Small business owners are invited to enroll in an eight-week program designed to help participants develop practical skills needed to stay competitive and grow through the Small Business Leadership Academy (SBLA) — a UNLV Lee Business School partnership with Cox Communications and Southwest Gas. Program participants can expect to learn strategic methods that they can immediately put into action. Sessions include lessons on team and cash management; negotiation; process and strategy mapping and metrics; and connecting with customers and suppliers via social media.

“Small businesses are the heart of Las Vegas – boosting the economy, creating jobs, and positively impacting the community,” said Janet Runge, coordinator of UNLV’s SBLA initiative and the Lee Business School’s entrepreneurial programs. “This program provides a unique opportunity for a diverse group of local entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their business, which in turn benefits everyone in our community.”

The Fall SBLA program is limited to 25 students and kicks off with orientation on Aug. 28, 2024. Course sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings from 5-9 p.m. from Sept. 4 through Oct. 23, 2024. The program costs $2,000 per person, and participants will receive three Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Visit NevadaSBLA.com or call 702-933-2605 for information or to enroll. The application deadline is Aug. 11.