Nevada SBDC

Nevada SBDC Day 2026 - Las Vegas
2026-03-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Alebrijes by Chef Paco, 450 Fremont St Suite 310, Las Vegas, 89101, United States
March 18, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Alebrijes by Chef Paco | Fremont Street
Celebrate Nevada’s small business community at Nevada SBDC Day 2026, a statewide gathering honoring the entrepreneurs, advisors, partners, and champions who help drive Nevada’s economy forward. Plus, receive a free professional headshot to level up your business profile!
SBDC Day is part of a national celebration recognizing Small Business Development Centers across the country and the new and existing businesses they support. In Nevada, that work touches more than 350,000 small businesses, representing 99.2% of all businesses statewide.
The evening will bring together small business owners, ecosystem partners, Nevada SBDC advisors and staff, policymakers, and community leaders for a celebration of Nevada small business focused on impact, insight, and connection.
Program highlights include:

Welcome remarks from Winnie Dowling, Nevada SBDC State Director
Remarks from U.S. SBA District Director Saul Ramos

Remarks from Shaundell Newsome, Nevada SBDC Board Chair

Remarks from Vice President of Government and Community Engagement at the University of Nevada, Reno Michael Flores
Nevada SBDC Small Business Awards, recognizing outstanding client businesses and legislative champions
Open networking with Nevada’s small business community
SBDC Headshot Photobooth

In 2025 alone, Nevada SBDC provided free, confidential advising to 3,917 clients across 13 offices statewide, helping businesses invest $31.9 million, support 14,030 jobs, and launch 249 new businesses. Nevada SBDC Day is an opportunity to bring those numbers to life through the stories, people, and partnerships shaping Nevada’s small business landscape.
Space is limited. RSVP today to be part of Nevada SBDC Day 2026.
Parking at the Neonopolis is included for all attendees.

Healthcare: Starting Your Private Practice and What You Should Know
2026-03-31 07:00 - 08:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
This training is designed for healthcare professionals considering private practice who want a clear, honest understanding of what lies beyond clinical work. Participants will explore the healthcare-industrial complex and how it shapes care delivery, autonomy, and business decision-making. The session challenges common myths about healthcare entrepreneurship and addresses the realities that are rarely discussed in formal education. It also highlights the critical gaps in what professional training programs don’t teach about building a practice. Attendees will leave with a grounded perspective on what it truly takes to start an independent practice. This session is ideal for clinicians who want to enter private practice informed, prepared, and strategic.

Duke Nishimura, BS ME/AE, MBA, LEAN, CVC
Duke’s experience includes serial entrepreneurship launching 21 companies, CEO of 9 international companies in healthcare, biotech, and emerging technologies. Duke serves as strategic consultant for 25 years to C-Suites of over 400 public and private health systems, hospitals, group practices, private practices, and government healthcare administrations of the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Duke’s businesses include a global healthcare company with over 120 clinics in 24 countries, 129 articles in peer-reviewed medical/scientific journals, 29 Randomized Controlled Trials, and ongoing clinical trials with over 200,000 patients obtaining over 90% success rates among severe chronic patients. Other businesses include a practice management company for orthopedic and neurosurgical practices with 50% higher reimbursement rates over industry standards; Provider of CME/CNE/CEU programs for medical professionals and insurance industries; and Speaker at various international, national, and regional medical, scientific, and healthcare conferences. Duke has established over 60 clinics in 12 states as joint ventures through corporate clinics. Duke currently merged several technology companies into a single entity focused on Emerging Technologies as solutions for global issues. Some of these solutions include the High-G Loss of Consciousness Training program mandatory for all fighter pilots in the U.S. Air Force, Corps Fit Industrial Medicine Program and Academy for 34,000 and 12,000 personnel units, and industrial medicine programs for the U.S. Veterans Administration, Canadian Royal Forces, Japan Firefighters, and multiple Fortune 100 companies. Duke also gives back to the small business community working with the Nevada SBDC, College of Business, University of Nevada, Reno as a Business Advisor focused on healthcare, biotech, sciences, engineering, technologies, global businesses, strategic finance, mergers & acquisitions, and scalable IPs. Duke brings a no-nonsense, real-world, strategic consulting approach to his clients, peers, and colleagues. His life motto is, “When was the last time you did something for the first time in your life?”, his business view is, “‘Think outside The Box’? What Box?”, and his life outlook is that he has never met a stranger.

