Council Nevada Rural Housing Authority Nevada State Bank Nevada State Development Corp. Nevada Women s Business Resource and Assistance Center NevadaWorks New Ventures Certified Development Corporation North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Northern Nevada Business Weekly Northern Nevada Development Authority NxLeveL Foundation Nye Development Corporation Opportunity Village, Las Vegas Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce Pahrump Valley Community Action Team Paiute Shoshone Tribe Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce Regional Business Development Advisory Council Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) Sierra Angels Signage Foundation for Communication Excellence, Inc. Southern Nevada Center for Independent Living Southern Nevada Certified Development Corporation Southern Nevada International Business Council Sparks Chamber of Commerce Stewart Title Sustainable Building Industry Council Tahoe Douglas Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Authority Technology Business Association of Nevada Tonopah Development Corporation Toyota Financial Services UNR Cooperative Extension U.S. Bancorp Foundation U.S. Bureau of Land Management U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Contract Management Agency U.S. Department of Commerce, Las Vegas ITA U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development U.S. Forest Service U.S. Internal Revenue Service Education Division USAA Savings Bank University of Phoenix, Las Vegas Urban Chamber of Commerce Urban League Advisory Committee Valley Center Opportunity Zone, Community Development Corp. Vegas Young Professionals Veterans Business Outreach Center Washoe County Wells Fargo Foundation Western Nevada College Western Nevada Development District Western Rural Development Center Western Sustainability and Pollution Prevention Network White Pine Chamber of Commerce 4

6 White Pine County Economic Diversification Council Winnemucca Visitors and Convention Authority CAPITAL FORMATION: Presented at the Community Bank of Nevada Small Business Financial Workshop. Provided input to Federal Reserve Bank for CRA Examination of the local area. Assisted clients in acquiring capital through traditional bank financing, increasing sales, and securing SBA guaranteed loans and private sector financing and contracts. Assisted clients with USDA and Nevada Department of Agriculture grants for businesses. Through Borrego Springs Bank, provided proposal technical assistance for clients applying for micro loans. Worked with Nevada MicroEnterprise Initiative (NMI), to increase access to capital for low income clients. Partnered with the Rural Nevada Development Corporation (RNDC) to assist in promoting business lending products. Also served on the RNDC Board of Directors. Provided ongoing work and relationship building with private investors, venture capitalists, the Nevada Development Authority, private bankers, CPAs and other private sector funding sources. INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER: Assisted clients in applying new and innovative technologies. Assisted the Nevada Institute of Renewable Energy Commercialization (NICREC) with technical assistance on a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to facilitate and enable the successful commercialization of renewable energy technology generated by researchers at regional universities and research institutions. Worked with the U.S. Forest Service on a contract to develop businesses in Southern Nevada that will utilize biomass in the production of energy and products. Provided financial, operational and business planning and strategy assistance to start-up businesses interested in Bio Technology. Continued coordinating and organizing the national SBIR conference to be held in Sparks, NV in November of

7 Through a grant from EPSCoR, o Presented seminars in Reno and Las Vegas to promote and describe SBIR/STTR funding opportunities to businesses. o Provided counseling assistance to various potential SBIR clients in diverse stages of development. The Business Environmental Program (BEP) continued to provide environmental management and energy efficiency assistance to Nevada businesses. Services included telephone and assistance, individual consultations, a newsletter, factsheet, website, and training seminars. BEP continued to operate the Western Sustainability and Pollution Prevention Network, one of eight national Environmental Protection Agency funded Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange centers serving the states in Region 9. Energy efficiency services were expanded to provide on-site energy audit assistance. BEP continues to work with the Builders Association of Northern Nevada and the Builders Association of Western Nevada to promote green residential building and renovation with builders and local governments to reduce the impacts of construction on the environment through improved energy efficiency, water conservation, waste minimization and the use of environmentally friendly products. BEP continues to work with dry cleaners and the local regulatory community to develop the Environmental Results Program for Dry Cleaners. The program provides valuable guidance to dry cleaners to ensure their compliance with regulations and document their efforts to reduce the generation of waste. WSPPN developed the following new resources: 1) the Green Business Certification Program Compilation Resource, and 2) the U.S.-Mexico Border Resource. WSPPN also updated the Hospitality and Auto Repair Pollution Prevention information Topic Hubs. BEP and WSPPN initiated planning of the annual Pollution Prevention and Sustainability conference. The conference is scheduled for October The conference will provide training on green chemistry, green house gases, green building, schools and hospitality as well as sustainable practices. INTERNATIONAL TRADE: Partnered with the U.S. District Export Council to plan Exporting 101 and 201, to be hosted in the fall in Las Vegas and video-broadcasted to Reno, Carson City and Winnemucca. Assisted small businesses interested in entering the global marketplace through working relationships with the following organizations: o U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Assistance Office o U. S. District Export Council o State of Nevada Commission on Economic Development International Office o Foreign Trade Zone o Asian Chamber of Commerce o Japan America Society o Latin Chamber of Commerce o UNLV College of Business Graduate College o U.S. Small Business Administration 6

