Local small business owners are being honored at a special event put on by Del Mar College’s Small Business Development Center for National Small Business Week. Called “Entrepreneur Night & Small Business Awards,” the event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 3 to recognize winners of this year’s awards. National Small Business Week, which is April 30-May 6, has recognized small business owners across the country for their contributions to the economy for 54 years now. 
“We have a growing list of small businesses that directly impact the Coastal Bend economy through job growth and retention,” said Ann Fierova, SBDC director. “Our certified business advisors spend countless hours working with entrepreneurs and small business owners to put them on the path to success. It’s an honor to annually recognize local business leaders who stand out.”
This year’s recipients include: 

  • Women in Business Champion of the Year: Kim Novak, K9 Conditioning and Rehabilitation Services
  • SBDC Advisor of the Year: Celia Garza, Rural Program Manager, Del Mar College SBDC, Corpus Christi, Texas;  
  • Mentors of the Year: Dennis Dolce and Barbara Dolce, SCORE Corpus Christi Chapter 221

During the event, organizers also will recognize financial lending partners Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.; 1st Community Bank, Texas Champion Bank and American Bank, N.A. for their financial support of small businesses.
The event includes hors d'oeuvres catered by Beauty & The Bistro. Corporate supporters of the SBDC include CITGO, Frost Bank, H-E-B, the Westside Business Association and Nueces County Commissioner John Marez, Precinct 3.
Online registration for the FREE event is requested by April 26. Register by visiting utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/26669. For more information, contact SBDC Program Coordinator Monica Benavides at 361-698-1021 or mbenavides11@delmar.edu.
To learn more about resources and services offered by Del Mar College’s Small Business Development Center, go online to delmar.edu/sbdc or call 361-698-1021.