An Intellectual Property Guide for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
2026-04-21 09:00 - 10:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
The area of IP is as complex as it is important, especially for small business owners and entrepreneurs. There are cost-conscious, reasonable steps that can and should be taken by independent companies to add value to their business and to protect their creations, particularly in this era of online counterfeits and scams. This webinar will provide an introduction to protections available through patents, copyright, trademark, and trade dress as well as the benefits of intellectual property registrations and enforcement resources.

At the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

What is intellectual property and how it can benefit your business, protect your creative works
How to distinguish between patents, trade secrets, copyright protection, and trademarks as well as their scope, cost, and remedies
How to apply for and register copyrights, trademarks, and patents

Enforcement aids and resources to strengthen your intellectual property portfolio

Caleb Green is a seasoned attorney specializing in Intellectual Property, Business Law, and Technology. He brings a unique blend of legal expertise and technical acumen to his practice, holding a degree in Computer Science and leveraging his background in information technology to provide comprehensive counsel to clients. Caleb’s primary areas of practice encompass intellectual property litigation and enforcement, trademark prosecution and management, business litigation and transactions, data privacy and security, and sports & entertainment law. His experience includes advising clients on corporate due diligence, navigating complex intellectual property disputes, and ensuring data protection compliance. With a keen understanding of the complexities of intellectual property law and a strong foundation in general business litigation, Caleb is dedicated to helping businesses understand the intersection of law and technology, providing strategic solutions to protect their innovations and achieve their business objectives worldwide.

Sprint to Scale - Spanish
2026-04-22 17:30 - 20:00 | 2300 W Sahara Ave, 2300 W. Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, 89102, United States
Session #1
2026-04-22
5:30 PM
– 8:00 PM (PDT)

Session #2
2026-04-29
5:30 PM
– 8:00 PM (PDT)

Session #3
2026-05-06
5:30 PM
– 8:00 PM (PDT)

Session #4
2026-05-13
5:30 PM
– 8:00 PM (PDT)

Session #5
2026-05-20
5:30 PM
– 8:00 PM (PDT)

Session #6
2026-05-27
5:30 PM
– 8:00 PM (PDT)

Session #7
2026-06-03
5:30 PM
– 8:00 PM (PDT)

Session #8
2026-06-10
5:30 PM
– 8:00 PM (PDT)

Session #9
2026-06-17
5:30 PM
– 8:00 PM (PDT)

Session #10
2026-06-24
5:30 PM
– 8:00 PM (PDT)

¡Únete a este programa de 10 semanas y lleva tu idea de negocio al siguiente nivel!
Aprenderás a planear tu empresa, definir metas claras y construir una base sólida para crecer. A través de actividades prácticas, un cuaderno de trabajo interactivo y aprendizaje en grupo, descubrirás cómo transformar tu visión en resultados reales. Si estás iniciando un negocio o quieres expandir el que ya tienes, este programa te ayudará a avanzar con estrategia y confianza. ¡No te quedes fuera!

Se ofrece de forma presencial en Las Vegas, Nevada.
El personal militar en activo, los veteranos y los cónyuges de militares pueden optar a un descuento. Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a training@nevadasbdc.org.

Sobre la instructora
Anabel Navarro ha hecho de Las Vegas su hogar durante 28 años y aporta más de 30 años de experiencia en diversas industrias. Desde 2014 es Asesora de Negocios y Gerente Regional del Sur de Nevada, en el Nevada SBDC; donde ha apoyado a innumerables emprendedores a lograr su máximo potencial . Es experta en creación de empresas, planes de negocio, gestión comercial, marketing y análisis financiero. Su verdadera pasión es guiar a los emprendedores para transformar sus ideas en negocios exitosos.

