Clovis Small Business Development Center Whether you already own a small business or are thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, the Small Business Development Center at Clovis Community College can help you climb the ladder of success. The SBDC offers confidential management consulting, training courses, and government procurement assistance for eastern New Mexico businesses. Success Client: J&S Machining Company Right photo: James Perry "The Veteran and the Machine" James and Sharon Perry, owners of J&S Machining, had the dream of business ownership for nine years prior to opening this business. James, a disabled veteran who served 13 years in the United States Air Force, started the machine shop four years ago in Clovis, New Mexico. James’ dream of business ownership has been a priority for the last ten years. He worked as a machinist for 32 years and loved the skill. James knew he wanted to open his own machine shop. In his quest for business ownership, a Veterans Administration Counselor at the New Mexico One Stop Employment office referred him to the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. After a brief conversation with the DVR counselor, a recommendation was made to visit the Small Business Development Center at Clovis Community College. James successfully obtained funding to open his business after receiving technical service from the SBDC. James concentrates on repairing farm equipment and engine parts for the harvesting companies. He prides himself on timely completion and being on call 24 hours a day. James stated, “If a part breaks after 5 p.m. or on the weekend, customers know that I’ll get it fixed usually within six to eight hours.” The SBDC met with James to discuss his dream of starting a business. Several obstacles materialized during the research stage of starting the business. There were concerns with James’ disability affecting his ability to maintain long term work, and the number of small machine shops already in the area. The SBDC continued to work with James Perry on the weaknesses identified in the research. There were times of defeat, but with James’ tenacity and knowledge of his ability as a machinist, he pursed his dream and did not stop working toward his goal of business ownership. In 2003, after one year of working with the SBDC, James successfully received a Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Grant. The grant provided funds to build a metal structure and purchase new equipment to compliment his existing equipment base. James was on his way to becoming a productive citizen again. Mr. Perry is grateful for the patience and understanding demonstrated by the SBDC Staff. James stated, “Without the personalized help of the SBDC staff in Clovis, I know that my dream of business ownership would not have been possible.” James plans to custom build and sell a unique all-terrain vehicle. He has received several orders for the vehicle and hopes to expand his current market. James desires to contract out his services to various government agencies and expand his labor force as the local economy grows. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * On an ongoing basis, the Clovis Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers: FREE One-on-one Business Counseling Help with Business Start-Up and Acquisition Issues Basic Bookkeeping/Accounting Review and Training Computer Accounting Assistance Assistance with Marketing Plans and Research Exploring Government Procurement Opportunities Information and Referrals Business Workshops and Conferences Local Business Partners Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce Portales/Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce For more information, please call (575) 769-4136. SBDC Staff Dr. Sandra Taylor-Sawyer, Director Jonnie Loadwick, Marketing Specialist Gordon Smith, Business Specialist Dianna Thompson, Administrative Assistant One-on-One Business Advising Services We do business advising every weekday in Clovis. We can also schedule an appointment at the Roosevelt Enterprise Center in Portales. Please call or email us for an appointment. Contact Small Business Development Center Clovis Community College 417 Schepps Boulevard Clovis, New Mexico 88101-8381 (575) 769-4136 (575) 769-4135 fax sbdc@clovis.cc.nm.us Hours: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., M-F or by appointment.