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SBOP
Small Business
Opportunity Program
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Shani J. Coleman
DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (OCED)
SBOP ADMINISTRATOR
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Hello,
This summer brings powerful momentum for small businesses across Clark County. From new State laws aimed at easing startup costs and improving regulatory transparency, to federal updates that give veteran-owned firms more time to recertify, the changes underway reflect a broader commitment to your success. For example, Assembly Bill 423, which waives state business license fees for qualifying small businesses, is designed to make entrepreneurship more accessible in Nevada.
In this edition of the Small Biz Update, you'll find new laws that might affect your business. You'll also see how a public meeting this month will give you an opportunity to help shape future goals for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. And you'll learn how three powerful metrics can help your business grow with focus.
As we continue to develop the new SBOP platform, strengthen partnerships, and your growth through SBOP, our goal remains clear: to help you grow with clarity, confidence, and community. I encourage you to stay informed, stay engaged, and make the most of the resources outlined in this issue.
To your success,
Shani J. Coleman
Director, Office of Community & Economic Development
SBOP Administrator
| | HELP SHAPE FUTURE DBE GOALS IN SOUTHERN NEVADA | | |
The Clark County Department of Aviation and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada are setting new goals for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to help more Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) take part in federally funded projects over the next three years. These goals will apply to upcoming work at Harry Reid International Airport, Henderson Executive Airport, North Las Vegas Airport, Overton-Perkins Field, and the Jean Sport Aviation Center, as well as regional transportation projects supported by federal funding.
If you’re a small, minority-owned, or disadvantaged business—or simply interested in learning more—you’re invited to attend a public meeting to review the proposed goals and share your input. The session is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Harry Reid International Airport, Terminal 1, Commissioners Meeting Room (5th Floor). Free parking is available (just bring your ticket inside for validation). A virtual meeting option will also be offered.
To attend this public stakeholder meeting, please register here.
Download the Meeting Flyer
| | NEW TARIFFS, NEW CHALLENGES: ARE YOU READY? | | |
New federal tariffs on certain imports, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and clean energy, may impact pricing, supply chains, and long-term planning for Nevada-based small businesses. Whether you rely on materials, equipment, or goods from overseas, it’s important to understand how these changes might impact your costs and operations. Below is a curated list of links to help you stay informed and take proactive steps to navigate the evolving trade environment.
Even in times of change, preparation and knowledge are powerful tools. If your business could be affected, you don't have to face it alone. Consider connecting with your business banker or local small business advisors, who can provide advice, referrals, and resources to help you stay competitive.
| | SBA GIVES VOSBs, SDVOSBs MORE TIME TO RECERTIFY | | |
If you're a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has given you more time to prepare for recertification.
As of May 13, the SBA has extended eligibility for all certified VOSB and SDVOSB participants by six months. For example, a business originally due for recertification on August 1, 2025, now has until February 1, 2026, and can begin recertifying as early as November 1, 2025. Recertification will take place in the MySBA Certifications platform. Visit sba.gov for details, deadlines, and setup instructions.
Recertification will take place in the MySBA Certifications platform. Firms are encouraged to create an account and claim their business now, and must continue to meet eligibility requirements and notify SBA of any status changes within 30 days.
| | NEW LAWS THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS | | |
The 83rd Nevada Legislative Session has officially ended with some notable changes affecting small businesses across the State. Some laws have already taken effect, others are on the horizon. You'll find a variety of measures focused on outcomes, such as reducing startup expenses, improving regulatory clarity, and increasing long-term resources for entrepreneurs. Here are a few new laws you should know about and how they might affect a small business.
SB 119 - Expands NV Grow Support for Clark County Businesses
Effective July 1, 2025
The passage of Senate Bill 119 (Chaper 493) enhances the NV Grow program with new resources specifically designated for small businesses in Clark County. The bill establishes a lead counselor and GIS specialist at the College of Southern Nevada to mentor local entrepreneurs and help identify opportunities for business growth. It also provides funding for community outreach through Cooperative Extension and local chambers of commerce. With a more structured support system and additional hands-on guidance, business owners in Clark County can expect improved access to training, market research tools, and strategic development resources tailored to their local landscape.
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AB 444 - More Notice Before Rules and Fees Change
Effective July 1, 2025,
AB 444 (Chapter 427) is designed to improve communication between government agencies and small businesses. Under the new law, state agencies are required to evaluate how proposed rules might affect small businesses before implementing them. They’ll also be required to notify chambers of commerce and trade groups when changes are coming. Additionally, local governments will need to follow stricter procedures when introducing or adjusting fees that could affect businesses. The goal is to provide greater transparency and give business owners a better chance to prepare or even speak up before new costs or regulations hit.
SB 260 - New Air Quality Rules That Could Affect Operations
Effective June 12, 2025
Senate Bill 260 (Chapter 499) introduced new air quality standards that require employers to monitor airborne particle levels, inform employees when air quality becomes hazardous due to wildfire smoke, and take reasonable steps to protect worker health and safety. Some smaller businesses may find compliance more challenging, particularly those with outdoor operations. If you're affected, this may be a good time to consider investing in monitoring equipment and developing communication plans for your team.
