Empowering Nevada’s Entrepreneurs: Inside the Office of Entrepreneurship
Written By: Melissa Saavadera, Office of Entrepreneurship Director
Entrepreneurship has always been at the heart of Nevada’s story, from pioneering industries shaping our economy to innovative startups driving our future. To build on that legacy, the Office of Entrepreneurship was launched within the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) following the 2023 legislative session.
As part of GOED’s Innovation-Based Economic Development (IBED) initiatives, the Office of Entrepreneurship serves as a central location to highlight and support small business and startup activity fueling statewide economic growth. Established through Assembly Bill 77, the Office of Entrepreneurship was created to strengthen policies and programs that support entrepreneurship, while identifying and addressing regional challenges faced by business owners.
In collaboration with statewide partners and ecosystem organizations, the Office of Entrepreneurship works to enhance entrepreneurial skills, provide technical assistance, and expand access to resources. By expanding opportunities and reducing barriers, we are working to ensure every Nevadan, regardless of background or geography, has the chance to start and grow their own business.
A Vision Built on Experience and Advocacy
I joined GOED about five months ago as the director of the Office of Entrepreneurship, and my journey here has been shaped by my previous experience as deputy director of the Nevada Lieutenant Governor’s Office of Small Business Advocacy (OSBA).
At OSBA, I worked directly with hundreds of small businesses across the state, helping them navigate licensing and regulatory challenges. That frontline experience gave me a clear view of both the resilience of Nevada’s entrepreneurs and the barriers that too often hold them back.
Now, through the Office of Entrepreneurship, my vision builds on that foundation of wanting to create not only an advocate, but a true hub for resources, policy leadership, and ecosystem collaboration.
Our goal is to take the lessons learned from OSBA, specifically about access and the need to cut red tape, and expand them into a statewide strategy fostering innovation, supporting startups, and driving sustainable economic growth across Nevada.
Addressing Real Challenges with Real Solutions
One of the most common challenges I hear from entrepreneurs is navigating the system can feel overwhelming, from licensing requirements and accessing capital to knowing where to begin. Many small business owners know resources exist but struggle to find them in one place.
To address this, we developed the Nevada Business Hub, powered by EcoMap, in collaboration with partners such as Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), the Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. This one-stop digital platform brings together Nevada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, making it easy for founders to find partners, resources, events, and programs all in one place.
Beyond centralizing resources, the Office of Entrepreneurship also focuses on reducing barriers by working closely with state agencies and organizations to simplify processes, streamline support, and make entrepreneurship more accessible.
In addition, through Nevada’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program, known as Battle Born Growth Escalator, we are expanding access to capital for small businesses and startups. This program unlocks private loans and investments while offering technical assistance to help businesses scale sustainably. From microbusiness loans to venture capital and collateral support, there is an option for every stage of growth.
Why Nevada is the Place to Build Bold Ideas
Nevada is a uniquely powerful place for entrepreneurship because of its spirit of innovation and resilience. Our state welcomes big ideas from gaming and clean energy to logistics, technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Entrepreneurs here benefit from a business-friendly environment, no state income tax, and a community that is small enough to stay connected but big enough to create real impact.
What truly sets Nevada apart, however, is its collaborative ecosystem. From universities and research institutions to chambers of commerce, investors, and local organizations, there is a genuine commitment to helping entrepreneurs succeed. Collaboration is not just a value here; it is how we grow.
And with our diverse population and geography, Nevada offers a dynamic testbed for innovation. Whether you are launching a tech startup in Reno, building a manufacturing business in Las Vegas, or growing a family enterprise in a rural community, the opportunity to create and thrive is everywhere.
Looking Ahead
The creation of the Office of Entrepreneurship marks a turning point for how Nevada supports its innovators and small business owners. By connecting policy, people, and programs, we are helping build a more inclusive and resilient economy, one where every Nevadan has the right to start and grow their business.
The journey ahead is exciting, and I am honored to lead this work alongside so many dedicated partners across the state. Together, we are building an environment where entrepreneurship is not just possible, it is encouraged and celebrated.