Corpus Christi City Council members and Mayor Pro Tem Lucy Rubio present a proclamation to the Corpus Christi Small Business Association Branch Office declaring April 30-May 6, 2017 “National Small Business Week.” Courtsey Photo
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.
“Entrepreneur Night & Small Business Awards” is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, and will 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, the center’s 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
• Small Business Development Center Advisor of the Year — Celia Garza, rural program manager for Del Mar College’s SBDC;
• and 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 Small Business Development Center include CITGO, Frost Bank, H-E-B, the Westside Business Association and Nueces County Precinct 3 Commissioner John Marez.
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, visit delmar.edu/sbdc or call (361) 698-1021.
