Many Nevada businesses leverage grants when starting out (for example, while forming a Nevada LLC), expanding operations or simply renovating their building. There’s a good chance your business could qualify for one or more of these small business grants, which could be the key to growing into the next stage.
What are small business grants?
Small business grants are financial awards that do not have to be repaid. They’re given out by government agencies, foundations, nonprofits, corporations and others. Most grants have specific application criteria, can be competitive, and must be used for specific purposes. If you’re awarded a grant, however, it’s basically “free money” for your business.
Nevada offers grants in order to foster small business growth throughout the state. These are most often used to start a business, grow a business, invest in equipment or property, make environmentally friendly improvements, or serve a particular demographic. You might find a grant that can be used for something else, too.
Of course, grants aren’t the only way that businesses can cover upfront costs and raise capital. Compared to the other options, however, grants have several advantages:
- Business Loans: Loans must be repaid over time, almost always with interest in addition to the original principal. Grants don’t have to be repaid at all.
- Business Credit Cards: Credit card balances also must be repaid, and interest rates on any unpaid balances can be high. Again, grants don’t have to be repaid nor do they charge interest.
- Investors: Whether taking on an individual investor or completing a series of fundraising, any outside investment typically requires giving up equity. Grants are awarded without any contingent equity requirement.
- Personal Capital: Many entrepreneurs could use more funds than they personally have, and personal investment always carries financial risk because it reduces diversification. Grants can be used in place of, or in addition to, personal investment.
Before you turn to one of these funding sources, first explore the many different Nevada small business grants, federal business grants, and nonprofit and corporate grants available.
Nevada state-specific grants
Some of the best opportunities are the small business grants in Nevada that are specific to the state. These grants are only available to businesses within the state, rather than across the country, and there are many different ones your business might qualify for.
Many of these programs are administered through the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), but there are opportunities through other government agencies.
Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada
The Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada (WINN) program is built on partnerships between Nevada’s community colleges and private sector businesses. WINN grants are awarded to Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) community colleges and training providers, not directly to individual businesses. However, businesses play a central role in the program by partnering with a college to co-design and deliver customized workforce training in high-demand fields. Past industry partners have included businesses in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, logistics, mining, and clean energy.
If your business has a need for skilled workers in one of Nevada’s targeted industries, partnering with a local community college on a WINN application could result in the college receiving grant funding to train workers specifically for your business, at no cost to you. WINN is primarily a reimbursement-based grant, meaning colleges are reimbursed for eligible expenses after they are incurred.
Since its inception, WINN has made more than $17 million in strategic investments to enable accelerated on-ramps to high-skill, high-wage jobs for Nevadans.
Application process: best practices and tips
- Before completing the initial application form, first reach out to university or college career development offices. Explore potential partnership opportunities directly with them.
- Quantify training and job growth outcomes in concrete numbers, so you can clearly define how a grant would directly benefit trainees.
Nevada Export Grants (STEP)
Nevada Export Grants are offered jointly by the GOED and the Small Business Administration (SBA). They’re part of the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).
Export grants are available to Nevada small businesses exporting U.S.-made goods or services (at least 51% U.S. content). There are several specific STEP programs, each of which has its own criteria and eligible expenses. The GOED’s published guidelines have some of the most comprehensive information.
This grant doesn’t award funds up front, but rather reimburses eligible expenses up to the grant amount.
Application process: best practices and tips
- Apply through GOED. It’s a reimbursement grant, so you pay costs up front and submit your reimbursement request within 30 days after the activity ends.
- Be sure you know what expenses are eligible, and keep receipts and invoices for all eligible expenses that you want reimbursed.
Battle Born Growth (SSBCI) loans and investment
The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), run in Nevada as Battle Born Growth, is focused on connecting Nevada small businesses with lenders and investors. It offers loan and equity programs, not grants, including microloans, bank loan support, collateral support and venture capital.
One aspect of the SSBCI is a free Technical Assistance Program, though. The Technical Assistance Program primarily helps businesses prepare for loan applications and funding pitches. Financial preparation includes developing a budget, drafting future revenue projections, cash flow statements, and debt repayment schedules.
You certainly should consider the SSBCI if seeking a business loan or outside funding, since it’s a great way to network with potential financiers. Even if you might not use outside funding, the Technical Assistance Program is a free way to gain a solid understanding of your business’s finances.
Application process: best practices and tips
- You can use the Technical Assistance Program regardless of how seriously you’re pursuing outside funding.
- Pay attention to how financial documents are drafted, so you understand how to create these in the future.
Emerging Small Business Program
The Emerging Small Business Program (ESB) is a certification rather than a grant, and it’s free to apply. It doesn’t come with a financial award, but rather is a state-recognized credential that small businesses can use when bidding on state and local government contracts. Having certification could give your business a leg up on those contracts.
Certification is available to Tier 1 (no more than 20 employees) and Tier 2 (no more than 30 employees) businesses, with average gross receipts limits that depend on whether you do construction (NRS 231.1405).