This course will be taught in Spanish, but all are welcome and English is available on request.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Federal Government-Level Mentor-Protégé
2026-04-29 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
A Nevada APEX Accelerator overview will be shared, plus learn about the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program. This is a unique opportunity for small businesses to gain guidance, resources, and joint venture opportunities with established government contractors. Learn how this program can help you navigate the federal landscape and accelerate your success. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with resources that can accelerate your business growth.
Register by no later than April 28th, only using the following GoTo Webinar link:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3669046562984266584

“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.

Construction 1.0 Workshop
2026-04-29 17:00 - 18:30 | 8400 W. Sunset Rd #300, 8400 W Sunset Rd #300, Las Vegas, NV, 89113, United States
Session #1
2026-04-29
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #2
2026-05-06
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #3
2026-05-13
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #4
2026-05-20
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #5
2026-05-27
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #6
2026-06-03
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Join the Nevada SBDC, in collaboration with UNLV’s Office of Economic Development, and the Nevada State Contractors Board, for a dynamic, in-person, 6-week course designed to guide you through the construction industry. Gain essential insights into crucial construction business topics and receive a step-by-step walkthrough of the Nevada State Contractors Board application process. This course offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals, access expert support, and utilize resources to help you secure your contractor’s license. Don’t miss out on this chance to build a successful future in construction!

With over 25 years of experience in finance and banking, I have spent several years supporting entrepreneurs, particularly in the construction industry, as they establish and expand their businesses. My deep industry knowledge, combined with proficiency in Spanish and strong communication skills, allows me to provide expert guidance on business formation and operations. Passionate about addressing the misinformation often faced by small businesses, I am committed to educating entrepreneurs on effective strategies for success.

Construction 2.0 Workshop
2026-04-30 17:00 - 18:30 | 8400 W. Sunset Rd #300, 8400 W Sunset Rd #300, Las Vegas, NV, 89113, United States
Session #1
2026-04-30
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #2
2026-05-07
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #3
2026-05-14
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #4
2026-05-21
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #5
2026-05-28
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #6
2026-06-04
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Join the Nevada SBDC, in collaboration with UNLV’s Office of Economic Development, and the Nevada State Contractors Board, for an empowering 6-week, in-person course dedicated to construction marketing! This program covers essential strategies for winning contracts, establishing a strong marketing foundation, and creating impactful capability statements. Learn directly from seasoned professionals, connect with experienced contractors, and benefit from expert guidance from business advisors. Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your network, and gain the tools to elevate your contracting business!
With over 25 years of experience in finance and banking, I have spent several years supporting entrepreneurs, particularly in the construction industry, as they establish and expand their businesses. My deep industry knowledge, combined with proficiency in Spanish and strong communication skills, allows me to provide expert guidance on business formation and operations. Passionate about addressing the misinformation often faced by small businesses, I am committed to educating entrepreneurs on effective strategies for success.

Listening Session on Cottage Foods & Farm-to-Fork
2026-05-04 17:30 - 19:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Join us online to attend a critical public meeting regarding proposed regulatory changes that will directly impact the future of small-scale food production and agricultural sales in Nevada. This is a vital opportunity to stay informed on policy shifts that will affect your business and our local food system.
Join us for a collaborative session with key industry leaders and advocates:
• Nevada Farm Bureau
• Grown in Nevada/ Made in Nevada
• University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)

Why You Should Attend
The Nevada Farm Bureau is a dedicated organization committed to advocating for the needs of local producers. Grown in Nevada’s missiong is to foster the success of sustainable agriculture along with the support of the University of Nevada, Reno and Nevada SBDC. This meeting serves as a platform to understand upcoming legislative or regulatory adjustments and to ensure our community’s voice is heard.

Don’t miss your chance to be heard!

SBRC | Business Breakthroughs: Speed Advising & Networking
2026-05-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Vegas Chamber, 70 E. Bonneville Ave, Las Vegas, 89101, United States
Celebrate Small Business Week at the Vegas Chamber! Connect with trusted small business experts through fast-paced, one-on-one advising sessions designed to help you break through common business challenges. Stay after to network with fellow business owners and resource partners.

