NV Local Emerging Small Business

The Emerging Small Business (ESB) certification program was created in 2014 to encourage the development and growth of small businesses in Nevada. The program seeks to assist small businesses in obtaining work with the state and local government agencies through identifying small businesses that want to contract with governments.

APPLICATION FOR LOCAL EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS (ESB) CERTIFICATION

An applicant seeking certification as a Local Emerging Small Business in the State of Nevada must submit a complete application to the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Failure of a business to disclose information in the application, or the submission of a materially incomplete application, may be grounds for a delay in the certification of the business or for denial of the certification. Submission of a falsified application may subject the applicant to civil and criminal liabilities.

TO QUALIFY AS A LOCAL EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS, THE APPLICANT MUST:

Submit a completed application to the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development;

  • Be a Local Business;
  • Be in existence, operational and operating for a profit;
  • Maintain its principal place of business in Nevada;
  • Be in compliance with all applicable licensing and registration requirements;
  • Not be a subsidiary or parent company belonging to a group of firms that are owned or controlled by the same persons if, in aggregate, the group of firms does not qualify pursuant to program requirements;
  • Be qualified as either a Tier 1 Local Emerging Small Business or a Tier 2 Local Emerging Small Business.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Interested businesses seeking to obtain certification as an ESB will submit a complete application to GOED (online below) and attest that the business satisfies the requirements of the program
  • Applications will request general information about the business including address, legal structure, date established, capabilities, gross receipts for the last 3 years, and number of employees
  • Applications will be reviewed upon review and notification of determination within 90 days
  • There is NO fee to apply. Application and renewal are free

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I'M CERTIFIED?

  • Certification is valid for 2 years after the last day of the month in which it was issued or renewed (Example: if you are approved on 4/17/21, certification is valid until 4/30/23)
  • Continuing eligibility information (i.e. updated financials) are not required during that 2 year period
  • ESB is responsible for ensuring that GOED has current contact information
  • Any individual, firm, or agent who believes that a certified ESB does not meet the qualification requirements may file a complaint with GOED. GOED will then investigate and could ask for copies of financial records to confirm eligibility

MARKETING TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

  • Once certified, Nevada businesses can use ESB certification as a tool when marketing products and services to Nevada government agencies – target those agencies that buy the product or service you sell (some homework is needed!)
  • Relationships are key – make sure buyers know who you are and what you do
  • GOED has another free program and resource available for Nevada businesses – the Nevada PTAC Procurement Outreach Program
    1. Government Contracts Advisors (GCA) are available for one-on-one counseling
    2. Workshops hosted on a regular basis with buyers at federal, state, and local government agencies
    3. Contact GCA at 775-687-9921 in Carson City, 775-687-9922 in Fallon, or 702-486-3514 in Las Vegas. Or email procurement@goed.nv.gov

Questions?

If you have questions about the ESB program, please email esbprogram@goed.nv.gov or call GOED at 775-687-9900 in Carson City or 702-486-2700 in Las Vegas.

Any individual, firm or agency who believes that a Nevada Local Emerging Small Business does not satisfy the criteria to be certified may file a complaint with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Please email esbprogram@goed.nv.gov or call (775) 687-9900.

COMPLETE AND SUBMIT ESB APPLICATION BELOW