Janice Krish Selected To Lead SBDC

Small Business Development Center Director Janice Krish during a visit to the Los Alamos Daily Post newsroom Thursday is encouraging the community to shop locally on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily post
[email protected]

Janice Krish has landed the top job at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on the UNM-Los Alamos campus, following a stint as small business liaison for Los Alamos County.

“I’m super thankful for the small business owners, who are the heart of our community and I want to give back,” Krish said. “The best thing about my new position as director is that I can help people in a greater capacity because it’s no longer just regulatory. “I can help entrepreneurs bring their dreams to fruition. Another wonderful aspect of this new role is the joy of working for Mike Holtzclaw.”

Krish is referring to UNM-LA Chancellor Mike Holtzclaw. She said he is “truly kind and supportive” and has her involved with campus activities and providing strategic input on how the campus can become more of a community hub.

Holtzclaw describes Krish as an excellent fit for SBDC director. 

“We were so happy to find Janice in our applicant pool since she has worked with Los Alamos county businesses when she worked at the County, has extensive background in economic development, has been the director at San Juan College’s enterprise center, and was an entrepreneur who started her own business when she graduated from college,” Holtzclaw said. “All of these experiences make her an excellent fit for this position. We are really glad to have her here.”

Krish said she is grateful to continue the relationships she has established with the local business community and be someone who will listen, provide advice and advocate for them.

“I am thankful to be a part of the UNM-Los Alamos team,” she said. “Most of the community probably knows about the SBDC because former Director Sandy Jones did an awesome job getting out there with boots on the ground helping small businesses start and succeed.”

Krish said she plans to keep that momentum moving from the work Jones accomplished and not miss a beat from her previous work with the County where she interacted closely with the business community … hearing their concerns, roadblocks and success stories.

“Creative Masterpieces, Pi Pizzeria and The Rock in the old Timeout Pizza locations are a few of the successes that come to mind,” she said.

Krish explained that she has an entrepreneurial spirit.

“I am driven to improve and act. I’ve been a business owner myself so I’m able to lean on that experience with a deep understanding of what an entrepreneur goes through to make it day to day,” she said.

“It’s a vastly different mindset than being on a payroll with benefits. An entrepreneur must put everything on the line and does not have the safety net of a  paycheck appearing in their bank account. I think entrepreneurs deserve so much respect.”

About SBDC

• In speaking about the SBDC as an organization, Krish said those involved have been supportive beyond anything she imagined.
• “I have mentors and advisors around the state who have offered their time and expertise to ensure I succeed in this new role,” she said.
• Krish wants everyone to know that any small business assistance provided through the SBDC is absolutely free and confidential to the business owner.

The SBDC is a gem here in Los Alamos, Krish said. As a business counselor, she provides practical guidance such as assistance with establishing an LLC, steps to registering a business, business planning, finding funding, how the tax system works (but the SBDC does not provide tax advice), how to navigate the County processes, hire employees and much more.

“Just come in and let’s get to work giving your business a boost!” Krish said. “It’s best to call or email first, since office hours vary.”

About UNM-LA

• The SBDC is on the UNM-LA campus and includes an office for clients and counseling. 
• UNM-LA offers business certification classes in marketing and management as well as business administration associate degrees.
• “Be on the look-out for more entrepreneurial trainings to come in the future,” Krish said.
• “The community can also book space for a conference or special event at UNM-LA and take advantage of onsite catering from the Secret City Café.”

Upcoming Events

• Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30 and local retail businesses depend on holiday revenue. So shop Los Alamos and White Rock for gifts and buy something for yourself, too!
  
• Los Alamos Local Business Coalition forum. Meet the new business group! Begins 5:30 p.m.  Monday, Dec. 2 at SALA Event Center. Refreshments provided.
  
• Business Scholars luncheon is Dec. 4 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SALA Event Center. This business-to-business networking event gives organizations a chance to tell others what they do and “Perfect Your Pitch”. Lunch is provided.
• Regional Development Corporation (RDC) will be in town for a Business Tune-Up program, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SALA Event Center. Lunch is provided.

How to get in touch?

• Register to become a SBDC client at nmsbdc.org “Get Counseling” or register for “Business Trainings”.
• Contact Janice at
  [email protected]
  NMSBDC.org
  
• Small Business Development Center
  University of New Mexico-Los Alamos
  4000 University Drive, Los Alamos NM 87544
  Office: 505.662.0337