Nevada is a land of wide-open skies, rugged mountains, and an abundance of business opportunities. Thanks to the state’s business-friendly regulations and lack of corporate income tax, combined with its robust economy, Nevada attracts a lot of entrepreneurs across a wide range of sectors.
Whether you’re drawn by the vibrant Las Vegas marketplace or the entrepreneurial culture in Nevada’s more rural communities, the Silver State can be a great place to start your next venture. But to give your business the best possible chance for success, it’s important to follow a clear and strategic startup checklist.
In this guide, we’ll go over the eleven most crucial steps for starting a business in Nevada:
- Fine-tune your business idea
- Create a business plan
- Choose a business name
- Choose a business structure
- Set up banking, credit cards, & accounting
- Get funding for your Nevada business
- Get insured
- Obtain permits & licenses
- Find your team
- Market & grow your business
- Open the doors!
1. Fine-tune your business idea
Before you’re ready to start filing paperwork and planning your launch, the first real step is shaping your business idea—making sure it’s viable, compelling, and suited to your marketplace. There are a lot of different things to consider during this phase, and getting the idea right is undeniably one of the hardest parts of starting a new business. However, here are a few important things to keep in mind as you go about fine-tuning your vision:
- Play to your strengths: Reflect on what you know well (skills, experience, passions) and how that might translate into your business. What you bring to the table as the business owner is just as key as the idea itself.
- Explore how to generate business ideas: Look at gaps in local markets, underserved customer segments, or ways to apply a national trend locally.
- Product-based vs service-based considerations: Whether you’re offering a service or a product will have a big impact on your business plan. For example, product-based businesses need to assess factors like vendors and delivery logistics, while service-based businesses must more heavily consider labor availability and the needs of the local market.
- Evaluate viability: Is there sufficient demand in your area? What competitors are already out there? What will you charge versus cost? What location or channel (online or in-person) will you use?
- Local tastes and specialties: Since you’re in Nevada, think about business ideas tied to local strengths. Tourism-adjacent services in Las Vegas and Reno, for instance, are always going to be in demand.
- Consider scalability: Will your idea allow growth beyond the initial launch? A clear plan for scaling your business is one of the most important keys to long-term success.
- Unique selling proposition (USP): What will make your business stand out in Nevada’s competitive sectors? For example, if you open a café in Las Vegas, how will you differentiate from countless others? Whether it’s the quality of your product or just how you market it, you need a way to stand out.
- Risk assessment: It’s essential to consider what might go wrong so you can be prepared for challenging scenarios. Carefully consider all potential risks and headwinds, and make sure you have a plan for dealing with them.
Fine-tuning the idea is a critical part of starting a new business in Nevada, and you don’t want to rush it. Many business failures stem from ideas that weren’t fully vetted.
Spend some time doing local research while you’re working on your idea: visit the city or county where you plan to operate, talk to potential customers, check out the competition, and make sure your concept resonates with the environment where you’re setting up shop.
2. Create a business plan
Once your idea is firm, it’s time for a structured business plan. This document will guide your operations, help you raise funding, and anchor your decisions.
Here are the core tenets of a good business plan:
Market research
Establish who your customers are (demographics, geography, behavior), what problem your business solves, and how large the opportunity is. You also may need to consider factors such as tourism flows, seasonal demand, local population growth, and competition.
Financial plan
Your business plan should include a detailed breakdown of what your business’s finances will look like. This includes projecting revenue as well as expenses. Be sure to take into account all of the expenses your business will face, including both startup costs and ongoing costs.
Marketing plan
Define how you will reach and attract customers. This can include both online avenues (like social media and your website) as well as offline avenues (like local advertising and hosting events). Your marketing plan should help determine how much you plan to spend on marketing and factor that into your financial plan, then refine your strategy in a way that will maximize your marketing budget.
Location
Location can make or break a business, especially in specific industries that rely on ‘walk-in’ traffic from the street, like food or retail. If you’re opening up a brick-and-mortar business, there are a lot of important factors to keep in mind when choosing a location: visibility, accessibility, parking, nearby competitors, and the cost of rent, just to name a few. For online or appointment-based businesses, location is less about walk-ins and more about logistics and affordability.
