Though best known for large corporate gaming entities that power the state’s economy, Nevada is also home to 313,000 small businesses that create about two-thirds of the jobs, said Saul Ramos, district director of the Nevada Small Business Administration.
He works to help those businesses access capital and technical assistance programs that help them, and by extension the state, thrive.
“I’ve been blessed to meet amazing individuals and business owners throughout Nevada, from Elko, Ely, Reno, Fallon, Hiko, Pahrump, Mesquite, Boulder City and, of course, Las Vegas,” Ramos said. “When I talk to and look at these amazing individuals, I see courage, I see hope, I see resilience. I see champions.”
What’s the bird’s-eye view of the current state of small-business entrepreneurship here?
More than two years from the pandemic, businesses are now dealing and adapting with economic uncertainties, global disruptions, employee attraction and retention, challenges of inflation and securing debt. It’s also a good time for small-business owners to turn toward their local and national resource networks for possible solutions. Many of these resources, including SBA and resource partners, offer free marketing, accounting and record keeping, loan applications, new business start-up, capital formation, technology development assistance, business planning and more.
What’s something people need to know about SBA, but probably don’t?
Every year SBA offers a free THRIVE Emerging Leaders Reimagined program. It is an executive-level training series intended to give ambitious small-business leaders a challenging opportunity to accelerate their growth through targeted training led by motivating leaders in small-business development.
Since its inception in 2008, SBA’s Emerging Leaders has trained over 5,000 small-business owners, creating over 11,000 jobs, generating nearly $1 billion in new financing, and securing over $4 billion in government contracts.
As a result, SBA Emerging Leaders help build sustainable businesses that promote economic development within their communities.
A perfect example of a local SBA Emerging Leader alumni is Juanny Romero. Juanny opened her first café and grew the Mothership Coffee brand in Las Vegas by learning every angle and job. She was her company’s first and only barista and now employs and manages a team of more than 50 employees. Juanny has applied the lessons she’s learned from SBA’s Emerging Leaders program to nurture a lean staff and stay connected to her local Las Vegas community.
Juanny is an incredible SBA success story and reminds us that when we power entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, they create jobs and build a community to advance our nation and economy.
What would you say to someone who thinks Southern Nevada has already grown too much?
Southern Nevada’s growth involves complex trade-offs along with striking a balance between economic development and quality of life. Growth can create jobs, attract businesses and stimulate the local economy. On the other hand, it can also lead to challenges like strain on resources, increased traffic and changes to local culture or environment. Engaging local authorities and discussing ways to ensure sustainable growth that benefits everyone can be a productive topic and it is essential to consider various perspectives on this matter.
Compare the business climates between Nevada and California. What can they learn from each other?
Each state’s business climate is influenced by various factors, both have unique strengths and challenges in their business climate. Nevada’s tax-friendly and regulatory environment has attracted businesses, while California’s diverse economy and innovation ecosystem has propelled its growth. Each state could learn from the other by creating more favorable environments for economic growth and small business success. For example, streamlining regulations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles to make it easier for small businesses to start and operate.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
Some of the best advice I received has come from small-business owners and quotes they have shared with me. For example, hockey star Wayne Gretzky famously said, “I skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been.” This has taught me the importance of always looking toward the future, incorporating innovation, understanding and anticipating customer needs, and delivering personalized, seamless experience across various touch points.
If you were king of Southern Nevada for a day, what’s one thing you’d do to improve the community?
Give everyone free ice cream so they can enjoy a beautiful day with their loved ones. I would also give all teachers a huge salary increase they very much deserve.
Who inspires you?
My mother. She taught us to stay humble and be kind. At a very young age, my mother taught us to offer our seats to elderly or disabled individuals, to hold the door for others and always say please or thank you.