Las Vegas Small Business Development Center

Whether you already own a small business or are thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, the Small Business Development Center at Luna Community College can help you climb the ladder of success. The SBDC offers FREE management consulting, small business training, and government procurement assistance for northeastern New Mexico businesses. Our service delivery area is San Miguel, Mora, Colfax, and Guadalupe counties.

LCC SBDC 2008 Client of the Year!!!
THE PINK CARNATION FLORIST, LAS VEGAS, NEW MEXICO

Patrick and Vanessa Padilla are the proud owners of The Pink Carnation Florist located in Las Vegas, NM, with Vanessa serving as General Manager. Vanessa and Patrick met while Patrick was completing a master’s degree at New Mexico State University. After graduation, Patrick and Vanessa slowly worked their way back to his home town of Las Vegas where she pursued a nursing degree and he currently is employed by the New Mexico Environmental Department. Vanessa and Patrick have a nine year old daughter, Milana and a one year old son, Francesco.

After completing their degrees, both had dreams of owning a business and in the fall of 2006 they became aware of the possible sale of the Pink Carnation from the prior owners. After researching all aspects of the business and with support from family and friends the Padilla’s decided to pursue their dreams of owning a business and contacted the staff at Luna Community College Small Business Development Center.

With the help of the LCC SBDC, they began the process of developing a business plan and financial package to purchase the business that included the acquisition of the building, real estate, equipment, and inventory. Full of optimism, Vanessa said, “The LCC SBDC was instrumental in the initial stages of purchasing the business. The staff informed us of the SBA 504 loan program, provided us with publications and guidance to develop our business plan. Once the loan program was selected and the business plan was completed, Community 1st Bank of Las Vegas and Enchantment Land Certified Development Company became involved in the purchase.” After reviewing and approving the loan package, loan officer Ernesto Salazar coordinated a meeting with Sally Gundling of Enchantment Land Certified Development Company to begin the 504 loan process. Community 1st Bank of Las Vegas and the US Small Business Administration approved and closed the loan in January 2007.

The Pink Carnation Florist is known for its beautiful, long lasting flower arrangements, unique plants, colorful balloons, premium gift baskets, high quality wedding work and party decorating. With hard work, enthusiasm, a creative staff and good customer service, Patrick and Vanessa are working to constantly improve the business.

Since the purchase of the business, Pink Carnation Florists established a website (www.pinkcarnationflorist.com) to keep up with technology. In addition to the website, advertisement packages were purchased through google.com. As a result of these two technological advancements Pink Carnation is acquiring new customers throughout the country that are sending flowers to friends and families in Las Vegas, NM and surrounding areas.

When asked what their future plans for the business are, Vanessa stated “one new goal is to sell premium candies and party supplies for customers, making it a one stop shop for any event. The LCC SBDC has always been helpful in answering questions and providing guidance and we plan on utilizing their expertise in our future plans for a second business venture in Rio Rancho.”



View our Winter Newsletter that highlights current happenings with the LCC SBDC Center

Las Vegas November 2008 newsletter