8 Served on U.S. Department of Commerce Import/Export Committee (per appointment by the Secretary of Commerce). Provided services to business clients that have products/ services marketed internationally. MINORITY SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration, hired a Hispanic project manager, Marcel Schaerer, in April. The NSBDC s Hispanic Business and Demographic Initiative, Imagine 2012 Initiative, promotes the development of Hispanic entrepreneurial activities statewide; creates and develops opportunities to better interact and meet the needs of the Hispanic community; supports scholarly research in all business disciplines to gain and disseminate knowledge of Hispanic businesses, workforce, and the Nevada population; and identifies opportunities to secure resources for NSBDC s Hispanic Initiative. The Bureau of Business & Economic Research within the Nevada Small Business Development Center worked with the Nevada Department of Transportation to draft a statement of work for a comprehensive DBE training program. Initiated a Business Certification/Training program to: o Provide a reliable, valid and fair method of assessing skills and knowledge o Provide the NSBDC with a method of building and validating the skills of individuals and organizations o Provide the necessary training and skill sets to our MBE clients o Develop a loyal community of highly skilled certified professionals who service, sell, recommend and support their portfolio of products and services. During 1/1-6/30/09, 18 companies/students graduated from the program. Through a grant from Wells Fargo Bank and AT&T and in partnership with the Hispanic Business Network, provided bilingual counseling sessions to Spanish-speaking clients to Northern Nevada Hispanic businesses. Through a partnership with Citi Corporation, created a searchable computer database of minority-owned businesses. With assistance from the Minority Business Alliance and the Latin Chamber, it will provide a reliable resource for businesses and citizens who are seeking credible information about products and services available from minority businesses. Continued to facilitate the DBE application program for the MGM Mirage in support of their supplier diversity efforts (granted 20 DBE accreditations). Partnered with the Hispanic Business Network/Sparks Chamber of Commerce, to serve the Hispanic business community, for example, provided speakers and resources for the monthly Desayuno program, presented in Spanish, to increase awareness and attendance by the Hispanic business community. Participated as an instructor at the Native American National Economic Development Conference. Participated as a speaker at the Washoe Tribe Community Forum on Small Business Development. 7