AB239 - Streamlines governance, disputes, and corporate flexibility
Effective May 30, 2025
AB 239 (Chapter 142) allows corporations, including small‑business entities, to waive jury trials in internal disputes, setting clear rules and protections for majority owners, and simplifying governance processes like share‑structure amendments and holding‑company reorganizations; these changes provide entrepreneurs with greater legal clarity, cost savings on litigation, and smoother pathways for corporate growth and restructuring in Nevada.
Stay Informed and Prepared
By staying informed about laws that affect your business, you can prevent compliance problems and avoid potential setbacks. If you want to dive deeper into these new laws and others that could affect your business, you'll find a full list of bills that became law during the 83rd legislative session on the Nevada Electronic Legislative Information System (NELIS) website.
| | 3 MARKET METRICS EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS | | |
When you're new to government contracting, the wide variety of business opportunities can feel overwhelming. Every agency seems like a potential client, which makes it tempting to chase every RFP that crosses your desk. However, the most successful contractors understand that the path to steady growth starts with a tighter focus. That’s where three powerful tools come in TAM, SAM, and SOM.
Whether you're applying for a loan, pitching investors, or submitting a capability statement for a prime contractor, being able to clearly define your TAM, SAM, and SOM equips you to show that you understand your industry and truly know your target audience. It also saves you time and money by ensuring you're always reaching out to the right audience.
TAM stands for your Total Addressable Market. For government contractors, TAM includes all of the federal, state, and local agencies that could ever potentially need what you offer. If you’re in cybersecurity, your TAM includes every agency across the country that uses digital systems and needs protection. It’s the biggest picture possible, but it’s not where your business starts.
SAM, your Serviceable Available Market, narrows down the broader market to the portion that your business can actively pursue, based on factors such as your location, business model, certifications, and capacity. For example, if you're a Nevada-based firm focused on local and state government work, your SAM might include state agencies, school districts, and city governments that are located within Nevada and issue relevant contracts. If you're set up to operate in other states, your SAM would expand to include similar agencies in those areas as well.
SOM, your Serviceable Obtainable Market, takes it a step further by estimating the portion of that SAM you can realistically win right now, based on your current team size, record of past performance, marketing reach, and tangible and intangible resources your business has available to actually win and deliver work. Your SOM reflects your practical capacity to compete and deliver today, not just the opportunities you qualify for on paper.
Knowing your numbers isn’t just a good strategy, it’s good business. If you're local a small business owner and need help understanding your market, there are business resource organizations that offer free support. Nevada Grow (NV Grow) NV Grow utilizes the concept of Economic Gardening to connect businesses with essential data, marketing tools, and business intelligence so they can better understand their industry, identify potential customers, analyze competitors, and estimate their market share. and the Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offer valuable support free of charge. SBDC helps small businesses conduct market research by providing data, analysis, and expert guidance to better understand their industry, customers, and competitors.
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Save The Date
CLARK COUNTY RBDAC
COMMITTED TO OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY
September 4, 2025 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join Clark County's Regional Business Development Advisory Council (RBDAC) for this annual event to connect directly with:
- Public and private purchasing and procurement representatives who may require your goods or services.
- Business support organizations that offer free services and resources to help you grow your business
- Fellow business owners--make new connections and nurture existing relationships!
SEE DETAILS AND REGISTER
| | Download the event flyer here. | | |
STARTUP NV
INNOVATE NV - COHORT 2 KICKOFF
July 15, 2025 - September 9, 2025
InnovateNV is a statewide initiative supporting Nevada-based small businesses in accessing federal funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This free program provides hands-on guidance through a Speaker Series, NSF Project Pitch coaching, a 9-week Proposal Accelerator, and access to Phase 0 Microgrants. Ideal for science, tech, or innovation-driven firms preparing to apply for federal R&D funding.
SEE DETAILS AND REGISTER
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U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)/U.S. WOMEN'S CHAMBER
NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS FEDERAL CONTRACTING SUMMIT
July 17, 2025 | 7:00 am - 1:00 pm PT
This virtual summit brings together small businesses, federal agencies, and prime contractors for a day of education, matchmaking, and updates on federal procurement. Hosted by the SBA and the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, it’s an excellent opportunity to learn how to win government contracts.
SEE DETAILS AND REGISTER
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Don't Miss Contract Opportunities
Make sure you're registered in the
Nevada Government e-Marketplace (NGEM)
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More than 25 government entities, including Clark County, Harry Reid International Airport, and the Water Reclamation District, post new contract opportunities on NGEM. Register on NGEM to be notified when opportunities related to your business are up for bid!
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Has Your Business Changed?
Keep Your Profile Up To Date
If your business contact information has changed since you first signed up for a Clark County small business training program or newsletter, please provide your new information using the "Update Profile" link at the end of this email. Never miss out on new updates that can help you grow your business.
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