Registration is now open for the Tribal Entrepreneur Development Program, a free six-week course aimed at supporting first-time entrepreneurs in Nevada. The program is organized by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) in partnership with the Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and StartUpNV. The first session will run from February 23 to April 1, 2026.
Participants will attend workshops on key small business topics, receive expert mentorship, and practice pitching their business ideas. The course also provides guidance on securing capital for new businesses.
The initiative is funded through GOED’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which includes technical assistance specifically for tribal communities and rural small businesses.
Karsten Heise, senior director of strategic programs and innovation at GOED and manager of Nevada’s SSBCI program, said, “When we submitted our grant application for SSBCI’s second technical assistance tranche, we made sure that we are able to reach into every corner of this state to support Nevada’s entrepreneurs. With our lending partner Nevada Rural Development Corporation, we are already offering loans to Nevada rural small businesses under SSBCI, and this new dedicated technical assistance program designed for first time entrepreneurs in tribal communities is a crucial addition to our suite of services.”
Jeff Saling, executive director of StartUpNV, added: “Tribal and rural entrepreneurs often struggle with access to entrepreneurship resources and support due to vast geographic distances in Nevada isolating tribal and rural areas. The Tribal Entrepreneur Program bridges this gap with critically needed education and mentorship to enable entrepreneurs to fulfill their dreams and launch successful businesses.”
Winnie Dowling, state director for the Nevada SBDC, stated: “The Nevada SBDC is in its 41st year of providing technical assistance to new and existing businesses through 13 locations across Nevada. This initiative greatly helps fill a gap and will allow the Nevada SBDC to better address and support the many unique challenges faced by tribal and rural entrepreneurs.”
GOED works statewide as the main agency promoting economic growth through job creation and business attraction in sectors such as renewable energy and healthcare. It collaborates with regional development authorities throughout Nevada on initiatives that enhance job creation while providing resources like workforce development programs and financial aid for small businesses.
StartUpNV operates as a nonprofit accelerator supporting scalable startups across the state by offering mentorship opportunities along with access to venture capital networks. Since its founding in 2017, it has supported over 75 companies that have raised nearly $100 million in venture capital.
The Nevada SBDC offers no-cost advising services focused on business planning, marketing strategies, accounting support, loan applications, technology development assistance, among other areas relevant for small business owners.
More information about these organizations can be found at their respective websites: GOED, StartUpNV, or nevadasbdc.org.