Nevada APEX Accelerator overview, plus The U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) Federal Government-Level Mentor-Protégé Program
2026-05-06 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
The virtual presentation, which is presented at no charge, is designed for Nevada for-profit businesses, especially the small businesses, that are interested in selling their goods and/or services in the public sector (or government-related sector). Within the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), State of Nevada, the Nevada APEX Accelerator provides free government-related procurement technical assistance to established Nevada for-profit businesses. Aside from webinars, the Nevada APEX Accelerator provides other no-charge service offerings to its official clients who have been accepted into the program after completing a Client Questionnaire Form for consideration.
“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.

Make It Real: How to Fund, Launch & Get Paid
2026-05-11 10:00 - 11:00 | 8400 W. Sunset Rd #300, 8400 W Sunset Rd #300, Las Vegas, NV, 89113, United States
Interested in learning how to make money moves for your business? This training workshop will cover how to identify and access funding opportunities, prepare for a successful business launch, and set up pricing strategies and systems. You will learn how to take actionable steps to start generating income.
Rachel Gomez joins Nevada SBDC with 20 years of experience in executive recruitment, corporate talent acquisition, HR Consulting, and as a small business owner. Her most recent experiences have been in supporting our Las Vegas small business community. She has worked on a national level with consumer brand leaders, non-profit organizations, and in the arts and entertainment industry. As a small business owner for over 14 years, Rachel understands the necessary planning required to stay in compliance and strategize for growth, while utilizing modern technology to streamline processes, increase productivity and expand on branding and marketing efforts.
This event is co-sponsored by Nevada State Bank.

The Unfair Advantage - AI Marketing with Claude
2026-05-12 14:00 - 15:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
5/12/26: Session 1 — Claude as your marketing brain Learn to prompt Claude like a collaborator, not a search bar. You’ll teach it your voice, draft real content, and leave having already improved something you actually use.
5/19/26: Session 2 — Claude as your marketing strategist Turn Claude into a strategic partner. Build customer personas, research competitors, and walk away with a 30-day content plan you didn’t have to make alone.

5/26/26: Session 3 — Claude as your marketing operator Go beyond one-off prompts. Learn how agentic AI handles multi-step marketing work — and design a repeatable workflow you can run every week without starting from scratch.

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.

Defining Your Product Advantage: What Sets You Apart
2026-05-16 11:00 - 12:00 | 814 S. 3rd St, 814 S. 3rd Street, Las Vegas, 89101, United States
What sets your business apart from competitors? This training workshop will help you identify and communicate your unique value proposition. You will explore what differentiates your business, target customer needs, and learn how to position your business in a competitive landscape.
Rachel Gomez joins Nevada SBDC with 20 years of experience in executive recruitment, corporate talent acquisition, HR Consulting, and as a small business owner. Her most recent experiences have been in supporting our Las Vegas small business community. She has worked on a national level with consumer brand leaders, non-profit organizations, and in the arts and entertainment industry. As a small business owner for over 14 years, Rachel understands the necessary planning required to stay in compliance and strategize for growth, while utilizing modern technology to streamline processes, increase productivity and expand on branding and marketing efforts.

SBRC | Building Business Credit
2026-05-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Vegas Chamber, 70 E. Bonneville Ave, Las Vegas, 89101, United States
Learn how to establish and strengthen business credit to better position your company for financing, growth, and vendor relationships. This session covers what lenders look for, common pitfalls to avoid, and steps you can take right away.

Healthcare: Pitfalls of Managing Your Practice
2026-05-26 07:00 - 08:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
This training focuses on the real-world challenges of running a healthcare practice once the doors are open. Participants will unpack the myths of insurance reimbursement and gain a clearer understanding of cash flow, payer systems, and financial sustainability. The session also explores the operational and management realities that are rarely taught in business school. Attendees will learn to identify common structural and financial pitfalls that destabilize practices. This training is designed to help providers avoid costly mistakes and build stronger, more resilient operations. It is ideal for practice owners and clinicians navigating the complexities of management and growth.