9 BEP s Wood Utilization Program assisted in the Mt. Charleston community spring cleanup activities in May 2009, gathering more than 14 tons of pine needles and woody debris. That biomass was subsequently transported to the Moapa (Paiute) Indian Reservation for use as soil amendment on their tribal lands. Served as a committee Member for the Minority Business Enterprise Coalition in Southern Nevada, whose purpose is to facilitate business opportunities and market share growth for minority business enterprises (MBE) through the interaction of corporate members and advocate organizations. The coalition strives to be an organization providing best-in-class advocacy, education and training for MBE growth and development, along with promoting equal access to procurement opportunities throughout Southern Nevada. Served on the Regional Business Development Advisory Council (RBDAC), Contract & Procurement Database as a committee member Continued to provide assistance to existing and prospective minority business owners. Racial and ethnic minorities comprised 51% of Southern Nevada s client portfolio during this period. Staff members regularly field inquiries about certification options for minorities, women, veterans and disabled persons and provide assistance with SBA 8(a) and SDB applications as well as US DOT and other private organization certifications. In addition, the NSBDC continues to facilitate the DBE Accreditation program for MGM Mirage in support of their supplier diversity efforts. Continued to work with Rural Nevada Development Corporation to provide business assistance to Native American Tribes. RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: A Phase II proposal was developed in conjunction with other UNR and DRI researchers to enhance economic development efforts in the Walker Basin, in alignment with increasing the quantity and improving the quality of water reaching Walker Lake. Through the Nevada Commission on Economic Development s CDBG program, provided business assistance, training and community assessment support in rural areas (funding: $140,000 for FY09-10). The NSBDC received a $144,965 stimulus grant called Campus Kids, an initiative in partnership with UNR and the Boys and Girls Club, aimed at improving workforce development skills for teenagers and increasing the number of kids that will consider college an option in the future. The project also had an entrepreneurial component. A proposal was developed and submitted by the Bureau of Business & Economic Research (within the NSBDC), in conjunction with the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, to develop a better understanding of the potential for utilizing greenhouses in northern Nevada to profitably grow and market produce. Received a $25,000 grant from Wells Fargo and $20,000 from AT&T to assist Hispanic businesses through the NSBDC s Imagine 2012 initiative. 8

10 Received a $7,238 grant from AT&T to develop a financial management and strategic planning course for businesses. BEP received grant funding from the SBA for a Small Business Sustainability Initiative grant to fund projects offering energy efficiency assistance to small businesses. Peter Millar was hired as an Energy Management Specialist in April in order to provide energy audits and help small businesses evaluate and implement energy efficiency measures. BEP received a new two year contract from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to continue to provide hazardous waste management/minimization assistance to NV businesses through June BEP submitted two Pollution Prevention Grant proposals to EPA Region 9 to continue program assistance activities in Nevada and to host the WSPPN conference. BEP/WSPPN submitted a Pollution Prevention Information Network (PPIN) grant proposal to EPA HQ to continue funding for the Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2Rx) center activities. BEP/WSPPN submitted a grant proposal to the Border 2012 program to provide energy efficiency training to small businesses in Mexico. BEP submitted a Rural Energy Assistance Program (REAP) grant proposal to USDA to provide outreach and assistance with renewable energy and energy efficiency to rural Nevada small businesses and agricultural operations. Provided NxLeveL Certification to Citibank partners in San Francisco and Los Angeles. UNLV donated four graduate students to the NSBDC from the UNLV College of Business, a value of $38,000/year. Generated sponsorships for national SBIR conference to be held in November. NIREC will contribute $30,000 and EPSCoR will contribute about $15,000 to assist with the conference. Other sponsorships will be solicited before the conference. Implemented a $15,000 Community Development Block Grant from the City of Henderson to assist LMI clients. Managed the Carson City promotion wall offering business resource materials through a referral system set-up with the City s Redevelopment /Development office. Numerous referrals coming from their office staff validates supporting funds ($15,000 annually) from the City. Various cities and local entities provided support for business counseling efforts - Reno ($50,000), Carson City ($15,000), Douglas County ($5,000), Economic Development Authority of Eastern Nevada ($20,000), and Humboldt Development Authority ($42,000). Continued to approach various city and local governments for the NSBDC to provide counseling and economic development services. PROCUREMENT: 9