Application process: best practices and tips
- The application process is straightforward and simple, so long as your business meets the location, number of employees and gross receipts requirements.
- Apply for certification before submitting any bids or proposals for state or local government projects. Don’t worry about certification if you aren’t going for these jobs.
Local small-business grants
Cities and counties throughout Nevada sometimes offer their own local small business grants. These may be targeted for specific small businesses, or more broadly available to any businesses operating within the jurisdiction. For example, Clark County has offered grant programs for home-based and storefront microbusinesses. Local programs like this are often one-time and open for a limited period.
Application process: best practices and tips
- Contact your city or county economic development office to see whether there are any local grant programs available.
Nevada Regional Development Authorities (RDAs)
GOED funds eight Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) across Nevada, each of which provides technical assistance and economic development support to businesses in their region, and can point you to local funding. These RDAs serve as a practical entry point for Nevada businesses, particularly those outside Las Vegas and Reno, to access localized business support that may not be available through statewide programs.
Each RDA has its own programs and priorities tailored to the economic needs of their region. Nevada’s eight RDAs are the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), Northern Nevada Development Authority, Churchill Fallon Economic Development, Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority, Nevada 95-80 Regional Development Authority, Southwest Central Regional Economic Development Authority, Lincoln County Regional Development Authority, and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.
Application process: best practices and tips
Contact your regional RDA directly to find out what funding and support programs are currently available in your area. Opportunities vary by region and change throughout the year. A full directory of Nevada’s RDAs is available through the GOED website at goed.nv.gov. If you’re unsure which RDA serves your area, GOED can connect you with the right contact.
Industry-specific and niche grants: overview
In addition to the above programs, some Nevada incentives are restricted to certain industries, such as film production. These often aren’t as competitive as the more general programs listed above.
Nevada Film Tax Credit (Entertainment)
The Nevada Film Tax Credit isn’t a grant, and it isn’t automatic. Productions apply to the Nevada Film Office for transferable tax credits of 15% of qualified Nevada spending (12% for some non-resident above-the-line costs), plus bonuses of up to 10%, for a maximum of 25%. Productions must spend at least $500,000 in Nevada, and credits are capped at $6 million per production.
Application process: best practices and tips
- The best contact for this tax credit is the Nevada Film Office. Contact the office through film.nv.gov.
- A bill to greatly expand the program failed in the November 2025 special session. Contact the Nevada Film Office for the most recent information on legislation.
- Talk with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to see how the credit would impact your production’s particular tax situation.
Federal grants available to Nevada businesses
Federal grants tend to award much higher amounts for businesses that require substantial investments. The application process tends to be more extensive, but you should compose an application if your business qualifies for one of these programs.
Small Business Innovation Research
Sometimes called the “America’s Seed Fund,” the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides non-dilutive capital for high-impact research and development with commercialization potential. It’s like raising venture capital, but without sacrificing any equity.
The program includes Phase I, which tests feasibility, and Phase II, which funds full development. Phase III (commercialization) uses non-SBIR funding.
Application process: best practices and tips
- The SBIR website has information on the general application process.
- Grants are actually awarded by federal agencies. Contact the agency that oversees your industry for more specific information.
Small Business Technology Transfer
The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program mirrors the SBIR program, except that STTR requires collaboration with an academic or nonprofit research entity. The grant program is otherwise essentially the same as the SBIR, with the same phased structure.
Application process: best practices and tips
- The SBIR website has information on the general application process.
- Grants are actually awarded by federal agencies. Contact the agency that oversees your industry for more specific information.
Note: The SBIR and STTR programs lapsed on September 30, 2025, after Congress missed the reauthorization deadline. Both programs were reauthorized on April 13, 2026, and are now active through September 30, 2031.
Small Business Administration Grants
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has both loan and grant programs for small businesses. There are many programs that have various requirements, awards and purposes. You can find general information about these on the SBA website.
Application process: best practices and tips
- Contact one of the Nevada SBA offices for more detailed information, and for assistance with any SBA grant application.
Corporate and private foundation grants
Many large corporations and foundations run recurring grant contests, which businesses around the country can apply for. These programs can change from year to year, but there are several companies and nonprofits that offer annual awards.
Freed Fellowship
The Freed Fellowship sponsors one $500 grant each month, and a year-end $2,500 grant to one of the past 12 months’ winners. The awards are often given to very small or micro businesses.
Apply through the Freed Fellowship’s website. Application deadlines are the last day of the month, for a grant in the following month. The application fee is $19.
Tailor Brands Small Business Grant
The Tailor AID Fund helps individuals who have recently lost their jobs take the leap into business ownership. With $1,000 worth of resources, including business coaching, registered agent services, and startup essentials, recipients get practical support to begin building their own companies. The application process is straightforward, requiring proof of a recent layoff, and offers aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to move forward with confidence.
Conclusion
Chances are your business qualifies for one, or perhaps several, of these grant opportunities. Whether you are starting a business or expanding an existing one, submitting a strong application could secure the funding you need to reach the next stage of growth.