WORKING IN CONJUNCTION with all of VCO's Vegas Insider columnists is not only gratifying, but, quite often I become privy to some information regarding some fantastic programs and opportunities these fabulous people and the groups they represent offer.

Early on, in this publication, we ran a column from Las Vegas Neighborhood Services that offered a wonderful opportunity for the youth around the valley, the column stated:

"Local youth who have bright ideas on how to improve their communities can get a jumpstart from the city of Las Vegas Youth Neighborhood Association Partnership Program (YNAPP). Grants up to $1,000 are available to youth in Las Vegas who have ideas for neighborhood improvement projects for the upcoming year. Applications will be accepted through November 18, 2005, until 5 p.m."

To read the full story, click HERE.

A few months back, I received information from the president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, Robert Gomez, about a new group that was formed called Valley Center Opportunity Zone, VCOZ.

On their Web site VCOZ states that their mission is:

Take advantage of The Valley Center Opportunity Zone's strong background in business development today! From business mentoring and training to business grants from the state of Nevada, we offer you the chance to improve your community, life, and business. Although we were established this year, we have more than 13 years of experience within small business development centers of Arizona and Nevada, consulting with more than 200 business owners each year. We will be working very closely with agencies that provide free and low-cost business training and assistance, so contact us at (702) 384-VCOZ.

Located in downtown Las Vegas, we offer business grants to qualified businesses. We have Charleston Boulevard to our South, Rancho Boulevard to our West, Craig Road to our North, and Nellis Boulevard to our East.

VCOZ also offers other training and information:


Members of VCOZ include: Latin Chamber of Commerce, Urban Chamber of Commerce and the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

Vegas Community Online, as a relatively young company, realized the benefits of this opportunity, and pursued it.

As was announced in our April 20th Friday Flyer, VCO is proud to have received a $24,000.00 grant to assist in the expansion our Web site.

I encourage any business in the "Zone" to see if this is an opportunity that can benefit them as well.

Thank you VCOZ for your support!

(left to right) Hank Pinto, VCOZ Board Director; Janis Stevenson, Nevada Small Business Development Center; Hanna Brown, President—Urban Chamber of Commerce; Robert Gomez, President—Latin Chamber of Commerce; Marleen Marino, Publisher—Vegas Community Online; Tee Taylor, Retired Executive; Peter Guzman, VCOZ board member; Otto Merida, Executive Director—Latin Chamber of Commerce

Marleen Marino