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Steps to Start a Small Business
Are you ready to start a business or grow your existing business? First things first, find a mentor.
I would suggest reaching out to SCORE and/or Nevada Small Business Development Center.
Below is additional information about each.
SCORE:
SCORE provides free mentoring services. They will work with you from the point where you have a great
idea to actually starting your business. You can meet with them as many times as you like, free of charge.
They can assist in writing a business plan, marketing, exporting, e-commerce, strategic planning and much
more. SCORE also provides a lot of training opportunities, usually free of charge. There are multiple
locations in Nevada.
SCORE (Southern Nevada)
300 South Fourth St. Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV. 89101
Phone: (702) 388-6104
Email: info@scorelv.org
Web: www.scorelv.org
SCORE (Northern Nevada)
University of Nevada Reno
Ansari Business Building
College of Business Administration
Mail Stop 0032
Room 411
Reno, NV. 89557
Phone: (775) 784-4436
Web: www.score-reno.org
Nevada Small Business Development Center (Nevada SBDC):
Nevada SBDC provides free mentoring services. This office provides services similar to SCORE. They
meet with individuals one and one and can provide assistance in starting and growing a business, business
education and training, market research and more. Nevada SBDC provides services free of charge. There
are multiple locations in Nevada.
Las Vegas
1951 Stella Lake St. Suite 32
Las Vegas, NV. 89106
Phone: (702) 876-0003
Web: www.nsbdc.org
Nevada SBDC at UNLV
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Lied Library, 2
nd
Floor
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Las Vegas, NV. 89154
Phone: (702) 876-0003
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Web: www.nsbdc.org
Reno
University of Nevada, Reno
College of Business
Ansari Business Building, Room 411
Reno, NV 89557-0032
Phone: (775) 784-1717
Web: www.nsbdc.org
Churchill County
Churchill County Economic Development Authority
P.O. Box 1236
Fallon, NV. 89407 (mail)
448 W. Williams Ave. Suite 103
Fallon, NV. 89406
Phone: (775) 423-8587
Web: www.nsbdc.org
Elko
Great Basin College
1500 College Pkwy.
McMullen Hall #102
Elko, NV. 89801
Web: www.nsbdc.org
Ely
744 E. North Industrial Way
Ely, NV. 89301
Phone: (775) 772-2891
Web: www.nsbdc.org
Pahrump
1301 South Highway 160
NSB Building, 2
nd
Floor
Pahrump, NV. 89048
Phone: (775) 751-1947
Web: www.nsbdc.org
Winnemucca
City of Winnemucca
90 West Fourth St.
Winnemucca, NV. 89445
Phone: (775) 623-1064
Web: www.nsbdc.org
As a small business owner it’s always a good idea to have a relationship with a lawyer, an accountant and
an insurance agent. You will most likely require their services at some point while operating your business.
This is not necessarily all of the required steps to start a business, as all business ventures are different. This
is a guideline to get started.
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STEP 1:
Business Plan: When starting a business it’s always a good idea to have a written business plan. Your
business plan is like a resume for your business. Business plans develop a blueprint as an operating guide
for your business. It describes you and your business. You will need a business plan when dealing with
banks or other lending institutions. Both SCORE and Nevada SBDC can assist you in writing a business
plan.
STEP 2:
Create a corporation, Limited Liability Company, Partnership or Sole Proprietorship Legal
Organization:
NOTE: If you choose to use a business name other than your personal legal name you must file a
Fictitious Business Name Certificate (DBA) with your local County Clerk’s Office to identify the
owner(s). This applies to sole proprietorship and partnerships.
Corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLC) must file Articles of Incorporation or
Articles of Organization with the Nevada Secretary of State and maintain all records, minutes, etc.,
as required by law. For more information visit the Secretary of State online at http://nvsos.gov.
Nevada Secretary of State or Nevada Secretary of State
555 E. Washington Ave. Suite 5200 202 North Carson St.
Las Vegas, NV. 89101 Carson City, NV. 89701
(702) 486-2880 (775) 684-5708
Web: www.nvsos.gov Web: www.nvsos.gov
STEP 3:
Fictitious Firm Name (DBA): If you plan to operate the business under any other name other than your
own name you will want to complete a Fictitious Firm Name (DBA) with the County Clerk. In Las Vegas
you can go to www.clarkcountynv.gov for more information. If you would like to go directly to the required
form you can go to www.clarkcountynv.gov/depts/clerk/services/pages/fictitiousfirmnames.aspx The cost
of the Fictitious Firm Name certificate is $20.00 and is good for 5 years.
Clark County Clerk
200 Lewis Ave.
3
rd
Floor #3125
Las Vegas, NV. 89155
Phone: (702) 671-0500
STEP 4:
State Business License: If you wish to start a business you need to obtain a business license through the
State of Nevada, Secretary of State’s Office. You will first need to decide your business entity typically
either a Sole Proprietor, General Partnership, LLC or Corporation. About 70% of small businesses open as
an LLC. You may want to speak with an attorney prior to deciding which entity is best for you. The cost
for a Sole Proprietor and General Partnership business license is $200.00 per year. An LLC and a
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Corporation business license cost $400.00 per year. You can apply for your business license online at
www.nvsilverflume.gov. You will need to create an account and then follow the steps. Go to
www.nvsilverflume.gov select Start Your Business and then select Start Your Business (online wizard).
