LAUNCH RURAL NEVADA LOCATIONS
VIRTUAL
VIRTUAL PLATFORM AND CREDENTIALS WILL BE PROVIDED UPON REGISTRATION FOR
GREAT BASIN COLLEGE
ELKO
Greenhaw Technical Arts Center (GTA) Room #130
1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV
GREAT BASIN COLLEGE
ELY
GBC Room #111
2115 Bobcat Drive, Ely, NV
GREAT BASIN COLLEGE
WINNEMUCCA
GBC WHST 102 (Conference Room)
5490 Kluncy Canyon Rd.
Winnemucca, NV
GREAT BASIN COLLEGE
PAHRUMP
Pahrump Valley Center (PVC) Room #117
551 East Calvada Blvd.
Pahrump, NV
2024
agenda
8:00am - 8:15am
Doors Open
Refreshments and Networking.
8:15am - 8:25am
Welcome
Welcome and brief description of the day's events.
8:25am - 8:45am
Pathways to success
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Anamarie Lopategui
Anamarie Lopategui is a seasoned business coach and the founder of Bideako by Anamarie Lopategui. With nearly two decades of experience in owning, operating, growing, and ultimately selling several successful businesses, she has amassed a wealth of expertise that she passionately shares with fellow entrepreneurs. Anamarie specializes in strategically launching, buying, branding, and growing businesses to help you achieve your most ambitious business and personal goals.
Understanding the challenges of self-doubt and the fear of the unknown in business decisions, Anamarie guides you through every step of the process to reach your goals. Her mission is to coach ambitious entrepreneurs in overcoming their limiting beliefs, paving the way for the creation of incredibly successful businesses. Anamarie's hope is for you to fully embrace your exceptional talents and share them with the world, igniting a powerful and lasting impact.
In the Basque language of Euskera, "bidea" means "path." At Bideako by Anamarie Lopategui, she is dedicated to helping you find your pathway to success. Start your journey with her today and let Bideako by Anamarie Lopategui pave the way!
8:45am - 9:30am
Youth Pitch Competition
9:30am -9:45am
Break
Participants are encouraged to network with eachother and engage speakers.
9:45am - 10:30am
Adult Pitch Competition
10:30am - 10:45am
Break
Participants are encouraged to network with eachother and engage speakers.
10:45am - 11:00am
Harnessing State Support
TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR ENTREPRENUERS
Melissa Saavedra
Deputy Director,
Lt. Governor's Office of Small Business Advocacy
Melissa is the main point of contact for small businesses in northern Nevada.
In her previous role, Melissa was the Associate Publisher and Senior Business Development Manager for the Northern Nevada Business Weekly. There, she spearheaded the only business-to-business newspaper in Nevada while executing profitable marketing tactics and forging enduring relationships with local organizations and agencies.
11:00am - 11:15am
Getting Started
A new resource for aspiring business owners
Brianne Morfin
Brianne Morfin has been the Elko, NV Branch Manager at WaFd Bank for four years and prides herself on a branch that provides concierge level customer service to consumer and business clients. She and her husband Gary own several businesses, including Gold West Fire & Safety Services, several motels and apartment complexes. Prior to starting at WaFd Bank, Brianne owned and operated a floral and event rental business.
Brianne earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Technology Administration from Great Basin College. She sits on the Board of Directors for Horizon Hospice and is actively involved in several non-profit organizations.
Brianne is married to an amazing entrepreneur, Gary and together they have three children and six grandchildren.
Brianne’s hobbies include cooking and baking, reading, hiking, travel, home décor and spending time with friends and family as often as possible. A fan of the peace and tranquility of water, she takes any opportunity to visit a beach or waterfall.
11:15am - 11:30am
Small Town - Global Reach
Expanding your business beyond the city limits
Thaysha Groves
Thaysha Groves, owner of Buckaroo Boutique in Well, NV, has turned her passion for affordable fashion into a thriving business. As a rancher's wife and mother of all boys, Thaysha understands the importance of dressing stylishly on a budget, which inspired her to create Buckaroo Boutique.
Thaysha is dedicated to providing a personalized shopping experience, emphasizing local shopping and one-on-one interactions with her customers. She gives all the glory to God for the success and opportunities she has encountered with her business, expressing gratitude for its unexpected growth and excited anticipation for its future.
Beyond her business, Thaysha is committed to giving back to the community. Buckaroo Boutique donates to local charities, sponsors a child through World Vision, and supports Preborn, among other causes. Thaysha thanks her customers for their support, which enables these charitable contributions.
11:30am - 11:45am
Show Me the Money
Options for financing your business venture
Mary Kerner
Mary Kerner is the CEO of the Rural Nevada Development Corp. (RNDC), where she leverages her extensive knowledge of financial management to support economic growth in rural communities. With over two decades of leadership at RNDC, Kerner has played a crucial role in delivering vital services, including business loans for new entrepreneurs, financial support for existing small businesses, down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, and weatherization programs aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. Her background includes eight years in the banking industry prior to her 20+ year career with RNDC, providing her with a strong foundation for her work in Rural Nevada.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kerner is actively involved in service to her community, volunteering with various organizations. Her dedication to economic development and empowering others has earned her numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Leadership Award from the National Council of Development Finance Agencies, White Pine County Woman of the Year, and the prestigious TOP GUN Award from the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority for RNDC’s impactful work.
Kerner is dedicated to making a positive impact in her community. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, she cherishes time with her husband, their five adult children including spouses, and seven grandsons. She also enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her family.
