From Idea to Income: Marketing with AI
2025-10-14 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Session #1
2025-10-14
12:00 PM
– 1:30 PM (PDT)

Session #2
2025-10-21
12:00 PM
– 1:30 PM (PDT)

Session #3
2025-10-28
12:00 PM
– 1:30 PM (PDT)

Course 1: Know Your Audience (With AI)

How to use AI to generate customer personas and empathy maps
Finding pain points, desires, and language your audience actually uses

Course 2: Craft Your Message (With AI)

Writing clear, compelling headlines, bios, and product descriptions
How to generage and test messaging variations
Creating consistent tone and voice

Course 3: Create Campaigns & Content (With AI)

Building a simple campaign plan (email, social, website, etc.)
Using AI to draft social posts, email campaigns, and landing page content
Intro to AI image/video generation (Canva Magic, DALL•E, etc.)

Ethan Clift is a founder, designer, and strategist working at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and social impact. As CEO of Tonic Audio Labs, he leads the development of AI-powered songwriting tools and creative hardware, building on 15+ years of experience launching mission-driven ventures and brands. A Columbia University graduate with training in psychology and a background in music and design, Ethan brings a practical, human-centered approach to marketing. He’s a Techstars alum, public speaker, and educator who’s passionate about giving entrepreneurs and creatives hands-on tools to use AI in real-world ways. In this 3-part workshop, 3-part series he’ll guide students through building audience insights, crafting messaging, and prototyping campaigns with AI—step by step.

AI Voice Agents That Do the Work While You Talk
2025-10-14 17:00 - 18:00 | 8400 W. Sunset Rd #300, 8400 W Sunset Rd #300, Las Vegas, NV, 89113, United States
Discover the future of AI-powered productivity. In this hands-on session, you’ll see how next-gen AI voice agents—powered by MCP server access—can do more than just talk.
You’ll learn how to:
– Call your AI like you would a team member
– Send emails, create proposals, and draft follow-ups—mid-call
– Generate PDFs and documents automatically during conversations
– Integrate with your existing tools so your AI can take real action in real time

Karma is a marketing strategist, digital marketing expert, and copywriter with over 23 years of marketing, sales, and customer service experience in a variety of industries (Tech, B2B, Hospitality, Travel, Health, and more). After graduating from PR/journalism school she became a copywriter at a PR agency. Fueled by a passion for the evolving landscape of digital marketing, Karma transitioned into becoming a digital nomad, traveling the globe while contributing her expertise to resorts worldwide. Along the way, she studied English teaching at the University of Cambridge, adding depth to her multifaceted skill set. Her digital skills set the stage for a series of strategic roles in the tech industry, where she excelled as a CMO, Head of Customer Success, and Head of Demand Generation for various companies. Her trajectory took an exciting turn as she assumed the role of General Manager for American Airlines, showcasing her adaptability and leadership prowess. In her business, she has generously shared her wealth of knowledge with small business owners, personal brands, marketers, and agencies. For over 4 years, she has been a marketing mentor for SCORE, actively contributing to the startup ecosystem by conducting workshops and teaching about brand and marketing strategy.

Health Care Industry Lending
2025-10-15 09:00 - 10:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Preparing to start or expand your Health Care or Med-Spa business? Let’s discuss what stage you are at, licensed or not yet licensed, and discuss what options are available to you. I will walk you through the process, so you are prepared and know what you need. In addition we’ll discuss different lending options, including alternative lending and projection based loans.

Penny Garton Sr. Loan Officer for CDC Small Business Finance Based in California, lending Nationwide. Penny is a 37-year veteran of commercial lending, underwriting, and customer service, providing financing to small businesses throughout the United States.

Where's the Contract? SBIR-STTR with NAVSEA: From Proposal to Award
2025-10-15 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Join James Torretti, Contractor to the U.S. Navy, Program Manager, Contract Support to the NAVSEA SBIR-STTR Program for an insightful webinar on the Naval Sea Systems Command’s(NAVSEA’s) versions of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)-Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The following will be discussed: how to submit proposals, what we know about topic releases, the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) guidelines for submission, and resources for proposal writers and awardees. Some other parts of the submission process and parts of the program that are unique to NAVSEA will be discussed.

The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session, offering you the opportunity to get your specific questions answered and gain tailored advice for your business. This is a must-attend event for any small business or research team looking to partner with NAVSEA. An overview of the Nevada APEX Accelerator will also be provided by an APEX representative.

