Nevada SBDC

Securing Funding with Your Story: What You Want to Say vs. What Needs to Be Heard
2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
There is so much you want to say when completing applications to secure funding, grants, loans, donations, sponsorships, and other opportunities. But knowing what you want to say versus what needs to be said – what needs to be heard by the listener – are two different things. And it could be the difference in whether you secure the funding.

This may very well be the most clear, concise, and succinct webinar you’ll ever attend on how to relay your story in the most clear, concise, and succinct way . . . in order to secure funding to help scale and grow your business, or build and sustain your non-profit.

In this webinar, taught by Business Subject Matter & Storytelling Expert, Joylynn M. Ross, of Path To Publishing and Path To Connections (awarded SBA Microenterprise Business of the Year 2025 for the Nevada District), you’ll walk away with all the storytelling ingredients that make up the recipe for funding success!

Understanding Cash Flow
2025-11-12 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Understanding how money moves in and out of your business is essential to keeping it healthy. In this session, participants will learn the difference between cash inflow and cash outflow and why tracking both matters. We’ll explore how profit on paper doesn’t always translate to money in the bank—and what that means for day-to-day operations. Through practical examples, you’ll discover how to anticipate and manage the timing of your income and expenses. By learning how to manage your cash effectively, you’ll gain the flexibility to handle slow seasons and unexpected costs with confidence.

Learning the difference between cash inflow and cash outflow
Profit does not always mean you’ll have money in the bank
Managing your cash will offer flexibility to weather slow times and bills that may hit at different times.

Dereck Barrett is a business advisor and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in business planning, financing, and growth strategy.
After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, he began his career in banking sales, earning national recognition as a top performer.
In 2004, he co-founded and financed his first physical therapy clinic in Southern California. Later he and his wife returned to Reno, purchased a commercial building and started another physical therapy clinic. Dereck expanded the practice to multiple clinics locations and was the market leader before selling his majority interest.
While expanding the practice, Dereck became a commercial real estate broker and has worked in that capacity for the last 7yrs.
He attributes his life’s professional success to entrepreneurship and sincerely loves helping guide entrepreneurs through the challenges of launching, financing, and scaling their companies.

AI Pitch Competition
2025-11-12 15:00 - 20:00 | Corporate Coworking Space, 5725 S Valley View Blvd Suite 6, Las Vegas, 89118, United States
Description:

The Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), is proud to announce the next AI Pitch Competition, happening November 12, 2025, in Las Vegas.
This is your chance to showcase your AI vision in front of AWS leaders and industry experts—while competing for up to $35,000 in AWS partner funding to bring your project to life.
What’s at Stake?
Up to $35K in total support to accelerate your AI project.
$10K in guaranteed engineering support – Access AWS engineers who will help you design and implement your AI solution.
Up to $25K in Proof of Concept (PoC) funding – Additional non-cash support to help build and validate your AI initiative.
Please note: No cash prizes or checks will be awarded. Support is provided in technical and strategic AWS resources only.
How It Works
Apply to Pitch – Up to 10 businesses will be selected. Submit your 300–500 word synopsis describing how you plan to use AI in your business.
Pitch Live – Selected businesses will deliver a 3-minute pitch on stage in front of a live audience and expert panel, followed by a short Q&A. Visual aids (e.g., PowerPoint) are allowed.
Network & Connect – After the competition, you’ll have the chance to meet with AWS leaders and industry experts to discuss AI-powered opportunities.
Who Should Apply?
This competition is designed for small businesses that:
Are building or integrating AI into their operations
Need funding, resources, and expert support to move their AI vision forward.
Want to connect with AWS leaders to refine and implement AI strategies.
Why Participate?
Gain exclusive access to AWS funding & technical support.
Pitch your idea directly to AWS and AI leaders.
Receive tailored feedback in a high-value, competitive pitch setting.
Build powerful connections with AWS experts and peers in the AI ecosystem.
About the Hosts & Sponsors
AWS (Amazon Web Services) – The world’s leading cloud computing and AI platform.
Nevada SBDC – Providing no-cost business advising, training, and resources to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive.
Key Details
Application Deadline: November 2, 2025
Competition Date: November 12, 2025

Mastering Your Startup Finances
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Financial success starts with understanding the key numbers that drive your business. In this training, you’ll learn the difference between revenue, profit, and cash flow—and why each tells a unique story about your business’s health. We’ll walk through simple ways to budget and track your costs, including a practical Excel template you can use right away. You’ll also uncover some of the most common financial pitfalls that trip up small business owners and how to steer clear of them. By building stronger financial habits, you’ll gain the clarity and confidence to make smarter business decisions. This session is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to take control of their finances and plan for long-term growth.

Learn the difference between revenue, profit and cash flow
Simple ways to budget and track your costs (where we could provide a simple excel sheet)
Common financial pitfalls and how to avoid them

Dereck Barrett is a business advisor and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in business planning, financing, and growth strategy.
After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, he began his career in banking sales, earning national recognition as a top performer.
In 2004, he co-founded and financed his first physical therapy clinic in Southern California. Later he and his wife returned to Reno, purchased a commercial building and started another physical therapy clinic. Dereck expanded the practice to multiple clinics locations and was the market leader before selling his majority interest.
While expanding the practice, Dereck became a commercial real estate broker and has worked in that capacity for the last 7yrs.
He attributes his life’s professional success to entrepreneurship and sincerely loves helping guide entrepreneurs through the challenges of launching, financing, and scaling their companies.

Small Business Finance Workshop
2026-03-02 12:00 - 13:00 | 700 Wyoming St., 700 Wyoming St., Boulder City, 89005, United States
Join the Nevada SBDC for an in-person financial workshop and learn practical and actionable methods for improving your business finances.
