Reducing the amount of Nevada small business closures is the goal of a new monthly workshop designed to educate business owners on how to assess their venture prior to licensing and launch. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, about half of all new establishments survive five years or more and about one-third survive 10 years or more.

The workshop, Assess, License and Launch, is a collaboration between the City of Reno and two University of Nevada, Reno College of Business outreach centers - the Nevada Small Business Development Center and the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship. The 90-minute, monthly program will be held on the first floor of Reno City Hall from 7:15 to 9 a.m. the second Friday of each month, beginning Friday, Oct. 10. The program is free and open to the public.  

Each month, a new industry will be identified as the focus and industry experts will join with city officials to present relevant information and advice.

"There's no greater way to learn how to launch a new business than from someone who is currently doing it right," Kathy Carrico, training director for the Nevada SBDC, said. "Owning a restaurant is the first industry we plan to address. Who better to learn from than Mark Estee, community leader and nationally-recognized chef, who is dedicated to building a thriving restaurant culture in Reno?"

The City of Reno issues several hundred business licenses each month. Through this program, city officials hope new business owners realize and understand the areas of compliance and regulations before they open their doors. 

"Successful businesses add to a healthy and vibrant economy," Fred Turnier, community development director for the City of Reno, said. "The City is excited about this program which gives existing or new business owners the knowledge and skills to sustain themselves and succeed in Reno."

Turnier will address critical issues that affect local restaurant start-ups at the October workshop.  

The Nevada SBDC has operated for more than two decades at the University educating and counseling small businesses, creating a significant economic impact in the state. This impact in the last 10 years alone includes more than 500 new businesses, nearly 3,000 new jobs and trainings for more than 37,000 people in the state.

"It takes more than a business and a license to go from owner to entrepreneur," Carrico said. "Partnering with the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship provides great opportunities for the business community to access these campus and community resources."

"As facilitators of entrepreneurship, it's important for us to establish partnerships throughout the University and the community that foster the creation and sustainability of new business ventures," Kylie Rowe, assistant director for the Ozmen Center, said.  

For details and registration, please visit the Nevada SBDC's training calendar. Seating is limited and reservations are required. RSVP via the Nevada SBDC training calendar or by calling 775-784-1717. Those interested in learning more about Assess, License and Launch programing can contact Kathy Carrico at 775-784-6679 or kcarrico@unr.edu.