Duke Nishimura, BS ME/AE, MBA, LEAN, CVC
Duke’s experience includes serial entrepreneurship launching 21 companies, CEO of 9 international companies in healthcare, biotech, and emerging technologies. Duke serves as strategic consultant for 25 years to C-Suites of over 400 public and private health systems, hospitals, group practices, private practices, and government healthcare administrations of the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Duke’s businesses include a global healthcare company with over 120 clinics in 24 countries, 129 articles in peer-reviewed medical/scientific journals, 29 Randomized Controlled Trials, and ongoing clinical trials with over 200,000 patients obtaining over 90% success rates among severe chronic patients. Other businesses include a practice management company for orthopedic and neurosurgical practices with 50% higher reimbursement rates over industry standards; Provider of CME/CNE/CEU programs for medical professionals and insurance industries; and Speaker at various international, national, and regional medical, scientific, and healthcare conferences. Duke has established over 60 clinics in 12 states as joint ventures through corporate clinics. Duke currently merged several technology companies into a single entity focused on Emerging Technologies as solutions for global issues. Some of these solutions include the High-G Loss of Consciousness Training program mandatory for all fighter pilots in the U.S. Air Force, Corps Fit Industrial Medicine Program and Academy for 34,000 and 12,000 personnel units, and industrial medicine programs for the U.S. Veterans Administration, Canadian Royal Forces, Japan Firefighters, and multiple Fortune 100 companies. Duke also gives back to the small business community working with the Nevada SBDC, College of Business, University of Nevada, Reno as a Business Advisor focused on healthcare, biotech, sciences, engineering, technologies, global businesses, strategic finance, mergers & acquisitions, and scalable IPs. Duke brings a no-nonsense, real-world, strategic consulting approach to his clients, peers, and colleagues. His life motto is, “When was the last time you did something for the first time in your life?”, his business view is, “‘Think outside The Box’? What Box?”, and his life outlook is that he has never met a stranger.

Business Licensing Info Session
2026-05-28 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-25 11:00 - 12:00 | 2250 N Las Vegas Blvd, 2250 N Las Vegas Blvd, 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.

Sesiones Informativas: Licencias De Negocios
2026-05-28 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-25 12:00 - 13:00 | 2250 N Las Vegas Blvd, 2250 N Las Vegas Blvd, 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 Blueprint with Nevada SBDC - Spanish
2026-05-28 17:30 - 18:30 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Lanza tu negocio con claridad y confianza en Business Blueprint con Nevada SBDC. Esta clase interactiva te guiará a través de las decisiones esenciales que todo emprendedor debe tomar antes de invertir tiempo o dinero. Explorarás el problema que tu negocio resuelve, identificarás a tus clientes ideales, evaluarás a tu competencia y mapearás el entorno de tu industria. La sesión se centra en la aplicación en el mundo real; ayudándote a evaluar la viabilidad de tu idea y a entender lo que se necesitará para tener éxito. Espera salir con una visión más clara, próximos pasos accionables y una base más sólida para tu camino empresarial.

Miriam Yamileth Perez Aguilar es una profesional con formación en el área de negocios. Obtuvo su Licenciatura en Comercio Internacional, con especialidad en Sistemas de Calidad, en una universidad en México. Posteriormente, obtuvo una Maestría en Liderazgo Organizacional en Our Lady of the Lake University, en San Antonio, Texas.

Cuenta con experiencia en administración de empresas en diferentes industrias, incluyendo manufactura automotriz, instituciones educativas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro. A lo largo de su trayectoria, ha trabajado en áreas como coordinación financiera, recursos humanos y dirección de programas.

A Yamileth le motivan los retos y el servicio a la comunidad. Además, es propietaria de heladerías en México, lo que le permite mantener una conexión directa con el emprendimiento y los negocios.

