Nevada Battle Born Growth Escalator, which operates the state’s Small Business Credit Initiative program known as Battle Born Growth, announced on May 27 the launch of Build Nevada, an AI-powered platform designed to connect founders, operators, and growth-stage companies with Nevada’s capital infrastructure and expansion opportunities. The initiative is managed under contract from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
Build Nevada allows companies to engage directly with the state’s innovation ecosystem and expand within fast-growing industries. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development is currently deploying a $38.5 million second tranche of State Small Business Credit Initiative funding, with a potential final tranche bringing total venture and lending capacity up to $112.9 million.
The platform acts as a national entry point for both in-state and out-of-state founders interested in building or expanding operations in Nevada. Through structured project profiles submitted by companies—detailing what they are building, their progress, team composition, and growth plans—projects are matched with relevant capital pathways, financing tools, and strategic partners across the state’s innovation ecosystem. Opportunities typically range from $250,000 to over $3 million.
“Build Nevada is a public-facing tool that gives us a clearer signal on who is aligned with what we’re trying to do,” said Kyle Ferguson, Chief Program Officer for Venture Capital at Nevada Battle Born Growth Escalator. “We’re focused on companies building real products in industries that matter to Nevada. This helps us spend more time on the right opportunities while giving founders a better way to engage with the ecosystem.”
Nick Smoot, Co-Founder of Build_ and Co-Developer of The Oddie District, said: “Most founders have no idea programs like this even exist, or whether they qualify. Build Nevada changes that. Founders can now see where Nevada is investing, position their company accordingly, and engage through a much more direct and efficient process.” Karsten Heise from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development said, “In the current market environment startups and small and medium sized enterprises are seeking environments where they can move fast and execute quickly… We are bringing together infrastructure talent and capital in a way that allows companies to grow efficiently while building long-term value for economic development impact.”
Companies do not need to be based in Nevada but must show clear plans for operating or expanding within the state; early engagement through Build Nevada has already begun. The Governor’s Office works statewide focusing on job creation initiatives while collaborating regionally, according to its official website.