11 In Southern Nevada, partnered with Nevada POP, Clark County Purchasing /Business Development Division, Nevada Microenterprise Initiative, SBA Nevada District and Bechtel SAIC to present training and networking events aimed at business development and directly targeted to DBE businesses desiring to compete for federal, state and local government contracting opportunities In Northern Nevada, partnered with the State of Nevada Procurement Outreach Program (POP) to assist clients in accessing local, state and federal contracts. Spoke and exhibited at Senator Ensign s procurement conference. Served on the Nevada Alliance for Defense, Energy and Business in support of client contracting and Nevada test site opportunities. Served on the Regional Business Development Advisory Council (RBDAC) Contract & Procurement Database Committee. Partnered with NMI, with participation from POP, SCORE, and SBA in conducting monthly procurement seminars in Reno. The Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, Washoe County Government, Senator Ensign and the Association of General Contractors were among the hosts for these events. Over 250 small businesses attended. SPECIAL EMPHASIS GROUPS BEP continues to work with dry cleaners and State and local environmental agencies in Washoe and Clark Counties to develop the Environmental Results Program for Dry Cleaners. A workshop and training was provided to Washoe County dry cleaners on a selfinspection manual and checklist. Seventy percent (70%) of the dry cleaners in Washoe County are actively participating and have received recognition for their efforts. Clark County is implementing the inspection phase of the program. Presented Nevada Business Outlook to the Association of General Contractors Construction Outlook of 2009 in January, Regional Economic Indicators to Granite Construction s Winter University, and Washoe County Economic Update for the Association of Builders & Contractors 2009 Construction Economic Outlook. BEP continues to work with hospitals in Nevada. BEP provides free technical assistance, identify available resources, and coordinate communication among those participating in the initiative. A statewide video conference for all hospitals in Nevada is planned for July 31. BEP s Wood Utilization Program consolidated four biomass interest groups into a single statewide Nevada Woody Biomass Collaborative consisting of more than 250 individuals representing a wide spectrum of biomass utilization interests. To date, two teleconferences have linked the participants in roundtable networking and technology transfer activities. Met with TEF growers in Fallon to discuss markets for this specialty crop. Assisted with Leadership Douglas County to create an alumni program. Introduced the Center for Extended Studies and their programs as modules and to help with the year long program. The program was launched in spring 2009 with 16 enrolled. 10

12 Taught MBA graduate classes to members of the Armed Forces at Nellis AFB. NSBDC advisors provide counseling on a regular and ongoing basis to area disabled entrepreneurs including those receiving assistance from State of Nevada Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security, and Veterans Administration. The NSBDC makes its staff members available to area schools, civic, university and community groups to speak about the resource of the NSBDC and its partners as well as to assist and guide them in finding resources for their programs, projects and ideas. The NSBDC is an ongoing member of DECCA and the Governor s Cup. These entities support Business Planning competition by students for High School and Universities/Colleges. Partnered with the Nevada Rural Development Council (NRDC) and other partners to conduct community assessments in Pershing and Douglas Counties. Also, continued to follow up on Nevada s first rural community assessment, in Wells, NV. This strategic planning initiative involved week-long listening sessions, resulting in a final report with recommendations on business and community development. Met monthly with NSBDC rural counselors, via teleconference, to discuss funding opportunities and issues in rural Nevada communities. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: BEP continued to meet with companies seeking to expand to the Northern Nevada area at the request of EDAWN, NNDA, NV Business Connections and Nevada Energy Economic Development personnel, in order to inform them of environmental requirements, State programs, and permitting issues. Worked with economic development and business agencies throughout the state to help businesses relocate, as well as diversify the Nevada economy. The NSBDC Business Environmental Program assisted with environmental requirements, programs, and permitting issues. Presented Current Impacts on Construction to the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Governing Board in January and Regional Indicators to the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Governing Board in March. Provided semi-annual economic outlook reports to Heritage Bank, First Independent Bank, Nevada State Bank, and 1st National Bank of Nevada. Formulated an agreement with the Town of Gardnerville for economic development trends. Provided NAB (neighborhood advisory board districts) and Ward level demographics for the City of Reno. Applied (and application was approved) to host the 2010 University Economic Development Association national conference in Reno, NV. 11