How to Engage Your Customers in the Age of AI
2026-06-01 15:00 - 17:00 | 8400 W. Sunset Rd #300, 8400 W Sunset Rd #300, Las Vegas, NV, 89113, United States
This session is targeted toward small to medium size businesses looking to leverage AI in their marketing to increase customer engagement. We will share practical tips and workflows you can immediately use in your own business, to do more with less, and without a dedicated marketing team.
Sahar Arshad is a serial entrepreneur dedicated to turning AI into real-world advantage for businesses. With over 10+ years in AI, multiple award-winning product launches, and recognized leadership in data and innovation. More information can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahararshad
Ning Zhang is a founder and marketing executive with experience helping businesses achieve marketing success at some of the largest social platforms. Prior to OnVibe, he led teams at Facebook, TikTok, and Google helping businesses achieve business goals on each platform. More info here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ningzhang5

Nevada APEX Accelerator overview, plus “Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III”
2026-06-03 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
The virtual presentation, which is presented at no charge, is designed for Nevada for-profit businesses, especially the small businesses, that are interested in selling their goods and/or services in the public sector (or government-related sector). Within the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), State of Nevada, the Nevada APEX Accelerator provides free government-related procurement technical assistance to established Nevada for-profit businesses. Aside from webinars, the Nevada APEX Accelerator provides other no-charge service offerings to its official clients who have been accepted into the program after completing a Client Questionnaire Form for consideration.
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.

Business Blueprint with Nevada SBDC
2026-06-09 17:30 - 18:30 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Launch your business with clarity and confidence in Business Blueprint with Nevada SBDC. This interactive class will guide you through the essential decisions every entrepreneur must make before investing time or money. You’ll explore the problem your business solves, pinpoint your ideal customers, assess your competition, and map out your industry environment. The session focuses on real-world application; helping you evaluate the viability of your idea and understand what it will take to succeed. Expect to leave with a sharper vision, actionable next steps, and a stronger foundation for your business journey.

Kelli Kelly once sailed away on a tallship, cooked on dive boats in the Bahamas, worked her way up through corporate coffee, and ultimately earned an Associate’s in the Culinary Arts and a Bachelor’s in Organization and Project Management. After moving to Fallon, Nevada, Kelli found her calling in local and regional food systems while working at a farm-to-table restaurant. She was inspired to work with local farmers, ranchers, and value-added producers to promote sustainable agriculture and advocate for eating seasonally and within the foodshed. Kelli serves as the Agriculture and Food Systems Business Advisor for the Nevada Small Business Development Center housed at the Churchill Entrepreneur Development Association and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Urban Leadership at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Kelli is an avid reader, a policy wonk, a slurper of dumplings, and a proud “person of the bean”

2024 Nevada Small Business Development Center State Star
President/Vice President/Secretary, Emerge NV
Member, Governor’s Council for Food Security
2019-2020 Chair, Nevada Farms Conference
Member, NevadaGrown Board of Directors
Member, Western Nevada College–Specialty Crop Institute Advisory Committee
Member, Northern Nevada Food Security Coalition
Member, Churchill County School District Career & Technical Education Advisory Committee
Member, Fallon Youth Club Board of Directors

Time To Find Your Dream BAIL Team - Panel Discussion with a Banker, Accountant, Insurance Agent, and Legal Team
2026-06-11 10:30 - 11:30 | Vegas Chamber, 70 E. Bonneville Ave, Las Vegas, 89101, United States
Training Description: Building on December’s Build Your Dream Team masterclass, this panel discussion takes a deeper dive into the key advisors every growing business needs: a Banker, Accountant, Insurance Agent, and Legal team. Learn when to engage each expert, what questions to ask, and how a strong BAIL team helps you grow strategically while protecting your business.

Nevada APEX Accelerator overview, plus “Resources for Veteran-Owned Businesses”
2026-06-17 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States

Construction 1.0 Workshop
2026-07-07 17:00 - 18:30 | Innevation Center, 450 Sinclair Street, Reno, NV, 89501, United States
Session #1
2026-07-07
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #2
2026-07-14
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #3
2026-07-21
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #4
2026-07-28
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #5
2026-08-04
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #6
2026-08-11
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Join the Nevada SBDC, in collaboration with UNLV’s Office of Economic Development, and the Nevada State Contractors Board, for a dynamic, in-person, 6-week course designed to guide you through the construction industry. Gain essential insights into crucial construction business topics and receive a step-by-step walkthrough of the Nevada State Contractors Board application process. This course offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals, access expert support, and utilize resources to help you secure your contractor’s license. Don’t miss out on this chance to build a successful future in construction!

