SBA official looks to boost recognition for area firms

It's a rare occasion almost nonexistent, in fact when a northern Nevada company wins recognition from the Small Business Administration.

David Leonard looks to change that.

Leonard, the senior manager for the SBA in an area that includes all of Nevada except for Clark County, is beginning to beat the drum for more participation in SBA Awards programs by small businesses in the region.

Most of the awards are announced during the spring they're usually linked to National Small Business Week but Leonard thinks economic development, business groups and business owners themselves need to begin thinking now about entries.

Most of the nominations open during the fourth quarter of each year.

The awards, Leonard says, generate more than good feelings and plaques to be hung in company lobbies.

"By spotlighting those outstanding small businesses, we attract other new businesses to northern Nevada," the SBA official says.

The award programs also can spotlight the diverse types of businesses and industry at work in northern Nevada, Leonard says.

The SBA awards programs from honors for exporters and women-owned government contractors to family-owned businesses and young entrepreneurs. Most of the awards begin with a state competition, and winners go on to regional and national competitions.

Last year, Debra Jane Bacchi, president of The Muscle Manipulator in Gardnerville, was named "Home-Based Business Champion of the Year" by the SBA's Nevada district office.

But the number of awards to northern Nevada businesses have been few given the size of the area's economy, Leonard says.

He suggests that business organizations and economic development agencies, many of which operate their own business-recognition programs, nominate winners of their competitions for the SBA program.

So far, Leonard says, his pitch has drawn a lukewarm response.

"Everybody is really busy," he says. "Everybody has a lot on their plates."