13 BEP has established an ongoing workgroup of hotel/casinos, the convention center and airport with the intent of making their operations more sustainable through information sharing and continuous improvement. The initiative is intended to position the community to be economically competitive as standards are developed and utilized to guide green meetings and events. BEP s Wood Utilization Program provided grant writing assistance in the form of industrial engineering services to the Northern Nevada Correction Center s successful ARRA grant request. The $620,000 grant will go to correcting deficiencies in the electric co-generation facility in Carson City as well as improve biomass collection and storage at the prison site. Provided mapping/analytical services involving demographic and economic data to banks, property owners, housing developers, commercial brokers, title companies, consultants, engineering firms, SBDC clients, and SCORE clients. Participated in the City of Reno Job and Resource Expo, to help displaced individuals seek employment and/or business opportunities. Participated in the managing of the NSBDC booth and met with potential clients regarding their business ideas/concepts. NSBDC s Business Environmental Program continued to meet with companies seeking to expand to the Northern Nevada area at the request of EDAWN, NNDA, and Sierra Pacific Economic Development personnel, in order to inform them of environmental requirements, programs, and permitting issues. Continued to publish a housing report that contains trends of demographics, existing home sales, new home sales, and an inventory of the proposed residential developments by subregion for Reno-Sparks. Continued to track monthly and quarterly sales (for new and existing home and condo sales for Reno, Sparks, Incline, Washoe County and nine Reno-Sparks sub-regions) reports using Washoe County Assessor files. The NSBDC maintains access to the MLS sales database and continues to generate and provide sales reports to the Northern Nevada MLS (NNMLS). The reports also contain unique graphs and maps. Sponsored Nevada Lenders Council where federal agencies including SBA, USDA-RD, FSA, HUD and the Ex-Im Bank along with NMI and RNDC trained local lenders in programs available to banks to provide financial assistance to their clients. RESEARCH: The State Demographer continued to provide Nevada s official annual population estimates and projections for Nevada s cities and counties, as well as age, sex, race and Hispanic Origin estimates and projections for counties. Calculated current and 1960 population for the Fire Station #5 response boundary for the City of Reno. Provided population estimates for the Reno Police beats. 12

14 Assisted the Carson City Supervisors and the Douglas County Commission with a tax study, to examine the loss of tax dollars across county lines between north Carson Valley and south Carson City. Calculated population and income projections at the Census tract level for Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington for Wells Gaming Consultants (Reno, NV). Updated economic impacts of the Tessera Project, a proposed mixed-use project of office, residential, hotel, and retail located in downtown Reno, as subcontracted by Meridian Business Advisors. Calculated economic impacts of the proposed Sparks Arena at the Legends, a multi-use event venue located in the Legends at the Sparks Marina, for Meridian Business Advisors as part of a STAR bond application for infrastructure funding. Calculated economic impacts of the Nevada Independent Insurance Agents for InfoSearch International. Began development of a Hispanic surname database for the Hispanic Initiative The resulting database will be used to relate to and query from local government databases, including business licenses, voter registrations, assessor data, etc. to calculate Hispanic economic and demographic trends at the regional and neighborhood levels. Digitized and mapped electrical transmission infrastructure and selected properties in Modoc County, California for client exploring geothermal resources in Surprise Valley. Identified census tracts with the highest concentrations of distressed housing for the Reno Housing Authority. Generated monthly active listings report of home re-sales using MLS data in order to track unabsorbed inventory that assists in the projection of home sales and construction. The report includes current and historical active listings and occupancy status for nine Reno- Sparks subregions. Updated Census block-level demographics in Lyon and Douglas Counties. Generated a seamless census block-level demographic database for 16 counties in Nevada for regional analyses. Provided quarterly updates to the Reno-Sparks proposed commercial activity maps & indices developed from information found in building permits, various government meeting minutes, newspaper, and other sources associated with construction. Provided quarterly updates to the residential construction activity for each subdivision in Washoe County by conducting field surveys and researching planning documents and county assessor data. Provided monthly and quarterly housing sales stats and maps for nine Reno-Sparks subregions as annual subscriptions for the Reno-Sparks Association of Realtors and Prudential Sierra Nevada Properties. Continued to survey all business counseling clients on a quarterly basis, regarding level of satisfaction with counseling services. 13