Register by no later than October 14th, only using the following GoTo Webinar link:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6517299548589452891

“Where’s The Contract?” is a no-charge monthly training program designed to put Nevada businesses on the path to securing government contracts and subcontracts and diversifying revenue sources.

Regarding the APEX Accelerator [formerly known as the Nevada Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)] (note: see the updated webpage at https://goed.nv.gov/programs-incentives/procurement-assistance-outreach/ to become a client and follow us on the updated LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com): This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.

Regarding the Nevada SBDC: The Nevada SBDC is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with mental or physical disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the Nevada SBDC State Office at (800) 240-7094 to make arrangements. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities.

This webinar is co-sponsored by two separate organizations, i.e., the APEX Accelerator and the Nevada SBDC.

Business Licensing Info Sessions
2025-10-16 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-23 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-30 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-06 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-11 11:00 - 12:00 | 2250 Las Vegas Blvd N., 2250 Las Vegas Blvd N, North Las Vegas, 89030, United States
Starting a business in Nevada? Join our free info-sessions to learn the step by step process to get your business licensed and legally operating. You will learn how to choose the right business structure, required local and state licenses, where to apply and how, common fees and timelines, and tools and resources for your business journey.
Sessions will be held every Thursday. Please sign up for the date that best suits your availability.

Sesiones Informativas: Licencias De Negocios
2025-10-16 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-04 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00 | 2250 Las Vegas Blvd N., 2250 Las Vegas Blvd N, North Las Vegas, 89030, United States
¿Estás por empezar tu negocio en Nevada?
Únete a nuestra sesión informativa gratuita para conocer el proceso paso a paso para obtener tus licencias y operar legalmente.
Aprenderás sobre:

Cómo elegir la estructura correcta (LLC, propietario único, etc.)
Licencias locales y estatales requeridas
Dónde y cómo aplicar
Costos comunes y tiempos de espera
Herramientas y recursos para ayudarte a crecer

Business Incubator
2025-10-16 17:30 - 19:30 | 495 S Main St, 495 S Main St, Las Vegas, 89101, United States
Session #1
2025-10-16
5:30 PM
– 7:00 PM (PDT)

Session #2
2025-10-23
5:30 PM
– 7:00 PM (PDT)

Session #3
2025-10-30
5:30 PM
– 7:00 PM (PDT)

Session #4
2025-11-06
5:30 PM
– 7:00 PM (PST)

Session #5
2025-11-13
5:30 PM
– 7:00 PM (PST)

Session #6
2025-11-20
5:30 PM
– 7:00 PM (PST)

Join the Nevada SBDC, UNLV’s Office of Economic Development, and the City of Las Vegas for a 6-week in-person course. Gain insights from experts, connect with advisors, and explore key business topics to support your growth!
This course will be taught in Spanish, but all are welcome and English is available on request.
Carlos Mejia is a Business Development Advisor in the Las Vegas office. Carlos graduated from UNLV with his bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration majoring in Economics. Carlos is a first generation college graduate, a dreamer (in every sense of the word) and is all about data & numbers which he hopes to use along with his economics background when helping clients.

Capital Conversations: What Every Business Should Know
2025-10-21 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
In today’s economy, access to capital remains one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—elements of small business success. This panel brings together seasoned bankers and lending experts to demystify the financing process and provide actionable insights for entrepreneurs at every stage.
Join us for a candid conversation on the realities of securing funding, from traditional loans and SBA programs to alternative financing options. Panelists will share what lenders look for, how to prepare a strong application, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your operations, this session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions.
Expect real-world advice, insider tips, and a chance to ask your most pressing questions. If you’re serious about growing your business, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
In collaboration with special speaker, Monica Coburn of Nevada Business Advisors. This is part of our State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program powered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Understanding Nevada's New 401K Mandate
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Attention small business owners: Nevada’s new 401K mandate requiring employers to offer a retirement savings program has officially gone into effect, and the deadline to comply has now passed. If you haven’t yet implemented a solution, it’s not too late to get on track! Join us for a one-hour webinar on the Nevada Employee Savings Trust (NEST) program, a state-facilitated retirement option designed to help small businesses meet the requirements without the complexity of setting up a traditional 401k. We’ll cover how NEST works, what your responsibilities are as an employer, and how to enroll quickly and easily. This is a great opportunity to ensure compliance and support your employees’ financial well-being.
Zach Conine currently serves as Nevada’s 23rd State Treasurer. Elected on November 6th, 2018, Zach knows that responsible financial management is the key to ensuring long-term growth for the State. As Treasurer, Zach leads a team of more than 45 professionals that are responsible for investing the State’s and many local governments’ money, financing community assets and facilities, processing payments for public agencies and collecting and returning unclaimed property. Additionally, Zach is responsible for Nevada College Savings Plans and administration of numerous scholarship programs and other services that help Nevadans plan, save, and pay for post-secondary education.
In addition to the daily management of the State Treasurer’s Office, Zach serves as a member of the State Board of Finance and the Executive Branch Audit Committee. Zach serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the College Savings Plans of Nevada, the Nevada Employee Savings Trust and the Nevada State Infrastructure Bank.
Prior to serving as State Treasurer, Zach built a successful business career in the gaming, finance, and consulting sectors. Over the course of his career, Zach has been committed to creating economic opportunities for local businesses and working families. As co-founder of a consulting business, he has helped dozens of small and medium sized businesses expand, increase efficiencies, and decrease expenses. In doing so, he assisted in the creation and preservation of more than 3,000 jobs in Nevada.

