NSBDC wows Microsoft in Las Vegas
After holding a successful event in downtown Las Vegas earlier this month, Microsoft is now featuring the Nevada Small Business Development Center (NSBDC) on its IdeaWins.com website. The Microsoft IdeaWins.com Tour rolled across the country this January making stops in New York, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago and Atlanta in search of America’s best small business idea. Las Vegans were encouraged to come out to Fremont Street to meet with business consultants to discuss their entrepreneurial concepts. The winner with the best plan will receive $100,000 in startup funds, a 1-year lease for retail space in New York City and free software and technical support from Microsoft. Submissions are still being accepted online at www.ideawins.com through January 31, 2007 and the winner will be announced in the second week of March 2007.
Mayor Oscar Goodman offered opening remarks about how important and vibrant the small business community is in Las Vegas. Michael Graham, NSBDC Deputy State Director, addressed the crowd and invited aspiring business owners to utilize the services of the NSBDC. Mr. Graham also was on hand to provide one-on-one consulting for contestants who attended the IdeaWins.com event. Footage from the Las Vegas tour stop and videos of NSBDC clients can be viewed online at www.ideawi ns.com/contest. The following clients of the NSBDC are featured:
- Calvin Hudson of Classic Cuts
- Pamela Jenkins, Dawn Kalman & Laura SantoPietro of The Cupcakery
- Tamara Butler of Desert Diamonds Magazine
- Ramon Torres of Epicure Group International
- Nick Jones of Load
- Mark DiMartino of Tilted Kilt
- Alicia Gibbs of E-Vibe
The website has had over 2,000,000 hits to date and offers tremendous exposure for the NSBDC and its participating clients. Michael Graham comments on the NSBDC’s involvement in this nationwide contest: “The NSBDC is pleased to have played a part in this innovative Microsoft promotion that truly brought out the entrepreneurial spirit in our community. Best of luck to the contestants and, whether or not you win the $100,000 prize, by all means come see us at the NSBDC. We’re here to help put southern Nevada’s small business owners on the path to success.”