15 Produced the Pahrump Business Activity Report for the town of Pahrump, as funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). OTHER ACTIVITY: Started work on the Business Services Group (BSG) website for the University of Nevada, Reno. This portal, managed by the NSBDC, is planned to more effectively communicate value and relevancy of business services to the community and so businesses can understand and access the knowledge resources only available from the State s land grant university. Provided training to 1,726 entrepreneurs and business owners at 97 workshops throughout the state on a wide variety of topics related to owning and operating a small business. Continued to write a monthly column, Mind Your Own Business, for the Elko Daily Free Press. Planned and coordinated the on-going Sparks Chamber BizFlash monthly training program. An average of 40 attendees per month participated in this training, co-sponsored by the NSBDC. Participated on the Elko Economic Issues Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. Availed staff members to area schools, civic, university and community groups to speak about the resources of the NSBDC and its partners as well as to assist and guide them in finding resources for their programs, projects and ideas. Participated in the 4 Cs Chamber of Commerce Coordinating Council, a seven-county region (Douglas, Carson, Lyon, Storey, Mineral, Churchill, and Pershing), to bring these rural entities together to look a ways to share limited resources and associated funding and to look at projects that can help in recruiting of new business. Continued to host SCORE in Reno and Las Vegas. The NSBDC could not effectively address all counseling concerns without the assistance of our SCORE counselors. Continued to teach NxLeveL (a 13-week entrepreneurial course, NSBDC s cornerstone training program) to business owners in Reno, Las Vegas, and rural Nevada. The NSBDC began its first NxLeveL on-line class for rural entrepreneurs. BEP, in cooperation with NSBDC and NDEP, completed the 2007 Biennial Generator Report Summary providing a snapshot of hazardous waste generation in the state during

16 SUCCESS STORIES: Steve s Homemade Ice Cream, Fernley, NV, compiled and written by Cecil "Chuck" McCumber - Graduate Assistant - Nevada Small Business Development Center Steve Cordes, the owner of Steve s Homemade Ice Cream, brings a piece of the Big Apple to Fernley. Originally from New York City, Steve grew up working weekends at a famous little Staten Island soda shop that dates back to There he learned how to make homemade ice cream and that he liked the ice cream business. After working for a time as a police officer, Steve went back to manage the soda shop for 12 years before deciding to go out on his own in the dry desert of Nevada. Steve first found out about the Nevada Small Business Development Center on the web, and recalled his first meeting with an NSBDC counselor. I called the counselor before I moved out here, in the spring of I d been out here not even a week and I had my first appointment. As to the business assistance he received, Steve replied, He [the counselor] helped give me a lot of ideas on getting financing. I wrote a business plan, and he read it and went over it with me. Student interns helped prepare financial statements. And when it came time to sign my lease, I came in and for an hour and a half the counselor sat down and went through the lease agreement with me saved me from having to hire a lawyer. So why d Steve move to Fernley, you might ask? Well Steve had been to Northern Nevada numerous times prior to leaving New York and more often after his parents moved to Fernley. He admits to having really enjoyed Reno as a tourist destination, and to having grown fond of sagebrush and desert sunrises. As for opening a business, however, Steve said, Nevada s a much more business friendly state than New York City. He added that Nevada has Better weather, better climate, and better traffic, and the people are really friendly. I like it out here a lot. And while an appreciation for Nevada helps one s chances, Steve has more going for him and his business than just kind words. It s about customer service, quality, and cleanliness, said Steve. And it s hard to deny the quality of his creamy creations. It s fresher because it s made right here on premises it s not been sitting in somebody s freezer for two months, said Steve, who purchases his dairy products from Model Dairy. I control what flavors I make and the quality comes from that personal attention that it gets. The authenticity is apparent as well. I did this for twenty years on Staten Island before I moved out here. The way you see it here is the way it was done there. I still get specialty items in New York a lot of my ice cream flavorings, for example. And the sugar cones that I get from back east are totally different from sugar cones you get on the west coast - people notice that and they tell me the difference. And he prides himself on his customer service. His employees scoop the ice cream into oldfashioned metal bowls and serve it to you at your table. On top of that, Steve s Homemade Ice Cream is the only ice cream shop in Fernley. Its population of just over 20,000 people places it at the threshold for an ice-cream shop, said Steve. But he s not worried about competition as Fernley inevitably grows. They could open up ten more, I m not worried, said Steve. 15

