In honor of Nevada Small Business Week, the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development will host informational workshops to help small business owners expand their companies in an effort to continue the state’s thriving economy.
Gov. Steve Sisolak signed a proclamation designating May 5-11 as Nevada Small Business Week to coincide with the national celebration of small business entrepreneurs. Currently, there are more than 270,000 small businesses in Nevada employing nearly 490,000 Nevadans.
“As a former small business owner, I know how important small businesses are to our communities and to our state’s economy,” said Sisolak, who operated two businesses in Nevada that provided materials and printed promotional materials to companies and organizations. He sold his companies in 2005. “I know from my own personal experience how helpful state and local programs can be to the success of a business. I hope Nevada’s small business owners take advantage of all the opportunities available to them.”
GOED is hosting two informational sessions on the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP grant) on May 6 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Grant Sawyer State Office Building at 555 E. Washington Ave., Room 1100.
GOED’s STEP grant provides federal funding to small businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration as a way to provide them with the tools and information they need to succeed in export-related expansion. The funding can be used for pre-approved export expenses such as foreign market sales trips, trade show activities, international marketing materials, export trade show exhibits, overseas interpreters and training workshops. GOED has awarded more than $100,000 in grants this year to companies in Southern and Northern Nevada and in rural communities.
On May 15, GOED’s Nevada Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is hosting a free webinar for small businesses to learn the information they need to compete for government contracts.
A former federal government contracting officer now working for GOED will talk about the Small Business Innovation Research contracts.
“No one works harder than our small business community and they should be celebrated for driving our economy forward and employing so many of our family members, friends and neighbors,” said GOED Interim Executive Director Kris Sanchez. “These workshops and webinars continue our ongoing efforts to support our small businesses and help make them even more successful.”
For more information about the Nevada GOED’s STEP grants or to apply, visit diversifynevada.com. The STEP program is funded in part through a grant with the Small Business Administration.
Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED’s role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprise, attract new businesses and facilitate community development.