SilverFlume is a great resource for starting a business. Please review their FAQ section, which answers
many common questions of potential small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Please note effective July 1, 2015 the annual State Business License fee for corporations formed pursuant
to Chapters 78, 78A, 78B and 80 will increase from $200.00 to $500.00. Other increases will also take
effect on July 1, 2015. For additional information please go to:
http://www.nvsos.gov/index.aspx?page=23&recordid=1823&returnURL=%2findex.aspx
Nevada Secretary of State or Nevada Secretary of State
555 E. Washington Ave. Suite 5200 202 North Carson St.
Las Vegas, NV. 89101 Carson City, NV. 89701
(702) 486-2880 (775) 684-5708
Web: www.nvsos.gov Web: www.nvsos.gov
STEP 5:
Taxes: you must be in compliance with all state and federal taxes. Check with the Department of Taxation
to determine if you will need a resale permit, an exemption certificate or are subject to use tax. A deposit
or bond may be required. For more information regarding the state contact the State of Nevada, Department
of Taxation at (702) 486-2300 or go online to www.tax.nv.gov. New business must check with the
Department of Taxation to determine whether they need a resale permit, an exemption certificate or are
subject to use tax. You may also want to contact the IRS at (702) 868-5005.
Nevada State Department of Taxation
555 E. Washington Ave. Suite 1300
Las Vegas, NV. 89101
Phone: (702) 486-2300
http://tax.state.nv.us/
STEP 6:
Local City/County Business Licenses: In the State of Nevada all businesses are required to obtain a
business license within the county/city in which they will operate or perform work. Depending on location
and type of business you may be required to obtain a Clark County license as well as a city license(s). If
you perform work in several jurisdictions within Clark County you may be required to obtain a city license
from multiple jurisdictions. The cost to obtain a Clark County Business License is a $45.00 application fee,
plus licensing fees which vary depending on the type of business.
Clark County is made up of six jurisdictions, each with its own licensing agency-the City of Las Vegas, the
City of North Las Vegas, the City of Henderson, Boulder City, the City of Mesquite and Unincorporated
Clark County. The link above will tell you which jurisdiction a business or potential place of business is
located. License fees vary by jurisdiction and type of business.
I would recommend contacting Clark County first at (702) 455-4252 or online at www.clarkcountynv.gov
to determine the jurisdiction of your business or potential business. It is very important to determine which
jurisdiction your property is located in.
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Once you have determined the proper jurisdiction you will want to contact that jurisdiction for licensing
information. City of Las Vegas can be reached at (702) 229-6281, City of North Las Vegas at (702) 399-
8099, in City of Henderson at (702) 267-1730, City of Boulder City (702) 293-9219 and City of Mesquite
at (702) 346-2835 x. 3305.
There are other special permits required in Nevada from Health, Police, Fire or Building Departments.
Additionally there are permit requirements for liquor, gaming, health permits, home occupation permits,
cosmetology and others. Check with the local jurisdiction in which you plan to operate your business to
determine the licensing/permit requirements.
Please check with the jurisdiction in which you plan to operate a home based business for permit
requirements and fees along with additional information.
Clark County Business License
500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. 3
rd
Floor
Box 551810
Las Vegas, NV. 89155
Phone: (702) 455-4252
Web: www.clarkcountynv.gov/depts/business_license/pages/default.aspx
City of Las Vegas
495 S. Main St.
Las Vegas, NV. 89101
Web: http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Business/default.htm
City of North Las Vegas
Business License Division
2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North
North Las Vegas, NV. 89030
Phone: (702) 633-1520
Web: http://www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/departments/finance/businesslicense/businesslicense.aspx
City of Henderson
City Hall
240 Water St.
Henderson, NV. 89015
(702) 267-1730
Web: http://cityofhenderson.com/finance/business-license/business-license-general-description
Boulder City
Business License
401 California Ave.
Boulder City, NV. 89005
Phone (702) 293-9244
Web: http://bcnv.org/?q=buslicense
City of Mesquite
Business Licensing
10 E. Mesquite Blvd.
Mesquite, NV. 89027
Phone: (702) 346-2835 x 3305
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Web: http://www.mesquitenv.gov/city-government/licenses-permits/business-licenses
STEP 7:
Special Permits: In addition to city and county licenses, certain types of occupations are required
to obtain special state licenses. Below is a list of licensing agencies to contact for more information.
