Serving Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's Counties in Maryland
Nestor Gavidia is a bilingual business consultant for the Maryland Small Business Development Center covering Anne Arundel County. A native of Peru with more than 17 years in CPG B2B sales and marketing in the US and internationally, Nestor has worked with retail chains, distributors, importers/exporters, and e-commerce businesses in the merchant systems, transportation, and food industries.
Nestor's passion for business and commitment to follow-through helps entrepreneurs succeed. While working as a business consultant with the Maryland Women's Business Center (MWBC), he served hundreds of entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them craft successful business strategies to attain new clients and boost sales. He also facilitates dozens of workshops in Montgomery County and represented MWBC at the annual The Maryland State Family Child Care Association conference.
He is experienced and skilled at conducting business and negotiating with people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore. In 2021, Nestor became a certified Growth Wheel Business Advisor.
Brandon is a successful entrepreneur with deep experience in start-ups, technology, government, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts and Math)-related job growth. Brandon is passionate about the sustainable growth of downtown and rural communities as well as working with entrepreneurs to achieve their goals. He serves as an SBDC expert in technology related businesses as a result of his extensive knowledge of patent-based technologies.
Brandon supports economic growth through workshops, networking events, one-on-one counseling, and maximizing resources for clients. He also assists with obtaining SBA loans for clients to finance their business, helping with patents and technology transfer, and attracting new businesses to Frederick and Howard Countues while helping existing businesses to be more successful. His primary focus is promoting job creation, business starts, sales growth, and capital infusion for small businesses. Brandon holds a master's degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and a bachelors degree in Political Science focused on public policy from West Virginia University.
Carmen Braxton is a business consultant for the Corridor Region of the Maryland Small Business Development Center. Carmen is a proven Executive with over 25 years of experience in business development, strategic sales and training in both the public and private sectors. Highly regarded, she has earned a professional reputation for providing skilled practical guidance, leadership development and effective strategic planning. She is also certified as a Growth Wheel Business Advisor.
Carmen holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Phoenix.
Luis Diaz-Colorado is a bilingual business consultant for Small Business Development Center serving Anne Arundel County. Located at the offices of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation in Annapolis. Luis counsel clients from their pre-venture stage, clients ready to open a business, and clients trying to enhance their current existing operations.
Luis' own entrepreneurship spirit brings his commitment in helping his clients thrive and succeed. Luis has experience in assisting clients in developing their business ideas, assisting in obtaining required licenses or financing, monitoring their progression and providing them any support necessary for their success.
Luis is a graduate of The American University and holds a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance 1988, and a bachelor's degree from The George Washington University with a degree in International Business in 1986. He worked for over 20 years in the banking and hospitality industries.
Business Consultant for the Small Business Development Center Of the University Of Maryland College Park.
Small Business Counselor for the Corridor Region for two years.
Previously a Small Business lender and Team Lead for twenty plus years.
BS from Bowie State University, Graduate Degree in finance from American Institute of Banking and an Omega Certificate in Accounting and commercial lending.
Monica Smith has worked in Financial
Services for 20 years. The name Monica means Advisor in Latin. She pursued and
obtained a Finance Degree from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC.
Her career in Corporate America has allowed her to develop a unique skillset
working for several Fortune 500 Companies. Monica has served as a Premier
Banker & Loan Officer for Bank of America, Retirement Consultant for TIAA
and a Financial Advisor for UBS, PNC Investments and Fidelity Investments.
During her career in finance, she became fascinated with residential and
commercial real estate. Monica became a Licensed Realtor for Keller Williams
serving the state of Maryland. She connected the dots between financial
literacy and first-time homebuyers to address the challenges of home ownership
for minorities. Monica collaborated with local banks, mortgage lenders and
credit counselors to host Homebuyer Workshops in Prince George’s County.
Monica also hosted a Talk Show called
Real Talk, Real Estate which was filmed weekly and streamed to thousands of
viewers. She believes in the power of partnership and continues to build her
network with Small Business Bankers, commercial realtors with the CBRE and
local entrepreneurs.
Monica is now serving as a Business
Startup Consultant for the Maryland Small Business Development Center. She’s
inspired by the organization’s commitment to support real people and real
business. Small businesses represent the engine of our economy on a national
and local level. Monica believes Baltimore is fertile ground for amazing growth
opportunities in real estate and beyond. She looks forward to working towards a
brighter and better tomorrow for business owners. Monica has been a resident of
Maryland for 30 years and loves it.
Virginia Dinzey-Taveras, MBA, is a bilingual (Spanish) Certified Business Advisor and consultant with the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With more than 20 years of experience and a master’s degree in business, she combines her academic background and real-world experience as a business
owner to guide entrepreneurs on their journey. Her approach begins with a strong foundation in finance, helping business owners understand their numbers, make informed decisions, and build the confidence to grow sustainably. Having navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship herself, Virginia understands the challenges small business owners face and brings empathy and practical insight to every consultation.
A true people-person, Virginia believes the heart of every business lies in understanding its people. She is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs, especially in diverse communities, to recognize their strengths, overcome barriers, and build thriving, sustainable businesses. A Kauffman FastTrac Certified Facilitator, #IAmRemarkable advocate, and inductee of the Sigma Nu Tau Honor.
Society, Virginia is dedicated to helping business owners achieve financial clarity and confidence through a strategic, data-driven approach grounded in integrity and results-oriented guidance.
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