Nina Heckler, Class 101, receives the Outstanding Small Business Start-Up award from Joel Newman, director, West TN Business Resource Center.

Leah Daniel, LD2 Consignment & Jewelry Boutique, receives the Outstanding Emerging Small Business award from Joel Newman, director, West TN Business Resource Center.

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at Jackson State Community College (JSCC) recently honored several of its clients during National Small Business Week. This week has been proclaimed every year since 1963 by the President of the United States and driven by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This year, the week was held April 29 through May 6, 2018.

In conjunction with National Small Business Week, the TSBDC which focuses on assisting small businesses, both startups and existing businesses that are looking to expand their operations; gave away awards to deserving businesses.

Jackson Chamber members receiving awards included:
• Class 101, Jackson, owned by Nina Heckler; Outstanding Small Business Start-Up
• LD2 Consignment & Jewelry Boutique, owned by Leah and Leslie Daniel; Outstanding Emerging Small Business

Class 101 is a unique counseling service dedicated to helping students understand how to increase ACT/SAT Scores. More importantly, Nina Heckler, president is skilled in counseling students and in helping them with all phases of applying to college including but not limited to filling out college applications, letters of recommendation, essays, etc.

LD2 Consignment & Jewelry Boutique in Jackson, Tenn., was honored with the Outstanding Emerging Small Business award. Owners Leah & Leslie Daniel purchased M&M Consignment on Vann Drive, remodeling the store and rebranding it. As LD2 Consignment & Jewelry Boutique, it features classic and up-to-date clothing taken in on consignment. In addition, they feature accessories including handbags, shoes and jewelry. They have a strong on-line presence as well.

"It has been a privilege to work with all of our clients," said Ron Acree, director of the TSBDC. Joel Newman, senior small business specialist added, "Helping start-ups, watching them grow and being able to provide assistance to expanding companies is what makes our job worthwhile. Even with the tough economy prior to this year, we have had some major successes that have created real economic impact. This is the reason that we honor our clients during this special Small Business Week.”

The community’s small business center, housed at Jackson Chamber’s West Tennessee Business Resource Center and part of the national Small Business Administration, has the mission to help small businesses succeed.

Other businesses receiving awards included:
• Unity Health and Wellness Clinic in Bolivar, owned by Greg Byers; Outstanding Small Business Health Service
• Mother Nature's Nursery Boutique, Medina, owned by Heather King; Outstanding Small Business Retail
• Jana Belle's Bakery, Medina, owned by Krystal Glisson; Outstanding Small Business Retail
• Better Source Supply, LLC; Adamsville, owned by Robby Stadinger; Outstanding Small Existing Business
• Tri-Matic Spring, Inc. and Southern Plating, Inc., Savannah, owned by Jeff and Teresa Collier; Outstanding Manufacturing Small Business

TSBDC offers a variety of free services to help any start-up or existing small business. Its services include free business counseling and support plus information ranging on creating business plans, understanding cash flow projections, applying for business loans, and many other topics.

The TSBDC is on its way to another record-breaking year with an increase in the number of clients served in 2018.

SBA was created as an independent agency of the federal government in 1953.