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

Business Planning for New Healthcare Entrepreneurs
2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Join us for “Business Planning for New Healthcare Entrepreneurs,” featuring a seasoned physician, Dr. Hakimi, who has successfully navigated the entrepreneurial landscape. Discover the intricacies of launching and managing a private practice with a membership-based care model, as she shares her firsthand experiences and strategies. Learn how to effectively market your practice, manage finances, and ensure regulatory compliance without relying on traditional insurance frameworks. This session will provide practical tips on setting up your practice, from selecting the right location to optimizing patient care and engagement.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to pivot your existing practice, this webinar offers actionable advice to help you succeed. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from local succesful healthcare entrepreneur and take your business planning skills to the next level. Let’s continue the conversation and journey towards more patient-centered practices in Nevada.
Dr. Ati Hakimi MD graduated from Northwestern University residency in Family Medicine and did an extra year of training in Geriatric Medicine at Rush University Medical Center. She has practiced medicine for over 20 years.
She moved to Las Vegas in 2016 and immediately knew she was home. She was chosen for Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2018 and that is where she found her tribe to motivate her to make a difference in the city. She was very disheartened to know that Las Vegas was number 47 in the nation in healthcare. So, with the support of her life long leadership friends and her family, she started Vegas Direct Primary Care.

She now practices medicine as she has always dreamed of! She is able to provide compassionate, quality care to all her members and treats them as if they are a part of her own family. Her practice is equivalent to the Netflix of Healthcare, a low and affordable flat monthly fee which gives her members all access to a physician!
Check out her website at https://vegasdpc.com/

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.

Hazardous Waste 101 - Las Vegas
2025-12-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Nevada Department of Business & Industry, 3300 W. Sahara Avenue, Suite 425 Nevada Room, Las Vegas, NV, 89102, United States
Hazardous Waste 101 is a free training where you and your team will learn proper management of hazardous waste, RCRA manifest requirements, waste identification and labeling requirements, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, and training requirements. Throughout the training, BEP will provide tips for cost-saving approaches and resources to help you manage and minimize hazardous waste streams. Registration is required. Contact Kat Olson with questions at 775-420-7371 or katolson@unr.edu.

Mapping the Talent Journey
2025-12-03 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Session #1
2025-12-03
12:00 PM
– 1:00 PM (PST)

Session #2
2025-12-11
12:00 PM
– 1:00 PM (PST)

Whether your practice has 2 employees or 2000, every one of you is on a journey towards practice growth. While AI and tech are vital for the future, every practice will still require people. Owners and leaders need a proven roadmap to turn quality candidates into engaged and committed team members. Discover the processes and strategies that will drive the performance of your team and ultimately the success of your practice.

More than a traditional conference session, Amy’s programs are designed and facilitated to enable you to learn from and connect with others through meaningful peer-to-peer interaction. Grounded in her People First approach, join Amy Lafko in this unique hands-on program where participants will be able to:

Objectives:

Define the evidence-based map for the talent journey

Identify your company’s roadblocks and detours

Prioritize your company’s next steps and implementation strategy

Guest Speaker: Amy Lafko

Hazardous Waste 101 - Reno
2025-12-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Redfield Campus, 18600 Wedge Parkway, Room 227, Reno, NV, 89511, United States
