Season 5- Episode 10: Marcel Schaerer

In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we sit down with Marcel Schaerer, Deputy Director for Southern Nevada at the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. Originally from Asunción, Paraguay, Marcel came to the U.S. as a high school exchange student in Reno before earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Nevada, Reno. His career began with civic education work in Los Angeles and transitioned into workforce training for farm workers and welfare recipients. He later co-founded a small consulting and translation services business alongside his wife, Sylvia, before joining the Nevada Small Business Development Center and eventually assuming his current role with the state.

Now at Business and Industry, Marcel supports entrepreneurs and small business owners across Nevada. Through tools like the Nevada Business Resource Hub and the Business Roadmap, his team helps individuals structure their businesses, connect to funding, and understand licensing—all with free, practical support. Marcel emphasized the importance of addressing workforce development and housing to support Nevada’s continued economic growth and saw a major opportunity to expand Southern Nevada's manufacturing and distribution sector.

Outside of work, Marcel enjoys long walks with his wife and exploring different communities on foot. He finds value in getting to know neighborhoods and small businesses up close, which fuels his passion for workforce development and his love for people. His advice to young people? Obtain your education—and, if possible, pair it with a business degree or minor. No matter your passion, business knowledge opens more doors and gives you flexibility if your path changes.

State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry:
https://business.nv.gov/

Nevada Small Business Resource Fair:
LV Reno fliers(1).pdf