Our speakers

 Jake Carrico, Business Development Advisor, has been with the Nevada SBDC since 2013 and is based in the Reno office. Jake has experience in preparing financial projections and valuations for small businesses, conducting financial analyses, drafting and reviewing business plans, creating marketing strategies and assisting with the startup process. Jake has his BS in Business Administration with a Dual Major in Economics and Finance and his MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno.
 
Sandra Rentas is the Hispanic Business Development Advisor (since 2007) for the Nevada SBDC at the University of Nevada, Reno.  Some of her responsibilities include conducting business opportunities research, advising and providing information to potential entrepreneurs on how to start, expand and operate a business. She also assists clients with exporting. Sandra was born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico.  She worked as the Marketing & Buyer Manager for a women's attire retail family owned business.  She has a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the University of Pontificia Católica of Puerto Rico and a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Nevada, Reno. Sandra is a certified instructor for the NxLeveL entrepreneurial course and has an export certification from the Small Business Administration. Sandra also collaborates with the Nevada Museum of Art on a monthly basis, and is also a member of NASBITE International whose mission is to advance global business.
 
Born and raised in Nevada, Brad Scribner graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. He is passionate about his work with Made in Nevada, and loves nothing more than connecting, promoting, and supporting the entrepreneurs that drive the Silver State's thriving economy. By being a voice for Nevada small business, he hopes to increase awareness around the importance of buying local.
 
Chris Lynch, Director of the Nevada Business Environmental Program (BEP), has been with the Nevada SBDC since 2010. Chris and his consulting team provide assistance to hundreds of business owners and entrepreneurs annually on a broad range of issues including environmental regulatory compliance and permitting, environmental sustainability strategies, green business development, energy efficiency, clean transportation, and environmental energy project funding. Mr. Lynch provides assistance statewide out of BEP’s offices in Reno. He was awarded his Juris Doctor and Master of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School and received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Government from St. Lawrence University.