Sweet Success: How NV Grow Is Helping a Henderson Business Thrive
A little chocolate, a lot of heart and the right business support are making a difference in Henderson.
Sugar & Spice, a Henderson chocolate shop owned by Sheri Long, is gaining local media attention for more than its sweet treats. The business is creating employment opportunities for individuals who face barriers to traditional hiring, and CSN is proud to play a part in its growth.
Through NV Grow, a small-business assistance program at CSN, Long has received ongoing support since September 2023, helping her strengthen her business while expanding its community impact.
Over the past three years, NV Grow has provided assistance with accounting, marketing, website development, social media, pricing strategies and human resources. The program has also connected Long with additional resources, including SCORE and Manufacture Nevada.
In 2026, Sugar & Spice was selected to participate in the Henderson Small Business Assistance Program, a city-funded initiative facilitated through NV Grow. The program provides workshops, business development resources and networking opportunities to help local entrepreneurs succeed.
For Long, those connections are paying off.
Through the program, Sugar & Spice has expanded its visibility, participated in the Henderson Chamber of Commerce’s annual business expo and partnered with Patranya Media, another NV Grow client, to share its story with a wider audience.
The result? Recent features on FOX5 and News 3 highlighting the shop’s mission to provide meaningful employment opportunities.
“Sugar & Spice is a compelling example of how small businesses can strengthen our economy while making a meaningful difference in our community,” said Clarissa Cota, CSN’s vice president of external relations and campus operations. “Through CSN’s NV Grow program and the Henderson Small Business Assistance Program, we are proud to support entrepreneurs like Sheri Long, whose commitment to creating inclusive employment opportunities demonstrates the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives.”
Thomas Carvalho, a small business and entrepreneurship development counselor with CSN’s NV Grow program, said Sugar & Spice is an example of how ongoing support and community partnerships can help small businesses grow.
“Over the years, NV Grow has connected Sheri with resources and opportunities that have helped take her business to the next level,” Carvalho said.
It’s a sweet reminder that CSN’s impact reaches well beyond the classroom. Through programs like NV Grow and partnerships with the city of Henderson, the college is helping local entrepreneurs build stronger businesses, create opportunities and contribute to Southern Nevada’s economy.
See Sugar & Spice in the News
- FOX5: Henderson chocolate shop empowers people facing hiring barriers
- News 3: Local candy store trains young workers during Disability Employment Awareness Month
Have a business idea or looking to grow? Learn more about the resources available through CSN’s NV Grow program.