Dallas small businesses honored

In 2009, Dustin Gadberry found himself forced to lay off employees from his construction company and look for handyman jobs to survive the economic downturn.

Today, Gadberry Construction Co. is thriving, having increased its revenue from a low of $250,000 in 2010 to $3.6 million last year.

The businesss slowly recovered, thanks in part to the Dallas Small Business Development Center. Gadberry sought help from the nonprofit organization to become a government contractor and diversify his sales. Previously, the company worked on private-sector commercial jobs.

Theyve been a big help. I could pick up the phone and call them anytime, Gadberry said. If they dont know it, theyll get me to the people who know it.

On Thursday, the Dallas SBDC honored Gadberry and other small business clients at Deal Day, an annual event that connects North Texas entrepreneurs with bankers and other lenders. More than 250 businesses registered for the event featuring 48 bankers and other lenders.

Each year, the nonprofit organization highlights small businesses that have expanded their operations as a recognition of their hard work.

While Dallas SBDC business consultants have had a hand in providing guidance to the award winners and other entrepreneurs, senior business adviser Judith Collins says credit belongs to owners like Gadberry.

Its uniquely that business that recognizes how to apply the information and uniquely recognizes when they need information, and I just admire them, Collins said. I give them all the credit. Its them taking the risk, not me.

The Dallas SBDC provides free counseling and training to entrepreneurs starting a business and others who want to expand. The nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, local partners and private sources.

This year, the Dallas SBDC plans to target more services and resources to small business in southern Dallas, an area that has been identified by the citys GrowSouth initiative, Collins said. The economic development plan, championed by Mayor Mike Rawlings, aims to narrow the disparities between northern and southern Dallas.

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Dallas small businesses honored