Reno Businesses Support Each Other and the Community by Shopping Local

Andie Scarborough/Stella Coffee Company

Small-business owners in the Reno and Sparks area are experiencing firsthand how a supportive community and a “shop locally” mindset fuel success. From candle manufacturing to serving up coffee, entrepreneurs thrive through local connections, collaboration and encouragement from those who prioritize shopping and supporting businesses in their area. 

Strong Local Support

Georgia Vanderville, COO of Shortie’s Candle Co., understands the impact of community support. Founded in 2002 to create high-quality candles, the company has grown significantly, thanks to strong local relationships and customer recommendations. 

“We started at the Sparks Farmers Market, where we met other business owners who provided invaluable lessons,” Vanderville says. “It’s like farming; you plant seeds, sometimes lose a crop, but other times, you thrive. Our success is all thanks to local support.” 

While Shortie’s now sells 99% of its products online and is featured in select retailers, Vanderville credits Reno-based organizations for providing essential guidance and connections. 

“We rely on local support beyond customers, from purchasing machinery parts to hiring catering for events. Keeping dollars in the community truly makes a difference,” Vanderville says. 

Andie Scarborough/Stella Coffee Company

Coffee and Community 

For Alyssa Nishihira, co-owner of Stella Coffee Co., the journey toward owning a business was unexpected. A physician assistant by trade, she and her business partner, Madie Grant, an optician, purchased the MidTown Reno coffee shop in 2024. Their leap of faith paid off, thanks to overwhelming local support. 

“From the start, the existing staff stayed on board, and former employees returned,” she says. “The community didn’t just buy coffee; they supported our events.” 

Stella Coffee Co. supports the local business community by sourcing coffee from local roasters, like Midnight Coffee Roasting and Laughing Cat Coffee Roasters, and partners with nearby bakeries. The company’s dedication to local collaboration has strengthened its relationships with other businesses and solidified its place in the region. 

Celebrating its one-year anniversary, Nishihira was deeply moved by the community turnout and peer support. 

“You hear about businesses being competitive, but here, it’s different,” Nishihira says. “There’s a sense of community. People genuinely want to see each other succeed.” 

Courtesy of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce

A Catalyst for Growth  

Brian Bosma and Connor Naisbitt, vice presidents at the Reno + Sparks Chamber, play a vital role in local business success. Through networking and support initiatives, the Chamber helps businesses connect, advocate and grow. 

“Our monthly Coffee & Commerce event brings together over 100 Chamber members for networking and business introductions,” Bosma says. “We also host Business After Hours, averaging nearly 200 attendees at different local businesses, providing them visibility and support in a social environment.” 

The Chamber also hosts the annual Business Expo & Career Fair, which offers free display booths to its 2,300 members. 

“Unlike traditional expos where booths look identical, we create the ‘Burning Man of Business,’” he says. “No two businesses are the same, so we provide creative ways to showcase them — large screens, creator studios and indoor block parties. It’s an energized event that highlights our thriving community.” 

Beyond networking, the Chamber supports businesses through its directory, generating over 1 million referrals annually, as well as through its green business program, which helps companies implement sustainable practices. 

“Reno is growing rapidly, but it still maintains that small-town feel,” Bosma says. “Our close-knit community makes it easy for businesses to support one another.” 

The Chamber’s community engagement extends to programs like the Employee Wellness Month Steps Challenge, which recently enabled its members to collectively log 340 million steps. 

And to promote a more sustainable and energy efficient business community, the Chamber spearheaded the Don’t Flick It, Stick It campaign, installing recycling containers throughout MidTown Reno that collect cigarette butts that can be turned into sustainable products. The Chamber’s clean energy initiatives are critical for its members and its commitment to its public policy platform, developed each year by its board of directors.