5 Ways Northern Nevada Supports the Entrepreneurial Community
The region is set up to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Looking for the perfect place to start or grow your business? How about Reno, Nevada? This city – and the Northern Nevada region – is overflowing with opportunities for startups, not to mention it boasts numerous entrepreneurial success stories. From access to capital and investors to mentorship and community support, entrepreneurs can find everything they need to succeed here. Ahead, learn about five ways Northern Nevada supports the entrepreneurial community.
In This Article
1. Programs
generat8tor Reno-Tahoe
The gener8tor Reno-Tahoe accelerator hosts a 12-week, in-person concierge experience for high-growth startups. Through its network of mentors, technologists, corporate partners, angel investors and venture capitalists, the accelerator helps entrepreneurs advance their business.
gener8tor accepts all types of startups, no matter the industry or business model. It believes that everyone deserves opportunities, regardless of race, place or gender, which is its mission.
Reno/Tahoe Entrepreneurs’ Organization
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a global network of entrepreneurs that welcomes business owners of every sector, culture, industry and geography. Together, they help one another go farther than what they thought possible. The organization boasts 220 chapters, including EO Reno/Tahoe.
EO’s Accelerator program provides first-stage entrepreneurs with the tools they need to achieve more than $1 million in sales as well as the chance to learn from and connect with influential business professionals.
AngelNV
Operated by StartUpNV, the state’s startup accelerator, AngelNV is a program that bridges the gap between entrepreneurs and investors. Through the program, entrepreneurs learn how to raise capital, while first-time and experienced investors come together as a group to invest in startups.
AngelNV hosts two 12-week educational and event series — one for entrepreneurs and one for investors – that conclude with a joint, one-day conference. At least one company receives capital during the conference.
Founder University
Another StartUpNV program is Founder University, which hosts a series of bootcamps for entrepreneurs over the course of a year. The camps cover 12 topics, like creating a business model, marketing, raising capital, and customer success. Those who attend at least 80% of the events walk away with the required documents and data to close future deals, among other things.
Entrepreneurs Assembly Roundtable
Held the second Thursday of each month, the Entrepreneurs Assembly Roundtable is a free event where individuals can access support and mentoring related to starting a business.
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2. Events/Resources
Tech Rally Reno
Individuals interested in staying up to date on Reno’s tech scene can attend Tech Rally Reno, which is held on the third Thursday of each month. This community-led forum is made up of founders, software developers and other professionals, and is the perfect place for those in the tech industry to connect with one another.
Reno Startup Week
This weeklong event features three main events, 40 educational workshops, guest speakers and networking opportunities throughout the community. Reno Startup Week was created to bring together founders, innovators, dreamers, makers and business owners for a weeklong celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit in Northern Nevada.
Elevate Reno
Started by the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) and run by community partners, Elevate Reno is a quarterly event that works to promote the Northern Nevada entrepreneur community. It provides founders and entrepreneurs with a fun networking and social environment, where they can amplify their stories and perfect their presentations.
Tech Alley @ Reno
Tech Alley @ Reno is a nonprofit that aids local tech and startup companies. The organization coordinates monthly, full-day events for individuals to share knowledge, network and participate in the tech and startup ecosystem. Events are free, inclusive, interactive and open to those interested in entrepreneurship and technology.
NCET
Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET) is a nonprofit that encourages business and technology exploration through its events and programs. For example, the organization hosts the NCET Business Expo, NCET Tech Awards, Biz Bite and Biz Cafe events.
Growth Pioneers
From the Biggest Little City in the World comes a podcast about pioneers. Not the “covered wagon” types, but the modern-day pioneers who are exploring new territory in economic development, entrepreneurship and personal development. Join host Doug Erwin as he explores what it takes to build resilient communities, companies and lives in this wide-ranging podcast.
Education, Careers & Opportunity
Startup Funding is Highly Accessible in Reno, Nevada
Entrepreneurs can gain the capital they need to launch or grow a business.
3. Funding
StartUpNV
StartUpNV, Nevada’s statewide startup accelerator and incubator, helps founders grow their startups and raise capital. It boasts five growth programs for entrepreneurs. Those who are starting a business can benefit from working with StartUpNV, as it provides incubation, education, mentorship and capital.
Reno Seed Fund
Reno Seed Fund, the state’s leading angel fund, leads and co-leads early-stage venture investments in Northern Nevada. It is known for using a highly selective screening process, making significant investments, and providing ongoing counsel and guidance to its portfolio of companies.
Battle Born Venture
Developed in 2013, Battle Born Venture, the state’s venture capital program, helps Nevadan entrepreneurs raise money for their businesses locally. The program is funded by the State Small Business Credit Initiative.
Audacity Fund Reno
A field of interest fund at the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, the Audacity Fund Reno uses donor dollars to invest in area main street and tech companies that are owned by underserved business owners. Though not defined, these might include women, minorities, LGBTQ+, veterans and people with disabilities.
Nevada Small Business Development Center
The Nevada Small Business Development Center is a free, statewide resource for business assistance. It provides training, expertise and services related to starting, growing and developing a company – not to mention custom market analyses to help businesses select a location and understand market trends.
4. University of Nevada, Reno
Innevation Center
The University of Nevada, Reno’s Innevation Center is a collaborative space designed to stimulate the creation and incubation of startups and accelerate the growth of the region’s innovation-driven economy. The center offers co-working space, conference rooms, open- and closed-door offices, business mentorship, networking opportunities and a Makerspace, where users can access equipment and staff to help bring their ideas to life.
Anyone in the community can apply for membership at the center. In fact, several memberships are available so people can choose the one that best fits their needs.
Nevada Center for Applied Research
The university’s Nevada Center for Applied Research (NCAR) is an applied research and development technology center that works to enhance the global competitiveness of Nevada industry. Formed in 2016, the center provides industry professionals, entrepreneurs and those associated with the university access to a variety of university services, like intellectual capital, testing and research capabilities, advanced tools and technical services.
The university’s Applied Research Facility, where NCAR is located, houses multiple startups and provides space for entrepreneurs to work on campus.
Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship
The university’s Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship works to develop students’ entrepreneurial skills, help faculty commercialize their research and enhance Northern Nevada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The center offers various entrepreneurship classes as part of the university’s academic programs and hosts a number of entrepreneurial events, like the Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition, which helps students develop their business ideas.
5. Coworking Spaces
Reno Hive Co-working and Incubation Space
Reno Hive offers the space remote workers and entrepreneurs need to accomplish tasks, including video conferencing rooms and private offices. A membership also comes with several perks, from parking and mail service to massage chairs and coffee and tea.
Reno Collective
This flexible workspace is designed to meet the needs of today’s remote and hybrid workforce. Multiple memberships, which vary by access, are available so people can choose the one that best meets their needs. Reno Collective also hosts events, like a members-only book club and Q&A and AMA (Ask-Me-Anything) sessions.
The Virgil
This gorgeous venue is a prime spot to work, create and collaborate. The Virgil offers private offices as well as conference and meeting spaces, and it is designed to be comfortable and inviting.
Pacific Workplaces Reno
Pacific Workplaces Reno offers private office and meeting rooms. Plus, its virtual office plans provide individuals with a street address, which they can include on things like business cards or a website — perfect for those just starting a business.
Regus – Reno
With four locations in Reno, Regus boasts 141 private offices, 25 coworking desks and five meeting rooms. These spaces are excellent options for remote workers as well as entrepreneurs and those considering launching a business.
The Ant Space Entrepreneur Hub
Whether you do your best work at a standing desk, table, cubicle or couch, The Ant Space has you covered. Made for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs, this space also gives business owners a chance to network and take classes on topics like marketing and business growth.
This article was sponsored by EDAWN.