Celebrating 40 Years of Nevada SBDC
Message from the State Director
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for the Nevada Small Business Development Center: 40 years of guiding, supporting, and championing Nevada’s entrepreneurs. As we reflect on four decades of service, I am reminded of the countless individuals whose vision, grit, and dedication have shaped our state’s economy and strengthened our communities. It has been our privilege to walk alongside them.
Since 1985, the Nevada SBDC has evolved from a small advising program at the University of Nevada, Reno, into a statewide network of offices, advisors, and partners united around a single purpose: ensuring that every Nevadan, regardless of background, experience, or industry, has access to the tools and expertise needed to start, grow, and sustain a business. Over the years, we have supported tens of thousands of entrepreneurs through economic shifts, technological transformations, and periods of both challenge and opportunity. Through it all, one constant has remained: Nevada’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Our work is fueled by collaboration. We are deeply grateful to the University of Nevada, Reno; the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; our federal, state, regional, and local partners; and the many organizations, chambers, lenders, and community leaders who have stood with us to build a stronger, more resilient Nevada. Together, we continue to expand access to advising, training, and market opportunities, including our statewide Made in Nevada and Shop Made in Nevada initiatives, the Veterans Business Outreach Center, the Center for Regional Studies, and our Business Environmental Program.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to opening new doors for Nevada’s small businesses by embracing innovation, expanding our reach, and ensuring that the next generation of founders has the support they need to succeed.
Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to 40 years of impact – and the work still to come.
Winnie Dowling
State Director, Nevada SBDC
Valued Host and Funding Partners
Partners play a significant role in making the work of the Nevada SBDC possible. We are grateful for our 2025 network of partners including institutions of higher education, federal, state and local governments, private organizations, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, who enable the Nevada SBDC to provide services at no cost to the business owner.
Valued Partners
SUCCESS STORY
Flash Back
The Reno Fly Shop Reopens: Reviving a Local Favorite
On April 19th, 2014, the Reno Fly Shop officially reopened, welcoming local anglers with fly fishing gear, apparel, guide services, licenses, and trusted advice. The shop, once closed under previous ownership, has been brought back to life by new owner Jim Litchfield, who is continuing the name and spirit with guidance from the original founder.
Litchfield, a lifelong local fisherman, saw an opportunity to fill the gap left when the original shop closed. His vision remains rooted in what made the shop beloved since it first opened in 1983: expert knowledge, reliable service, and a commitment to the fly fishing community. The new ownership team has spent decades fishing the Truckee River, Little Truckee River, and Pyramid Lake; expertise that now shapes the shop’s offerings.
Located at 238 S. Arlington Ave, the Reno Fly Shop sits near the Truckee River and Wingfield Park, making it an ideal stop before hitting the water. The converted historic home features hardwood floors, clean white walls, and an open, modern layout. Thousands of handpicked flies, gear for every skill level, fishing licenses, and guided trips are available, and anything not in stock is quickly ordered. Litchfield also hosts casting lessons, fly-tying classes, and product demos right outside on a designated grass casting corridor.
The shop’s launch was supported by the Nevada Small Business Development Center (Nevada SBDC), where Litchfield worked through his business plan, financials, and startup costs to ensure a strong foundation. That planning paid off and the business has exceeded expectations, locals are spreading the word. Mornings often bring a full parking lot and fishermen gathered on the porch.
With a loyal customer base and a renewed sense of purpose, the Reno Fly Shop has quickly reclaimed its place as a community favorite and looks positioned to thrive for years to come.
2025 Outcomes
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NEW BUSINESS
STARTS
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CLIENTS SERVED
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CAPITAL
FINANCING
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TOTAL TRAINING EVENTS
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JOBS SUPPORTED
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* Economic Impact Scorecard, Nevada SBDC 10/01/2024 – 9/30/2025, Outreach Systems-CRM Software
WHO WE ARE
The Nevada Small Business Development Center is a statewide resource for business assistance, providing a unique array of services, expertise and training in all areas including starting, growth, and development of a business. The Nevada SBDC has 12 locations throughout Nevada that offer information and guidance in understanding and complying with environmental regulations. In addition, the Nevada SBDC provides useful information and analysis of the economy, environment and demographic data to help businesses, government and other organizations promote economic growth in their communities.
Our Mission
To empower entrepreneurs to build Nevada’s communities.
Our Vision
Vibrant and collaborative communities that position Nevada as a leader in business
2025 Nevada SBDC Advisory Board
Nevada SBDC Statewide Retreat; Ely, NV; 2006
City of Reno Mayor Cashell, Small Business Administration representative, and University of Nevada, Reno President Joe Crowley present Nevada SBDC founder Sam Males with initial funding check; 1985
SUCCESS STORY
Flash Back
From Scratch to Success: How Margaritas Became an Ely Favorite
In Ely, Nevada, Margaritas Restaurant has become a local favorite thanks to the dedication of owners Jorge and Margo De la Cerda. Named in honor of his wife, the restaurant reflects the couple’s values—warm hospitality, family tradition, and dishes made entirely from scratch. Jorge prepares each sauce, side, and entrée using family recipes, a commitment that has earned Margaritas a loyal following among residents and travelers passing through on the historic Lincoln Highway.