17 Patrons across Nevada agree. Steve made sure to send thanks to his loyal customers in Fallon, Lovelock, Winnemucca, Silver Springs, Yerington, Hawthorne, Tonopah, and Reno, and believes that word of mouth is the best advertising. Customers suggestions for flavors sometimes become standards, and I was lucky enough to taste his newest addition: Black Raspberry. And his flavor selection changes with the seasons: Peach, Coconut, and a large selection of Italian Ices for spring and summer; pumpkin, brownie batter, cake batter, and even eggnog for the fall and winter. He even serves a nonfat, no-sugaradded soft serve yogurt and makes all his own homemade ice cream cakes and pies. On having his own business Steve said, Even though I work more hours, it s more rewarding to me. I m having fun. If you work seven days a week, 100 hours a week in the summer time you have to enjoy it. Steve employs between four and five kids from the local high school. I have really good employees here, really good. I almost feel like a conductor in an orchestra, making sure everybody s doing their part, and it all comes together, said Steve. At the same time, Steve continued, I m a hands on owner I work right next to my employees. I clean the bathrooms here just as much as they do. I tell my employees from the get go, I will never ask you to do something I won t do myself. As for others looking to start their own businesses, Steve suggested, Take your time, do your research. Don t rush. If the idea s good today, it ll be good tomorrow. You ve got to do it right the first time, because if you don t, it costs too much money to go back and redo it. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Frankly, I could see sprinting back to Fernley for more ice cream. Classic Cuts Barbershop, Las Vegas, NV Calvin Tito Hudson came to the NSBDC in mid 2005 for help with a start up plan. Classic Cuts Barbershop opened for business June 6, Calvin will tell you that the planning process, finding financing and staying afloat for the first two years were a struggle. He ll also tell you he s proud to have realized his dream, or at least the first phase of his vision. Having just completed year three, CCB has five barbers, with a sixth man planning to join the staff soon. They work from a uniquely appointed space, designed like a basketball court, complete with parquet floor and goals. Patrons can wait their turn in the bleachers and even test their jump shot. I wanted to re-create the exciting atmosphere of a basketball game, says Calvin. Like any new business owner, parts of Calvin s original business plan were tweaked by actual operating experience. The marketing plan, however, has worked very well. Networking and community involvement are the keys. Classic Cuts Barbershop is located in North Las Vegas, close to four schools with low and moderate income families. CCB supports the neighborhood with annual back to school events featuring free haircuts and school supplies, toy giveaways and feed the homeless drives at holiday time. Ten $500 scholarships have been given to local students in tandem with basketball tournaments. He started social networking on MySpace. Calvin s been on radio talk shows and in the local press. He was one of several Nevada businesses featured in Microsoft s Idea Wins contest and 16

18 selected as an official vendor for the NBA All Star Weekend that same year. The shop has been profiled in Black Enterprise, Vibe and Against the Grain national magazines. Classic Cuts is a good corporate citizen. The NSBDC is helping Calvin with an updated strategic business plan that will facilitate additional staff, private label hair products, a barber college and a magazine. Calvin Tito Hudson: newlywed, master barber, and entrepreneur. PROBLEMS: Nevada is experiencing one of the worst economic downturns in the nation, and consequently a budget crisis. The NSBDC received a state budget reduction of $ 130,624. The ability to meet the continuing demands of the communities, its businesses and stakeholders persists as a logistical and financial problem. The southern NSBDC still receives the greatest portion of its funding from the University of Nevada Reno. While funding from external sources (other than SBA and University) assists in increasing and maintaining services, the reporting demands and additional scopes of work require additional management, partner support, and staff time. Lack of rural funding for base services has resulted in a critical shortage of funds for rural communities. WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES: Partnered with the Nevada Micro Enterprise Initiative (NMI), a non-profit micro-loan program that provides loans and education to area women-owned businesses. Spoke to Nevada Women Entrepreneurs, a recently formed networking group growing in Carson City, on the services and resources of the NSBDC VETERANS, SERVICE CONNECTED-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND RESERVISTS ON ACTIVE DUTY: The NSBDC participates in veterans conferences and works with SBA and our clients on the new Veterans Patriot Loan program and continues to meet with potential funding sources that can further support the NSBDC. Partnered with the Veterans Business Outreach Center. BEP staff participated in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital Earth Day event. 17

19 2009 ECONOMIC IMPACT (Jan-June): Jobs Created: 39 Jobs Retained: 2 Businesses Started: 25 Non-SBA Loans: $1,357,000 (9 loans) SBA Loans: $485,500 (5 loans) Total Loans: $1,842,500 (14 loans) Equity Capital: $1,103,630 (14 businesses) 18