58°F
weather icon Mostly Cloudy

BRIAN FORMISANO: Empowering Pahrump’s Black and African American entrepreneurs

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day or Emancipation Day, recognizes June 19 as the emancipation of those enslaved in the United States. The day is observed in Pahrump with community gatherings and Emancipation Proclamation public readings.

While we should recognize the achievements of Pahrump Black and African-American business owners all year long, it’s more important than ever that this Juneteenth we support local Black and African-American businesses. We need to further empower Black and African-American entrepreneurs in Pahrump.

Last year was a tough year for all Pahrump small business owners. The pandemic created new challenges, especially for diverse entrepreneurs. However, the spirit of Black and African-American entrepreneurs has already proven to be strong in Pahrump with the resiliency of businesses challenged by the coronavirus.

As Black and African-American-owned businesses begin to fully reopen in Pahrump, here are some tips to help them prepare for growth:

Connect with community resources – The chamber of commerce in Pahrump is a great place to start connecting with other small business owners in our community. You can collaborate with others for success and even secure new customers at virtual mix-and-mingle events from the chamber.

Learn from other experienced entrepreneurs – The Small Business Administration’s Service Corp. of Retired Executives, or SCORE, has a Black and African-American Entrepreneurs program that can pair you with a seasoned business mentor to provide you with confidential guidance, support and ideas to launch and grow your new business ideas.

Leverage free tools for your business – Wells Fargo offers free competitive intelligence and business planning tools in Pahrump, along with many articles on entrepreneurial strategy, on our Wells Fargo Small Business Resource Center website at smallbusinessresources.wf.com.

I hope these tips help you on the path forward for a bright entrepreneurial future.

Brian Formisano is the Wells Fargo Nevada region bank president.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.