With over 25 years of experience in finance and banking, I have spent several years supporting entrepreneurs, particularly in the construction industry, as they establish and expand their businesses. My deep industry knowledge, combined with proficiency in Spanish and strong communication skills, allows me to provide expert guidance on business formation and operations. Passionate about addressing the misinformation often faced by small businesses, I am committed to educating entrepreneurs on effective strategies for success.

Construction 2.0 Workshop
2026-07-08 17:00 - 18:30 | Innevation Center, 450 Sinclair Street, Reno, NV, 89501, United States
Session #1
2026-07-08
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #2
2026-07-15
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #3
2026-07-22
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #4
2026-07-29
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #5
2026-08-05
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Session #6
2026-08-12
5:00 PM
– 6:30 PM (PDT)

Join the Nevada SBDC, in collaboration with UNLV’s Office of Economic Development, and the Nevada State Contractors Board, for an empowering 6-week, in-person course dedicated to construction marketing! This program covers essential strategies for winning contracts, establishing a strong marketing foundation, and creating impactful capability statements. Learn directly from seasoned professionals, connect with experienced contractors, and benefit from expert guidance from business advisors. Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your network, and gain the tools to elevate your contracting business!
With over 25 years of experience in finance and banking, I have spent several years supporting entrepreneurs, particularly in the construction industry, as they establish and expand their businesses. My deep industry knowledge, combined with proficiency in Spanish and strong communication skills, allows me to provide expert guidance on business formation and operations. Passionate about addressing the misinformation often faced by small businesses, I am committed to educating entrepreneurs on effective strategies for success.

From Busy to Profitable: The Math Behind a Sustainable Medical Practice
2026-07-14 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Know your numbers: visits, pricing, and profit targets that drive decisions

This webinar will focus on helping providers understand exactly what it takes to breakeven, generate income, and make informed decisions around pricing and patient volume.

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 Day: Practical Tools for Small Business
2026-07-16 10:30 - 16:30 | Tulloch Business Building, College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, 89557, United States
Thursday, July 16 | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Tulloch Business Building Room 211 at the University of Nevada, Reno
Cost: Free

Join Nevada SBDC for a full day of learning, networking, and hands-on exploration of the artificial intelligence tools that are helping small businesses work smarter, move faster, and turn ideas into action.This event is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, students, advisors, and community partners who want practical, real-world ways to use AI. Whether you are looking to improve your marketing, automate repetitive tasks, build a simple website, organize customer information, generate new ideas, or better understand what AI means for your business, AI Day will give you takeaways you can start using right away.
The day begins with the national America’s SBDC AI Day Livestream, featuring expert conversations, small business success stories, student project highlights, and a featured speaker on the future of AI and small business.
In the afternoon, attendees will shift from learning to building during a beginner-friendly Lovable Vibe-Coding Hackathon. No coding experience is required. Participants will use plain-English prompts to create simple AI-powered business tools, websites, landing pages, forms, dashboards, and prototypes.
Come for the ideas. Stay for the community. Leave with something you actually built.
What to Expect
Attendees will have the opportunity to:

Network with entrepreneurs, business owners, students, advisors, and innovation partners from across Nevada
Watch live sessions from the America’s SBDC AI Day Summit
Learn how AI is changing small business marketing, operations, customer service, and product development
Enjoy lunch while connecting with Nevada’s entrepreneurial community
Participate in a hands-on Lovable vibe-coding hackathon
Build a simple prototype, landing page, intake form, workflow, or AI-powered business tool
Learn how Nevada SBDC can support your next steps after the event

Who Should Attend
This event is a great fit for:

Small business owners curious about AI
Entrepreneurs looking for practical tools to save time or grow
Students interested in AI, entrepreneurship, and innovation
Non-technical founders who want to prototype ideas quickly
Community partners supporting Nevada’s business ecosystem
Anyone who wants to better understand how AI can be used in real businesses

You do not need coding experience or a technical background to participate.
Event Schedule

