As small businesses nationwide struggle to stay competitive, a Nevada program is expanding its free training and mentorship through grassroot partnerships to reach more entrepreneurs and support stronger, more resilient businesses across the state.  The Small Business Education Program, an initiative of University of Nevada, Reno Extension, will launch the expanded model in collaboration with the Asian American Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce, delivering its signature 10-week Biz101 training followed by the six-month  Extension Small Business Incubator Program.

The free program is open to entrepreneurs in the planning stages, newly licensed businesses and owners in their first few years of operation, regardless of chamber membership. This cohort will meet Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m., March 5 through May 14, at the chamber offices, 6675 S. Tenaya Way in Las Vegas.

“By teaming up with local organizations such as the Asian American Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce, we’re able to meet entrepreneurs where they are,” said Mike Bindrup, community and economic development coordinator with Extension, who leads the Small Business Education Program team. “We’re able to connect them with counseling and funding guidance from day one and create a stronger support system than any of us could offer alone.”

The expanded model also brings small business advisers from the Nevada Small Business Development Center, who will enroll participants as clients from the outset and provide free, confidential counseling alongside weekly instruction. Course topics cover the essentials of starting a new business, including licensing, strategic planning, legal and insurance considerations, accounting and taxation, budgeting, marketing and branding, digital promotion and pitch development. To graduate, participants create and present a business model that pulls together what they have learned, to prepare them to pitch their ideas to investors, banks and potential partners. The course wraps up with a formal cap-and-gown graduation ceremony attended by participants and their families.

Extension Small Business Incubator Program: Empowering entrepreneurs to succeed

About half of Biz101 graduates continue into the Extension Small Business Incubator Program, a six-month residency open to those who complete the coursework and final presentations. During the mentorship, entrepreneurs meet weekly with assigned advisers to review progress on goals such as securing contracts, launching a website or hiring staff, while discussing challenges and identifying solutions.

“While building a business is challenging, our role as experienced mentors helps owners work through difficult moments and stay focused,” said Bindrup. “The program’s structure emphasizes accountability, measurable benchmarks and practical implementation.”

Participants receive guidance from a network of mentors that include bankers, attorneys, certified public accountants and real estate professionals, who help them plan for long-term success. Many graduates remain involved beyond the residency, returning as mentors or guest speakers and continuing to seek guidance on operational challenges. The program also hosts workshops and networking events featuring industry experts.

Building on prior success

Since its launch in 2024, the Biz101 and Extension Small Business Incubator Program has trained 102 entrepreneurs. The first incubator cohort of 22 participants generated nearly $500,000 in combined sales during the course and subsequent six-month residency.

Supported by business development instructors Shiva Kittusamy, Brenda Bryant, Reyna Mendez and Amanda Farrar, participants who continue into the incubator program gain tools and guidance that increase their likelihood of long-term business sustainability.

“We’ve brought in financial institutions to provide workshops on preparing loan applications, and we invite them to attend final pitch presentations, giving participants the opportunity to present directly to potential lenders,” Kittusamy said.

The training team and advisers from the Nevada Small Business Development Center also help match entrepreneurs with appropriate financing options based on readiness and business type.

Providing continued support for entrepreneurs

In addition to the Small Business Incubator Program, offered in English and Spanish, Extension’s Small Business Education Program offers a range of ongoing support, including networking events such as Conectando Con Cafecito that supports Hispanic women in business, the Large Vision Business and Networking Mixer, a monthly expo for Las Vegas entrepreneurs and leaders, targeted skills-training workshops, and the Nevada BizLife podcast featuring experts and legislators discussing key business issues affecting Nevada entrepreneurs.  

Those interested in attending the upcoming Biz101 course and participating in the Extension Small Business Incubator Program should register and find full details online. Enrollment is limited to ensure each participant receives individualized guidance.

For more information, email Mike Bindrup or call him at 702-539-7251. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should email Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, or call him at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the event.