Decide if you’re an online-only business
Today, many businesses don’t even need a physical location to operate. Other businesses choose to have both an online store and a brick-and-mortar location, while others start out with one and expand later.
If you’re going to start an online-only business, a quality website and a strong social media presence are two fundamental requirements. You’ll also need to set up a supply and distribution plan and determine how Nevada regulations and tax laws will apply to your business.
3. Choose a business name
Choosing a name is both a creative and a regulatory step. You need to pick a name that will align with your branding, but it’s also important to ensure that it follows Nevada’s business name regulations.
Branding and domain
- Pick a memorable name that reflects your product/service and appeals to your audience in Nevada.
- Check that domain names and social handles are available.
- Ensure the name doesn’t cause confusion with other Nevada businesses, and is easy to pronounce and spell.
Nevada business name regulations
- In Nevada, when forming a corporation or Nevada LLC, you must perform a Nevada business entity search to check name availability via the Nevada Secretary of State website (Commercial Recordings Division).
- For assumed names (DBA/Fictitious Firm Name) in some counties, you may need to file a “Fictitious Firm Name” form (especially outside big metros) as noted in the state guide. Registering a DBA Nevada allows your business to legally operate under a trade name different from its registered legal name, helping you build brand recognition while staying compliant with state requirements.
- The name must end with the appropriate entity designation (LLC, Inc., etc) if you are forming such a structure.
4. Choose a business structure
Once you’ve decided what you want to name your business, the next step is to choose a business structure. How you decide to structure your business will impact things like liability, tax implications, management requirements, and regulatory obligations. Here are the main options you have to choose from:
- Sole proprietorship: In this structure, the owner and business are legally the same. It’s the simplest type of business to form, with minimal formalities required, but it also does not provide any liability protection.
- Partnership (general or limited): Two or more owners share management and profits (or limited partners have limited involvement).
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): LLCs combine liability protection with tax flexibility and are an increasingly popular choice for small business owners.
- Corporation (C-Corp, S-Corp): Corporations are a more formal structure, and forming one could help facilitate raising capital. Corporations are treated as a separate legal entity from the business owner(s).
When choosing which structure is best for your business, it’s a good idea to take Nevada’s specific regulations and tax laws into account. A few key points worth noting:
- Nevada has no state personal income tax and no state corporate income tax, making it very business-friendly.
- Nevada also generally does not levy a franchise tax or tax on shares of a corporation in many cases.
- However, there are other fees: For example, in LLCs and corporations, you must file an Annual List and pay associated fees.
- One requirement: Every Nevada-formed (or qualified) entity must designate a registered agent with a physical Nevada address.
- If you operate in other states or outside Nevada, you may still incur other state taxes; incorporating in Nevada doesn’t automatically eliminate out-of-state obligations.
5. Set up banking, credit cards, & accounting
Getting your financial infrastructure in place is a key part of forming a business. Start by setting up a business bank account so that you are able to keep your business’s finances separate from your personal finances. This is important for maintaining liability protection and ensuring clean bookkeeping. You may want to apply for a business credit card as well, as they can offer some perks and a nice bit of convenience.
If you plan to accept credit or debit card payments from customers (and you probably should), then you’ll need to set up merchant services. Companies like PayPal and Stripe make this easy and will provide all of the software and equipment you need to accept digital payments.
Accounting is another essential part of any business’s financial infrastructure. If you don’t maintain good records of all your revenue and expenses, everything from budgeting to filing taxes to projecting future growth becomes more challenging. You can handle accounting yourself by using software like QuickBooks or Xero, or you can hire a bookkeeper.
6. Get funding for your Nevada business
Whether you plan to fund it yourself or raise capital, you need to ensure you have the resources to launch and sustain your business. Keep in mind that it often takes time for businesses to become profitable and begin funding all their expenses via revenue. For many businesses, it can take years to reach this point.
Start by developing a realistic budget and fundraising plan. Figure out how much money you need to get your business off the ground, then decide how you want to raise that money. Personal savings, loans, investor funding, and grants are the potential options you have available, and each one comes with its own drawbacks and advantages.
If you’re looking for grants and loans, there are a few Nevada-specific options worth looking into:
- The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) offers small business support, including the Nevada State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and other programs that benefit startups.
- Nevada Women’s Philanthropy is an organization that offers a number of small business grants, with an emphasis on supporting women-owned businesses.
