By Mike Donahue

Moapa Valley Progress

A new Small Business Help Center devoted to helping new businesses and prospective business owners sort through the quagmire of requirements necessary to open and operate in Clark County is up and running.

The office, 280 N. Moapa Valley Blvd., Suite F, is being funded by a $22,930 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development grant sponsored by the Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce, according to Carol Bishop, 2012 chamber president.

“The purpose of the office is to assist business owners and potential business owners in northeast Clark County start or expand their operation,” Bishop said. “We’re offering one-on-one help where walk-ins or call-ins can get free assistance learning licensing requirements, potential zoning problems or necessary changes or any other Clark County regulatory requirements related to a business.

“There is also educational help available to write business plans, determine the feasibility of a potential business and assist with financial record keeping and set up,” she said.

Michelle Drollinger, office manager, said the new help center will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

“I’ll also be available evenings and Saturdays by appointment,” Drollinger said. “People can call – 702-397-6060 – and leave a message and I’ll return the call to make the appointment.”

Drollinger worked in the Clark County office in Overton for seven years, which “taught me how to work through the system.”

“I can help identify exactly what a person needs to do based on their business intentions and explain what county laws apply to their business ideas,” she said. “We want to facilitate the process; help people get through the paperwork and send them in the right direction, to the right departments.”

Bishop said in addition to helping “with any aspect or issue encountered by new business owners, the office can also offer enterprise suggestions for entrepreneurs seeking ideas for new businesses.

The office opened last month and is expected to remain in operation until September 2012.