Small Business Grants in Nevada
Nevada offers more than 10 active grant, incentive, and capital access programs for small businesses, primarily administered through the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED).
In This Article
Which Nevada grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 13 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Nevada Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Nevada small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada (WINN) Fund
Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED)
$60,000–$1,500,000
RollingWINN funds workforce development training programs through university-business partnerships in high-demand fields including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and mining. Since its inception, WINN has invested more than $17 million in strategic workforce training across Nevada.
Status check, Page states authorized providers may make a pre-application for funding at any time. Complete applications are due 30 days before the next scheduled GOED Board Meeting. Rolling basis confirmed.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
Nevada Export Grants (STEP Program)
GOED International Trade Division / U.S. Small Business Administration
$2,500–$6,000
RollingReimbursement-based grants for Nevada small businesses entering or expanding in international markets. Programs include the ExportEd Grant (up to $2,500), Nevada Goods Grant (up to $5,000), and Trade Mission Assistance Grant (up to $6,000).
Status check, Application form is live and accepting submissions. Page states this is a reimbursement grant funded through cooperative agreement with U.S. Small Business Administration. No specific deadline mentioned, consistent with rolling basis.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
Battle Born Venture (SSBCI Venture Capital Program)
Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED)
$200,000–$2,000,000
RollingNevada's state venture capital program co-invests alongside professional venture capital firms in high-growth Nevada startups raising seed, Series A, or Series B rounds. Note: this is an equity investment, not a grant.
Status check, Program is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Page states they are resuming investing and expect to be busy over the next few months. Investment range is $200k-$1m per company.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
GOED Rural Community & Economic Development Division / HUD
Varies by project
RollingFederally funded grants administered by GOED for rural Nevada communities with populations under 50,000. Funds support economic development, infrastructure, and assistance to micro-enterprises in underserved areas.
Status check, The CDBG application process is year long starting with eligibility in July, applications due in February, and awarded projects starting the following July. Rolling basis program for rural Nevada communities.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
Nevada Department of Agriculture / USDA
Up to $273,500 total annually
RollingGrants for projects that enhance the competitiveness of Nevada's specialty crops including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. Funded by the USDA and administered through the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
Status check, The FY 2026 Nevada SCBGP application cycle is closed per USDA AMS and the Nevada Department of Agriculture page. No future deadline is posted. Program is not discontinued but current cycle is not accepting applications.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
Emerging Small Business (ESB) Certification Program
Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED)
Certification (no direct funding)
RollingA state-recognized certification that helps small businesses compete for local and state government contracts. Available to Tier 1 businesses (fewer than 20 employees) and Tier 2 businesses (fewer than 30 employees).
Status check, The Emerging Small Business certification program is listed as an active program. Page states it seeks to assist small businesses in obtaining work with state and local government agencies. No specific deadline mentioned.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
SSBCI Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP)
GOED / U.S. Department of the Treasury
$4.2 million total program
RollingA $4.2 million federal award providing technical assistance to small businesses in key sectors including clean energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Services are delivered in partnership with the Nevada SBDC.
Status check, The federal SBOP application deadline for jurisdictions was June 3, 2024, and the Grants.gov listing is now archived. Awards of $75M were announced September 2024. No open Nevada-specific SBOP application for small businesses was found.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Knowledge Fund / SAGE Program
GOED / University of Nevada, Reno / UNLV
Free technical assistance (helps access $225,000–$750,000 in SBIR/STTR grants)
RollingThe SAGE program, funded by GOED's Knowledge Fund, provides mentorship and technical support to help Nevada tech businesses apply for federal SBIR and STTR grants. Phase 1 grants offer up to $225,000 and Phase 2 grants up to $750,000.
Status check, The SAGE program (North and South) is open to Nevada technology-based small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, with no posted deadline found. UNLV and UNR pages describe a rolling application process via online submission forms, with no indication of closure or pause.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Nevada grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Nevada grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Nevada.
Women-owned Business Grants
Women entrepreneurs in Nevada can access the Nevada Women's Business Center for free business education and training. The Farm2Food Accelerator, funded through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, specifically supports women in developing value-added food and beverage products.
- ›Nevada Women's Business Center
- ›Farm2Food Accelerator Program
Rural Business Grants
Rural Nevada businesses benefit from GOED's Rural Community and Economic Development Division, which administers CDBG funds for communities under 50,000 in population. The SSBCI Small Business Opportunity Program also targets rural and Tribal businesses with technical assistance services.
- ›CDBG Program
- ›SSBCI Small Business Opportunity Program
- ›Rural Nevada Development Corporation
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Tech startups in Nevada can access the SAGE program for free SBIR/STTR application support, Battle Born Venture for co-investment capital, and accelerator programs through StartUpNV and gener8tor with guaranteed $100,000 investments per cohort.
- ›SAGE Program
- ›Battle Born Venture
- ›StartUpNV
- ›Knowledge Fund
Minority-owned Business Grants
Minority entrepreneurs in Nevada can access programs like the Audacity Fund Reno, which provides financial resources and mentorship. The SSBCI programs prioritize underserved and very small businesses, and MBDA resources are available through regional business centers.
- ›Audacity Fund Reno
- ›SSBCI Programs
- ›MBDA
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Veteran-owned businesses in Nevada can access SBA-backed programs through the Nevada SBA District Office, which has locations in Las Vegas and Carson City. The Emerging Small Business certification may also help veteran entrepreneurs compete for government contracts.
- ›SBA Nevada District Office
- ›Emerging Small Business Certification
Tips for Applying in Nevada
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register your business on Nevada's SilverFlume portal (nvsilverflume.gov) to obtain your Nevada Business License, which is required for most state grant and incentive programs.
- 2Apply for Emerging Small Business (ESB) certification through GOED before bidding on state or local government contracts. Certification is available for businesses with fewer than 30 employees.
- 3For export grants, keep all receipts and invoices for eligible expenses since the STEP program reimburses costs rather than providing upfront funding.
- 4Connect with the Nevada SBDC (nevadasbdc.org) for free one-on-one advising on grant applications, business plans, and financial projections before applying to any program.
- 5If you are a tech startup, contact the SAGE program at UNR or UNLV before applying for federal SBIR/STTR grants. SAGE provides free mentorship to strengthen your proposal.
State Economic Development Agency
Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED)
GOED promotes a robust, diversified economy in Nevada by stimulating business expansion and retention, encouraging entrepreneurial enterprise, and facilitating community development.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Nevada can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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