We recently connected with Monica Coburn and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Monica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I started my first business when I was 8 years old and always had an interest in being an entrepreneur from a young age. Throughout my corporate career, I worked with hundreds of businesses in a variety of industries. It was through this experience that I saw the problems and challenges that small businesses were facing. During this time, I imagined what type of business I would start if I had the opportunity to do so. Solving a problem is important when considering starting a business and this is the mindset I had. I started creating a business plan about a year before I officially launched the business. The business idea was around the concept of providing a suite of solutions for businesses, basically a “one stop shop” for businesses who needed assistance. Whether it was starting a business, need assistance with financing, creating a business plan and more, the idea of Nevada Business Advisors was born. I researched what competition was already in the market and while there were other business consultants, none offered the niche services that Nevada Business Advisors would offer in addition to business consulting. I wanted to provide a higher level of service including offering an initial consultation at no cost to any business or individual looking to start a business. In addition, we connect businesses with other resources many of them provided at no cost even if it means losing a potential client. Our goal was and continues to be providing businesses the options to make their business successful and to start with a solid foundation. Starting a business takes risk and fear holds many back from starting it, because there’s no perfect time to start a business. If you’re solving a problem and have an audience or target market who will purchase your products or services, that’s a good first step. Our primary focus was and is Nevada based businesses and Nevada Business Advisors was launched in the summer of 2019.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve lived in Las Vegas for almost 28 years, moving from Hawaii where I was born and raised. My first real job after college was with a local bank in Hawaii. This job would be the start of a long career in banking, where I had the opportunity to work in different departments including Business Banking. It was that experience where I interacted with business owners and built great respect for entrepreneurs. After moving to Las Vegas, I continued my banking career working with one of the largest banks expanding my knowledge and experience.

Nevada Business Advisors launched in the summer of 2019 specializing in helping entrepreneurs and small businesses navigate the challenges and complexities of owning and running a business. We offer customized services tailored to the unique needs of each client, including business strategy planning, capital and financing assistance for businesses who have a financing need, certification, sales and operational efficiency and more. Whether a business is looking to optimize cash flow, expand market reach, or streamline day-to-day operations, Nevada Business Advisors provides the insights and support necessary to achieve a company’s business goals. We understand the challenges of running a small business and are committed to delivering practical, actionable solutions that drive success and sustainability.

Our mission is to provide solutions to small businesses to become sustainable and maximize their potential through capital, certifications, connections, company culture and resources.

What we are most proud of are a few things:
1. In 2023, Nevada Business Advisors was nominated and received the Woman Owned Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration for the State of Nevada
2. We have our own Supplier Diversity program where we are intentional about supporting other small businesses as part of our business operations. This can be as simple as supporting a local business ordering color or black and white copies or engaging a locally owned business to assist us on a client project.
3. We believe in giving back to our community where we are adding value. For example, we support certain non-profit organizations whether it’s volunteering, collecting donations or donating time to teach a class or workshop.

Even if a business is not a fit for what we do and the services we provide, we take the extra step by connecting that person or business to the resources available. We believe that when businesses grow, our communities thrive.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Thinking about this question, it’s two main answers: Adding value and being dependable. I’ve always made it a priority as simple as it sounds to return phone calls a/or respond to emails within 24 hours of receiving them if it’s not the same day. This sounds simple, but it’s not the norm. Also, I’ve always welcomed opportunities to share my expertise, whether it’s speaking or moderating an event, accepted invites to attend an event or to assist an organization by sharing a workshop or event. Being dependable is important, Saying yes to opportunities when it’s feasible and even if it it’s a no, responding respectfully to the opportunity vs. not responding at all.

I’m also active on LinkedIn and use it as a platform to add value whether it’s sharing a business article, business event, grant opportunities and more. It’s also used to promote webinars and workshops that Nevada Business Advisors may be hosting on a particular business topic, which is something we are proud of as we started hosting these shortly after COVID in 2020 as a way to educate our business community and we still continue this currently, most are hosted and provided at no cost.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source for new clients has been referrals. Building and cultivating relationships is key in business. Many of our referrals are usually through past and current clients or through business partners such as CPA’s, accountants, attorneys, etc. These are other businesses that work with businesses and find value in the services we provide to their clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nevadabusinessadvisors.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nevadabusinessadvisors/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicacoburn