Small business funding includes training for entrepreneurs, manufacturing workers, and veterans

July 30, 2010

 Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today announced that he has secured $1 million to help spur business growth and attract entrepreneurs to Nevada.  Included in the funding is $400,000 to establish a business incubator in Carson City that will create a downtown hub for entrepreneurs and start-ups.  Additional funds will be used to train manufacturing workers in Northern Nevada and to help veterans find employment.

“Supporting small businesses and encouraging entrepreneurs with this funding will help create jobs for Nevadans as we continue on the path towards full recovery,” Reid said.  “Not only are we creating a hub for new businesses, but we’re training entrepreneurs, manufacturing workers, and veterans as they look for work through a start-up or with an existing small business.”  

Below are highlights of the Financial Services Appropriations bill:
Project: Veteran Business and Workforce Development Initiative
Requestor: Nevada Small Business Development Center (NSBDC)
Location: Reno, NV
Amount: $150,000
Description: Returning veterans from Iraq/Afghanistan continue to face problems with the economic downturn.  NSBDC plans to provide entrepreneurial job training and assistance to  veterans. This initiative will provide veterans, service-disabled veterans, and military personnel with specialized training and guidance on starting or growing a business.  It will also assist Nevada veteran-owned businesses become more competitive in government contracting and/or overall business operations.  
 
Project: Carson City High Tech Business Collaborative
Requestor: City of Carson City, NV
Location: Carson City, NV
Amount: $400,000
Description: Carson City officials are laying the groundwork to attract additional high tech companies to Nevada.  This new business collaborative will provide resources and assistance to high tech companies that are exploring the possibility of re-locating to Nevada.  
 
Project: Lincoln County Industrial Park
Requestor: Lincoln County, Nevada
Location: Alamo, NV
Amount: $150,000
Description: Vacant industrial land in Southern Nevada is at a premium for local businesses.  In anticipation of an economic turnaround, Lincoln County officials are developing an industrial park 90 miles north of Las Vegas.  Funding will pay for Phase I of the project to prepare the site for occupancy.
 
Project: Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Collaborative Private-Public Partnership
Requestor: Western Nevada College
Location: Carson City, NV
Amount: $150,000
Description: Carson City is the manufacturing hub of Northern Nevada.  Business leaders have partnered with Western Nevada College to develop a curriculum to provide continuing education for workers and provide them with the latest skills in the industry.  
 
Project: Entrepreneur and Start Up Business Assistance
Requestor: Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET)
Location: Reno, NV
Amount: $150,000
Description: Since its inception, NCET has helped educate and train hundreds of entrepreneurs.  Funding would be used to continue their professional services and job training to entrepreneurs.  NCET served more than 3000 Nevadans in their last fiscal year.