Lisa Davis thought she had missed her chance.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted college commencements in 2020, the Geneva College graduate earned her associate degree with honors over Zoom, missing the traditional cap-and-gown ceremony she had envisioned for years.
Five years later, she finally got a second chance.
In December 2025, she graduated from Biz 101, a free 10-week entrepreneurship program offered through Extension‘s Small Business Education Program.
An avid learner, Davis gained practical knowledge in business planning, marketing, branding, finance, licensing, insurance and <a href="https://bitcomme.com/8-industry-recognized-digital-marketing-certificates-how-to-get-one/” title=”8 Industry-Recognized Digital Marketing Certificates + How to Get One”>digital marketing. After 10 weeks of classroom instruction, group discussions, presentations and a capstone business pitch, she completed the program and celebrated her achievement alongside family, friends and classmates, this time wearing full graduation regalia.
Building Rare Jewels LLC through adversity
Davis’ path through Biz 101 was marked by resilience. While completing the program, she experienced a series of personal losses and family challenges, including a loved one’s major health scare and the deaths of a cousin and a close friend in quick succession.
Despite the setbacks, Davis persevered, completing coursework, assignments and her final pitch presentation.
“I was overwhelmed with gratitude at our graduation,” Davis said. “My instructors extended a lifeline when I was going through these very difficult moments. I grabbed hold and didn’t let go.”
Unlike many of her classmates, who were launching or operating commercial ventures, Davis had a different vision: a nonprofit organization.
The course laid the foundation for Rare Jewels LLC, a mentoring organization serving girls ages 7 to 14 through leadership development, goal setting, personal growth, supportive services and spiritual enrichment.
Building connections beyond the classroom
After graduating from Biz 101, Davis continued her entrepreneurial journey through Extension’s six-month Small Business Incubator Program, which helps graduates turn business concepts into reality through mentorship, networking and continued training. She also began working with a SCORE mentor, part of a national network of volunteer business experts, to refine her business plan and strategy. Along the way, she attended workshops and networking events focused on entrepreneurship, business development and emerging technologies.
“Biz 101 helps aspiring, emerging and established small business owners to close opportunity gaps by providing practical business knowledge and connecting them with professionals that can help advance their ventures,” said Mike Bindrup, Extension’s economic data research associate, lead Biz 101 instructor and developer of the Biz 101 and Incubator programs.
Davis is among a growing network of program alumni. On Aug. 20, she joined 157 fellow graduates at an alumni mixer designed to connect participants with potential partners and investors and other business leaders while providing opportunities to share accomplishments and explore future growth.
As she works toward launching Rare Jewels, Davis remains focused on the impact she hopes to make in southern Nevada.
“My passion is reaching, teaching and mentoring young girls,” she said. “I want to help them discover who they are, develop their gifts and become the successful young women they were created to be.”
Through her commitment to serving others, Davis is transforming the skills and connections she gained through Biz 101 into a vehicle not only for building an organization, but also for creating lasting community impact.
Education & Public Service |Aug. 21, 2026
