By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

On Tuesday, April 2, the College of Southern Nevada, Mesquite Campus (CSN) hosted the kick-off to “Mesquite Grows,” a program in concert with the Mesquite Opportunities Regional Fund, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, designed to help new startups and existing local businesses with development and entrepreneurial training.

The official ribbon cutting for the Mesquite Grows program drew administrators from Las Vegas. Cutting the ribbon was Mesquite Mayor Jesse Whipple. He reiterated the value of this Mesquite Grows program for new business owners.

From the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, director Kyeema Peart spoke about the value of the program and the services it offers. The eight-week, self-paced, online course can be accessed at the Mesquite CSN campus or at home.

This program is designed to help business owners to build a business plan or marketing campaign, grow an idea, expand their business and resource help.

Eric Garner, director of Small Business & Entrepreneurship Development for CSN, offers counseling and has state and federal resource connections.

Claressa Cota, CSN vice president, spoke, giving recognition to the local people who help provide these needed programs and advancements in the CSN system. She mentioned Darlene Montague, Chantile McAllister of the Mesquite Campus, former city council member George Gault and director Eric Garner.

For more information or to fill out an application, visit Https://mesquiteworks.org/grow.