While Nevada isn’t traditionally recognized as a tech hub, state government leaders are working to change that narrative.
With the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) leading the charge, the region is aggressively pursuing tech sector growth to diversify its economy beyond tourism and gaming—industries that face increasing volatility.
The state offers compelling advantages including business-friendly policies (no corporate or personal income tax), affordable operating costs, and a growing talent pipeline from universities like UNLV and UNR. By supporting everything from startups to data centers, Nevada aims to position itself as a competitive alternative to coastal tech hubs.
The success of initiatives like Las Vegas’ Innovation District and Tesla’s Gigafactory near Reno has demonstrated the state’s potential to attract startups and investors alike.
Here are the key programs driving this transformation.
1. Nevada State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
The Federal Small Business Association 7(a) Loan Program is a crucial financial tool for those launching their startup in the States. But Nevada takes it one step further by offering the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which provides services designed to prepare founders once they have secured capital. This federal-state partnership offers six funding programs and free technical assistance, including personalized startup counseling and workshops.
Services address critical needs like legal compliance (licensing, business structures), financial management (cash flow, credit), and accounting (bookkeeping, reporting). By strengthening business fundamentals and connecting owners with financing opportunities, SSBCI promotes business growth, job creation, and economic development across all Nevada communities. The program specifically targets barriers facing small businesses while supporting their long-term success through both financial resources and expert guidance.
2. StartUpNV
StartUpNV, Nevada’s statewide nonprofit startup accelerator and incubator, providing early-stage venture, development, and support. Powered by GOED and funded by SSBCI, the nonprofit facilitates for-profit venture funds focused on building Nevada startups and entrepreneurs.
The group’s investment committees—composed of experienced founders, angels, and VCs—take a long-term approach to evaluating founders. Since 2021, partner funds and syndicates have executed 30 investment transactions across 22 portfolio companies, with total capital deployed exceeding $29.7 million.
StartUpNV also offers resources like AccelerateNV, a viability stage accelerator, and AngelNV–a free 6-week bootcamp with the chance of a $400k investment.
Ultimately, the nonprofit relies on their members to “pay it forward” after a successful exit–a donation of 1% of equity on successful exit to be exact–to keep the tech hub viable.
3. FundNV
FundNV, a for-profit pre-seed venture capital fund, provides exclusive early-stage funding to companies graduating from the StartUpNV accelerator program. The Nevada-based fund has invested $3 million across nearly 40 local companies to date, with all capital matched by the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). This public-private partnership gives FundNV first access to top-tier investment opportunities while supporting the state’s growing tech ecosystem.
The fund maintains an active investment schedule, hosting pitch events twice monthly while its investment committee convenes six times annually to evaluate potential portfolio additions. Typical investments range up to $50,000 per startup, with limited partners frequently making additional co-investments on matching terms.
4. Battle Born Venture Fund
The Battle Born Venture Fund is Nevada’s state venture capital program–established to help local startups flourish without needing to leave the state for funding. From seed to Series B, the Venture Fund co-invests with established VCs in high-potential businesses, requiring lead investors and boasting multiple exits.
The Nevada Battle Born Growth Microloan Program (BBGMP), supported by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, offers working capital loans for small businesses (<5M revenue, <100 employees) up to $250,000 for scale and growth. Its focus is on supporting high-potential companies based in Nevada.
These initiatives—operated by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development—aim to retain in-state talent, supporting everyone from first-time founders to transitioning business owners without origination fees or upfront collateral.
5. Black Fire Innovation Fund
The Black Fire Innovation Fund, a partnership with UNLV’s Office of Economic Development, accelerates innovation in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. As the anchor tenant of UNLV’s Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, it bridges academic research and private-sector capital through startup incubation, corporate partnerships, and Nevada’s first academic-based casino innovation lab.
The initiative fosters collaboration via student internships, industry research projects, and consulting opportunities while supporting early-stage companies to diversify the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. By uniting UNLV’s academic resources with corporate and startup partners, Black Fire positions Southern Nevada at the forefront of hospitality and gaming technology development.
6. NSBDC Micro Lending Program
A key opportunity for businesses seeking state funding is the Micro Lending Program supported by the Nevada Small Business Development Center (NSBDC), which helps startups with accessible financing options and offers loans up to $250,000.
These programs work with partner lenders to offer fixed-rate loans with interest rates ranging from 8.75% to 11.75% These loans are tailored to meet the needs of Nevada’s small businesses, providing flexible and accessible financing solutions.
Beyond funding, the NSBDC offers free credit counseling and financial assistance to help founders improve their financial management. Entrepreneurs can also access expert business advisors who provide guidance on key challenges like developing financial statements, refining business plans, and strategic growth planning.
7. Knowledge Fund
The Knowledge Fund is GOED’s key economic development tool for advancing Nevada’s innovation economy. Active since 2013, its goal is to boost research, innovation, and commercialization across the state.
Since its launch, the fund has invested $37.4 million in grants and donations, including opportunities such as sponsored-research contracts.
Through funding and commercializing research from UNR, UNLV, and the Desert Research Institute, it is working to create sustainable economic benefits elevating quality of life for all residents and boost Nevada’s long-term prosperity.
Partnerships with the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer further funding opportunities. For example, the Sierra Accelerator for Growth and Entrepreneurship (SAGE) program enhances Nevada small businesses’ competitiveness for SBIR/STTR funding by providing expert consultants, grant writing support, agency connections, solicitation matching, TABA proposal assistance, and a resource library—offered statewide through UNR and UNLV with funding from GOED.
8. Nevada State Development Corporation
Nevada State Development Corporation (NSDC), a non-profit corporation, is the largest SBA 504 loan provider in Nevada. The nonprofit’s work centers on driving economic development through innovative SBA 504 loans and commercial real estate solutions to help Nevada founders purchase, build, and improve commercial properties with minimal investment.
NSDC specializes in startup expansion while maintaining manageable debt repayments, providing financial resources to support growth and development. In 2024, NSDC handed out $43.5 million in funding through 41 SBA 504 loans, which are projected to create 467 new jobs across the state of Nevada. To date, the nonprofit has funded over 2,350 loans, representing more than $1 billion in SBA financing and over $2 billion in total project costs.
About the Author: Tess Danielson is a journalist and writer focusing on the intersection of technology and society.
Get on our radar for an investment.
Beta Boom invests in founders who don’t fit the traditional Silicon Valley mold.