Expansion & Development Assistance Program
Expanding and developing Southern Nevada’s small and medium-sized businesses that serve Las Vegas’ hospitality and entertainment industries.
About the Program
Funded by the Economic Development Administration through the UNLV Office of Economic Development, the Expansion & Development Assistance Program aims to support small and medium-sized businesses in Clark County. The program will support the Southern Nevada ecosystem of entrepreneurs, UNLV students & faculty, as well as the hospitality and entertainment industries in adapting to the new normal. Acceptance into the program is based on the quality and accuracy of the submitted application as reviewed by the program committee. Upon acceptance, companies will be eligible to receive technical assistance of up to $10,000 on a case-by-case basis. Assistance will be provided until funds are exhausted.
Small and medium businesses are the backbone of our local economy, providing supplies and services to the region’s largest companies in the hospitality and entertainment industries that then drive the economy. We created this assistance program to provide guidance, partnerships, resources, and opportunities to small and medium businesses with goals of sustaining jobs, creating new jobs, expanding businesses, and empowering them to endure any future economic downturns.
To be considered for the Expansion & Development Assistance Program, your business must fulfill the following criteria:
- A for-profit business registered in Clark County, Nevada
- Not barred from federal funds
- Small business according to the SBA's standards
- Looking to grow further and/or rebound from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Assistance We Provide
Businesses participating in the assistance program may receive varying forms of support from the UNLV Office of Economic Development, depending on the goals and needs of each business as determined by the committee during the onboarding process. Learn the different ways we may support your business if accepted into the program:
All businesses in the program will receive one-on-one confidential guidance by an SBDC Advisor. The assigned advisor will work with each business in personalizing the support and resources received. They also aim to ensure that businesses leave the program in a better position to endure and respond to future economic events such as the one caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. SBDC advisors are able to provide guidance in various business areas such as, but not limited to:
- Management & Human resources
- Business planning
- Marketing & branding
- Capital
- Accounting & Finance
- Market research and studies
The Mock Integrated Resort at Black Fire Innovation allows entrepreneurs to test new hospitality-related products and/or display them in an environment that simulates real hospitality spaces. There is a coffee & cocktail bar, casino floor, cafe, two hotel rooms, and a smart bathroom.
The product may also become part of the Black Fire tour that showcases new innovations in the Valley to executives, legislators, and other community members.
The program may be able to fund the development of products through prototyping, design, or sampling at the Makerspace, or even at outside vendors (case-by-case basis).
At the Makerspace, business owners are able to bring their ideas to life through prototyping, printing, sampling, or other project needs. It is home to various equipment, computers, softwares, and resources catering to marketing and product development projects.
Makerspace personnel are also available for design consultation sessions or assistance with production if needed.
Supporting growth of businesses in Clark County means also supporting growth of the workforce. If approved after a case-by-case review, the assistance program could fund the completion of trainings or certifications your employees need to contribute to the growth of your company, in areas such as leadership, HR, a particular software, marketing, or cybersecurity.
In growing the workforce, your assigned advisor is also able to assist in creating an internship program for your company. Though not applicable to all companies, there are many benefits to having internship programs:
- Bring in fresh perspective
- Enhance supervisory skills of your existing employees
- Promote your business among jobseekers
- Create a funnel for future full-time employee, train them early (cuts down recruitment costs overall)
- Increases productivity or reduces workload, especially during certain seasons/periods of the year
Contact Us
Kyle Basarich
Makerspace Coordinator
Email: kyle.basarich@unlv.edu
Phoebe Hendarmo
Business Development Advisor
Email: phoebe.hendarmo@unlv.edu