10:30 – 11:00 AM | Check-In, Coffee & Networking
Guests arrive, check in, grab coffee, and meet fellow entrepreneurs, small business owners, students, advisors, and community partners.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | America’s SBDC AI Day Livestream
Attendees will watch the national America’s SBDC AI Day Livestream featuring:

Opening remarks
AI Transforming Main Street: Small Business Panel
Student Project Highlights
Featured Speaker: AI & the Future of Small Business — An Outside Perspective
Closing remarks

1:00 – 1:45 PM | Lunch & Networking
Lunch is provided. Attendees will have time to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, advisors, students, and local innovation partners.
1:45 – 2:00 PM | Local Welcome Back: What Can You Build Today?
Nevada SBDC will frame the afternoon around practical AI use cases for small businesses, including marketing, automation, customer intake, websites, internal workflows, and simple business tools.
This short session will help attendees think about what they want to build during the hackathon.
2:00 – 2:15 PM | Lovable Hackathon Orientation
Participants will be introduced to the beginner-friendly Lovable vibe-coding hackathon.
No coding experience is required. Attendees will use plain-English prompts to turn a business idea into a working prototype.
2:15 – 4:15 PM | Lovable Vibe-Coding Hackathon
Participants will roll up their sleeves and build an AI-powered business tool using simple prompts instead of traditional coding.
Attendees may work individually or in small teams, with support available throughout the session.
Example projects could include:

A landing page for a new product or service
A customer intake form
A lead capture page
A quote, booking, or FAQ tool
An internal workflow or dashboard
A prototype for a new business idea
A simple website for a business, event, or campaign

4:15 – 4:30 PM | Show & Tell, Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Volunteers will share what they created during the hackathon.
The day will close with next steps, Nevada SBDC advising resources, and practical ways attendees can continue using AI in their businesses.
What You’ll Leave With
By the end of AI Day, attendees will leave with:

A better understanding of how AI is being used by small businesses
Practical ideas for applying AI to marketing, operations, customer service, and product development
Hands-on experience using Lovable to create a working prototype
New connections across Nevada’s entrepreneurial community
Clear next steps for continuing to build with support from Nevada SBDC

About the Lovable Vibe-Coding Hackathon
Vibe coding is a new way to build digital tools using natural language prompts instead of traditional code.
During the hackathon, participants will use Lovable to create simple prototypes, websites, workflows, and business tools. The goal is not to build something perfect. The goal is to learn what is possible, experiment with new tools, and leave with something tangible that can be improved after the event.
This session is designed for beginners, non-technical founders, and anyone who wants to explore how AI can help turn business ideas into working prototypes.
Cost
This event is free to attend.
Space may be limited, and registration is encouraged.
Register Today
Join Nevada SBDC on Thursday, July 16, at the Tulloch Business Building at the University of Nevada, Reno for a full day of AI learning, networking, and hands-on building.
Explore what AI can do for your business — and leave with something you built yourself.

Rising Leaders: Amplifying Your Communication Skills for Business Growth
2026-07-23 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE, STATEWIDE, NV, United States
Just starting out or ready to level up? This webinar is built for entrepreneurs like you — whether you’re a team of one or leading your first few hires.
Growing your business takes more than a great idea. It takes the right skills — both the hard skills that keep your operation running and the soft skills that build trust, inspire people, and help you lead with confidence. This session is designed to help you develop both, so you can step into leadership with clarity and purpose.
You’ll walk away with practical tools you can use right away to strengthen how you communicate, solve problems, and build the kind of credibility that helps your business grow.
What You’ll Learn:

Communication that drives results — Master communication, one of the most valuable soft skills for any entrepreneur. Learn to adapt your message for clients, team members— and build alignment even without formal authority.
Developing the people around you — Whether you manage employees, contractors, or collaborators, discover how to build accountability, encourage ownership, and earn trust through everyday interactions.
Building your visibility and credibility — Your reputation is your brand. Learn to demonstrate value through outcomes and build the professional relationships that fuel growing your business long-term.

Jamie Morlock, Client Development Director at The Omnia Group, is usually out on the front lines — attending events and meeting new faces. She works with organizations to tackle hiring, retention, and team development, and build cultures, using Omnia’s behavioral and cognitive assessments as the foundation.