Even with strong local support, Jorge knew he wanted to grow the business and strengthen the restaurant’s presence among tourists headed north to McGill. To expand his reach, he turned to the Nevada Small Business Development Center. With guidance from Business Counselor Tamera Brown, Jorge enrolled in the NxLevel entrepreneur course offered by the Rural Nevada Development Corporation and the Nevada SBDC. The training helped him sharpen his marketing approach and plan for future growth.
After completing the program, Brown worked closely with Jorge to secure a domain name and launch a website—**www.margaritaselynv.com**—along with a new Facebook page. These tools helped the restaurant connect with its local fan base while making it easier for out-of-town visitors to discover Margaritas before arriving in Ely.
Jorge also collaborated with the Nevada SBDC to build a detailed business plan, which played a key role in obtaining a Rural Nevada Development Corporation microloan to upgrade his point-of-sale system. “Tamera was very helpful in writing my business plan,” Jorge said. “She spent many hours working with me and provided a safe environment for business owners to improve. I would definitely recommend her services.”
The results speak for themselves. By the summer of 2013, Margaritas achieved a 15% increase in sales, demonstrating how planning, perseverance, and the right support can help a small business thrive.
SUCCESS STORY
Flash Back
Full Circle Compost: Growing a Family Legacy into a Statewide Sustainability Leader
When Cody Witt took over leadership at Full Circle Compost, he recognized the potential to transform what began as a small farm solution into a statewide sustainability business. Originally created in 1997 to manage organic waste at the Witt family’s Milky Way Dairy Farm in Minden, the operation held promise beyond the farm: it could reduce landfill waste and improve soil health across Nevada’s dry climate.
Scaling the business required planning, new markets, and strong partnerships. To support that next phase, Witt turned to the Nevada Small Business Development Center. Working with SBDC advisors, he refined growth strategies, evaluated expansion opportunities, and explored how Full Circle Compost could operate in a state where composting isn’t mandated and landfill disposal costs remain low. The guidance helped the company navigate a challenging but high-impact sector with confidence.
Full Circle Compost also benefited from joining Made in Nevada, the Nevada SBDC’s statewide marketing network. Participation opened doors to new customers, visibility at events, and collaborations with organizations committed to local sourcing. “Being part of Made in Nevada events and networks has been incredibly valuable,” Witt said. “The Nevada SBDC was especially helpful as I took over the company and started planning for growth and next steps.”
Today, Full Circle Compost processes more than 50 million pounds of organic material and supplies products to locations across Northern Nevada, including the compost that keeps the University of Nevada, Reno’s historic Quad green year-round.
Looking forward, Witt plans to expand distribution throughout Nevada and Northern California while increasing regional organic waste diversion. With continued support from the Nevada SBDC, Full Circle Compost demonstrates how a family-run business can grow into a mission-driven enterprise building a more sustainable future for Nevada.
Nevada's Demographic Profile
2024 Total Jobs
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2024 Population
Business Ownership by Demographic
Nevada Establishments by Employee
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Nevada SBDC Programs & Services
“The Business Environmental Program is a natural extension of the Nevada SBDC’s mission. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped Nevada businesses solve environmental challenges in a smart, practical way that protects both their operations and their bottom line. By integrating environmental compliance with business advising, we’re able to support entrepreneurs not just in meeting regulations, but in building more efficient, resilient, and sustainable companies.” – Chris Lynch, Director, Business Environmental Program
The Nevada Business Environmental Program (BEP) is a statewide service based at the University of Nevada, Reno, that provides free and confidential environmental management assistance to help businesses navigate regulatory compliance and improve sustainability.
The University of Nevada, Reno’s Center for Regional Studies (CRS) provides specialized research, analysis, and data services—including demographic, economic, and residential trends—to businesses, governments, and community organizations to support informed decision-making.
“At the Center for Regional Studies, our role is to bring clarity to complex economic questions using the most accurate data available. By working closely with the Nevada SBDC, we ensure that entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community leaders aren’t just making decisions based on assumptions, but on real, Nevada-specific insights. Together, we translate rigorous research into practical intelligence that helps businesses choose locations, understand markets, and grow with confidence.” – Brian Bonnenfant, Project Manger Center for Regional Studies
“Made in Nevada exists to make sure Nevada businesses are seen, celebrated, and supported no matter where they’re located or how big they are. By uniting makers, growers, and manufacturers under a single, trusted ‘Battle Born’ identity, we give consumers a clear way to choose local and give businesses a powerful platform to reach new markets. Whether it’s through the Made in Nevada seal or our Shop Made in Nevada marketplace, our goal is simple: help Nevada businesses stand taller together and turn state pride into real economic opportunity.” – Brad Scribner, Community Project Manager
Made in Nevada is a statewide, collective marketing organization dedicated to connecting, promoting, and supporting Nevada businesses through resources, events, and an e-commerce platform to celebrate the state’s diverse entrepreneurial spirit.
Nevada Senator John Ensign, Nevada SBDC founder Sam Males,
current Nevada SBDC State Director Winnie Dowling, and
Nevada Senator Harry Reid; early 2000s
Our Services
The Nevada Small Business Development Center provides free, confidential advising, free workshops, and low cost training to smart entrepreneurs who understand the importance of a good plan and sage advice. The Nevada Small Business Development Center offers and coordinates a wide range of workshops, seminars, and courses in cooperation with the public and private sector. Training Calendar