Through its Nevada Small Business Development Center (NSBDC), the UNLV College of Business is collaborating with the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) to expand the counseling services provided to small businesses in Las Vegas.

Allan Bell, a volunteer with SCORE, will provide counseling services at the NSBDC offices. Bell, who has expertise in exporting and importing, will focus on international business as well as work with start-up companies. Bell's experience expands the capabilities of the NSBDC to serve local small businesses.

"Allan will allow us to increase our services to small businesses and better help them compete in the global marketplace," said Michael Graham, deputy state director for the NSBDC. "Las Vegas is an attractive market for those businesses interested in doing business internationally. We are pleased to help make them more successful through these expanded services."

John Scott, Nevada district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is equally enthusiastic.
"We have been working for some time to identify the right assets at SCORE to assist the existing resources of the College of Business and the NSBDC. The missions of these two organizations make this a natural fit and, of course, we are exceptionally proud to be financial supporters and sponsors of both organizations," he said.

SCORE is a volunteer-based organization that provides free, one-on-one counseling for small businesses. Like the NSBDC network of 14 statewide counseling-training centers, it is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

"Contrary to popular perception, 98 percent of the businesses in Nevada are considered small businesses by the SBA," explains Richard Flaherty, dean of the UNLV College of Business. "Serving this population is a critical part of what the college is doing to support the economic development of Southern Nevada and the state. The NSBDC serves a vital role in our strategic plan as the major outreach effort to businesses. Providing expertise in international business is another move to enhance the delivery capabilities of the college and the center."

Through its teaching, research, and service activities, the UNLV College of Business is a critical component of economic development in the region. In addition to serving more than 3,000 undergraduate students in nine majors, the college offers four graduate degrees: master of business administration, executive MBA, master of science in accounting, and a master of the arts in economics.

The Nevada Small Business Development Center - part of the UNLV and UNR colleges of business - is a statewide resource for business assistance, providing a unique array of services, expertise, and training in all areas including starting, growing, and developing a business.