- Local economic development authorities may offer incentives, grants, or tax abatements, especially if your business is located in a designated enterprise zone or a rural area.
- You can check city/county development offices for local grants or low-interest loan programs.
When applying for Nevada small business grants and loans, be sure to emphasize the value that your business will bring to its area and the people who live there; how you’ll contribute to local jobs, economic diversification, tourism growth, or rural business development. That framing will strengthen your application a lot more than just focusing on what the business means to you personally.
7. Get insured
Forming an LLC can protect you from personal liability, but to protect your business and its assets, you need insurance. Business insurance can take several different forms, depending on the industry you’re in and the nature of your products/services. In some cases, it is legally required.
Different types of insurance your business may need include:
- General liability insurance: Protects against customer injury, property damage.
- Property insurance: If you own or lease space in Nevada, property insurance covers your building and the assets inside it.
- Professional liability (errors & omissions): Especially important for service businesses.
- Business interruption insurance: This insurance will cover revenue loss caused by unexpected business interruptions (like downtime due to a piece of equipment malfunctioning).
- Auto insurance: If your business uses vehicles.
There are a few Nevada-specific regulations regarding business insurance that you need to be aware of. For one, any business that hires employees in Nevada must carry workers’ compensation insurance. While Nevada does not mandate state-wide unemployment insurance for all business types, you’ll still need to register with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (DETR) and follow any regulations that apply to your business.
Keeping adequate coverage is wise, even if it isn’t required. Determine what risks your business faces, and choose your insurance polices accordingly to mitigate them.
8. Obtain permits & licenses
Before you open your doors, you must secure the appropriate licenses and permits. Depending on the type of business you’re starting, this may involve layered federal, state, and local approvals.
Federal permits & income tax
If you plan to hire employees, form an LLC/corporation, or open a business bank account, you will need to file for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You’ll also need to comply with federal tax requirements (income tax, payroll tax, 1099 forms if hiring contractors, etc). While Nevada doesn’t tax personal/corporate income, you still must file and pay federal taxes — and if you have employees, you need employer payroll filings.
If your business operates in a federally regulated industry, you may be required to obtain a permit from the federal agency that oversees that industry. For instance, a business selling tobacco products will need a permit from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), while a business transporting animal products across state lines needs a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Nevada state & local licenses
You might be wondering, how much is a business license in Nevada? The answer is that it varies, but most businesses in the Silver State are required to obtain a state business license from the Nevada Secretary of State. This license costs $200 for LLCs, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, and $500 for corporations. Many cities and counties in Nevada also require their own business license in addition to the state license.
Depending on your business type, you may need professional licensure, environmental permits, or health permits. For example, any business serving food and beverages in Nevada requires a health permit issued by their local county health district. Zoning and building permits may be required as well if you have a storefront or commercial property in Nevada.
Nevada requires LLCs and corporations to file an annual report, and the state business license must also be renewed annually. The cost to file the annual report in Nevada is $150, and the cost to renew the state business license is the same as the initial filing fee ($500 for corporations, $200 for all other business types).
9. Find your team
Your business is only as strong as the people behind it. You can have a great plan and a great product, but you need great employees too if you’re going to be successful.
At the same time, it’s essential to follow all laws and regulations anytime you’re hiring employees. Here’s some important info to know about both finding your team and ensuring you comply with Nevada payroll regulations:
People are the backbone of your business
The people you work with—whether it’s co-founders, advisors, employees, or contractors—will have an enormous impact on your business. They’re the ones responsible for helping execute all your big plans, and they represent your brand to customers. This makes it essential to choose them wisely.
There are countless different avenues you can take to find partners, employees, and contractors for your business. We won’t get into those here, but it is worth mentioning the importance of choosing people who align with your business’s vision and values. Don’t just consider bullets on a resume; consider how each candidate will define your business over the long term.
Comply with Nevada payroll regulations
- Register with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (DETR) if you’re hiring employees.
- Even though Nevada has no state income tax, you still must withhold federal income tax and FICA/Medicare.
- Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory when hiring in most industries.
- Nevada has unemployment insurance provisions that must be followed; you’ll need to understand employer rates and registration.
- Consider using payroll software that handles these requirements and keeps you compliant across federal and state filings, or hire an accountant to help you.
Hire contractors
Even if you start out as a solo entrepreneur, you’ll still likely benefit from contractors. Bookkeeping, marketing, IT support, design, and legal advice are just a few examples of the type of services you may need to rely on contractors for.
Contractors can help you scale quickly, without the full cost and regulatory burden of full-time employees. Just make sure you’re classifying workers correctly (employee vs contractor) according to federal/state rules, since misclassification can lead to penalties.
10. Market & grow your business
Getting your business off the ground is one task. Growing it and establishing your footprint in Nevada’s competitive environment is another. To get customers through your door, you are going to need effective marketing.
There’s a lot of ground to cover when it comes to learning how to market a business. However, here are a few tips to get you started:
Invite customers to opt-in to a mailing list or newsletter
Building a direct channel to your audience keeps customers coming back. Offer incentives like discounts or free content to encourage people to sign up.
Consider special offers to attract first-time customers
Offering some kind of discount or special promotion to first-time customers is a great way to get people to try out your business. Once they are through the door, you can turn them into repeat customers with your great product and service.
Look for local businesses or brands to collaborate with
Collaborating with other businesses is especially powerful in Nevada: You can partner with local hotels, tour operators, casinos, event venues (Las Vegas), ski resorts (Reno/Tahoe region), or nearby rural accommodations to tap into existing customer flows. While business is inherently competitive, there are also plenty of cases where a rising tide lifts all ships.
Invest in word-of-mouth (happy customers attract each other)
In tight communities or tourism hubs, positive word-of-mouth is gold. Encourage reviews, testimonials, and referrals from satisfied customers — especially on travel platforms if your business caters to tourists.
Pay attention to online reviews: ask happy customers to review you
Reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor matter a lot. That’s why encouraging happy customers to leave reviews is one of the most impactful things a local business can do. In addition to encouraging reviews, you should also routinely monitor review platforms. Respond professionally to both positive and negative reviews, and be on the lookout for feedback that is worth showcasing in other marketing materials (like your website or social media posts).
Create unique, helpful content to showcase your activity
Content marketing helps set you apart. Whether it’s blog posts that help establish you as a local authority or videos showcasing one of your successful projects, there are a lot of different ways to get customers’ attention with unique, helpful content.
11. Open the doors!
You’ve done the planning, set up the structure, chosen your team, secured licenses and funding — now it’s time to launch your business. Here’s how you can plan a successful launch event and get your business off the ground:
Plan a successful launch event
Choose a date for your grand opening and start building anticipation ahead of time. Market using all the channels you’ve set up, offer opening-day incentives like giveaways or discounts, and try to make it memorable.
You should also use your opening day as both a learning experience and an opportunity to grow your contacts. Encourage first-day customers to sign up for your newsletter and follow you on social media. Collect feedback, either by requesting reviews or sending out surveys to people who signed up for your email list, and use it to figure out ways your business can improve going forward.
Conclusion
The eleven steps covered in this guide encompass everything it takes to open up a successful new business in Nevada. From fine-tuning your idea to opening the doors, each step prepares you to launch and grow in the Silver State’s welcoming and entrepreneurial environment.
At Tailor Brands, we’re proud to help entrepreneurs in Nevada get their businesses up and running by offering a range of fast and affordable business formation services.
FAQ
No. Nevada has no state personal income tax and no state corporate income tax, which is one of the major advantages of launching a business in the state.
Yes. Even though taxes are minimal, you still must register your business entity (LLC, corporation, etc) with the Nevada Secretary of State and designate a registered agent with a physical address in Nevada.
All businesses operating in Nevada must obtain a State Business License (via the Secretary of State) and pay the associated fee annually. In addition, many counties/cities require local licenses.
Yes. The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and local economic development authorities provide incentives, loans, and grants for small businesses, especially those in growth sectors or in rural areas.
Likely yes. Even online businesses based in Nevada may need to register with the state, obtain the state business license, and comply with any county/city rules where they are headquartered. Also, tax and employment obligations still apply if you have employees or plan to sell to Nevada residents. Check the “Jurisdictional Finder Tool” for your specific location.
Yes. A Nevada-based registered agent (who has a physical address in Nevada) is required for corporations/LLCs. This agent accepts legal notices on behalf of your entity.