State Contractors Board
2310 Corporate Circle, Ste. 200
Henderson, NV. 89074
Phone: (702) 486-1100
Web: www.nvcontractorsboard.com
Public Transportation Permits
Nevada Transportation Service Authority
2290 South Jones Blvd., Ste. 110
Las Vegas, NV. 89146
Phone: (702) 486-3303
Web: www.tsa.nv.gov
Eldercare/Other Care Related Business
State of Nevada, Department of Human Resources
Bureau of Licensure
4220 South Maryland Pkwy., Ste. 810
Las Vegas, NV. 89119
Phone: (702) 486-6515
Web: http://dhhs.nv.gov/
Childcare Licensing Information
4220 South Maryland Pkwy., Ste. 810, Bldg. D.
Las Vegas, NV. 89119
Phone: (702) 486-6515
Web: http://health.nv.gov/HCQC Childcare_Contactinfo.htm
Air Quality Permits
Air Quality & Environmental Management
Government Center, 1
st
Floor
500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.
Las Vegas, NV. 89155
Phone: (702) 455-5942
Web: www.co.clark.nv.us/air_quality/
Restaurants/Food Service
Clark County Health District Plan Review
P.O. Box 3902
Las Vegas, NV. 89127
Phone: (702) 759-0588
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Web: http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/food-establishments/
STEP 8:
Business Address/Zoning: You will need to check zoning laws prior to picking a business location. For
information on zoning contact Clark County Current Planning Division at (702) 455-4314 or online at
www.clarkcountynv.gov/depts/comprehensive_planning/zoning/pages/default.aspx .
If you plan to operate in the City of Las Vegas contact their office at (702) 229-6551, City of North Las
Vegas contact them at (702) 633-1537, City of Henderson at (702) 267-1500, Boulder City at (702) 293-
9292 and City of Mesquite at (702) 346-2835 ext. 3305.
If you plan to operate your business out of your home there are zoning laws in your neighborhood. Common
zoning restrictions include: no deliveries, no inventory storage, sign restrictions and no customer parking
to name a few. Please check with the jurisdiction in which you plan to operate a home based business for
permit requirements and fees along with additional information.
STEP 9:
Employee Identification Number (EIN): As a business you are required to have an Employer Identification
Number (EIN) to use as a federal taxpayer identification number. You will need this number to open a
business banking account, pay employees and for tax purposes. For additional information please contact
the IRS at (702) 868-5005.
www.irs.gov
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
FINANCING:
Are you looking for a loan to get your business going? Do you need cash for inventory, equipment,
marketing or to hire employees? The companies listed below offer loans from $1,000.00 If you are looking
for a loan in the amount of $50,000.00 or less I would recommend contacting either Nevada Business
Opportunity Fund, Accion or Prestamos, contact information below. Each has their own programs and
qualifying requirements. If you contact one company and they are not able to assist you, contact the
companies.
Also, the Department of Business & Industry, Director’s Office publishes an Access to Capital database,
which is a large document containing different sources of funding. I would recommend checking it out at
www.business.nv.gov. The Access to Capital database includes banks and other types of lending.
Nevada Business Opportunity Fund:
Provide loans from $1,000.00 to $250,000.00. They offer micro-loans from $1,000.00 to $50,000.00.
Contact: Leanna Jenkins
550 E. Charleston Suite E
Las Vegas, NV. 89104
Phone: (702) 734-3555
Email: ljenkins@vedc.org
Web: www.vedc.org/nevada
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Accion:
Provide loans from $1,000.00 to $500,000.00. They offer micro-loans from $1,000.00 to $50,000.00.
Contact: Erin McDermott
1951 Stella Lake St.
Las Vegas, NV. 89106
Phone: (702) 250-3372
Email: emcdermott@accionnv.org
Web: www.accionnv.org
Prestamos:
Provide microloans from $500.00 to $50,000.00.
Contact: Daniel Reese
Phone: (702) 207-1614
Email: lasveg[email protected]
Web: www.cplc.org
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:
Are you looking for business training opportunities? If so, there are several offices throughout the state who
offer training opportunities. The Department of Business & Industry publishes a small business calendar of
events which can be found at www.business.nv.gov. We post various small business training and events
happening throughout Nevada. Many of the training opportunities and events are free to attend.
Below is a list of companies that provide small business training, often free of charge. Their classes and
events can be found on our small business calendar at www.business.nv.gov.
Nevada Business Opportunity Fund
Contact: Leanna Jenkins
550 E. Charleston Suite E
Las Vegas, NV. 89104
Phone: (702) 734-3555
Email: ljenkins@4microbiz.org
Web: http://4microbiz.org
Nevada Small Business Development Center
Multiple Locations
Web: www.nsbdc.org
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Multiple Locations
Web: www.sba.gov
SCORE
Multiple Locations
Web: www.score.org
Vegas PBS – Global Online Advanced Learning (GOAL)
3050 E. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV. 89121
Phone (702) 799-1010
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Web: www.vegaspbs.org/workforce/
Nevada Industry Excellence (Exporting)
Southern Nevada
5550 W. Flaming Rd. A-2
Las Vegas, NV. 89103
Phone: (702) 895-2615
Web: www.nevadaie.com
Northern Nevada
Various Locations
Phone: (775) 784-1935
Web: www.nevadaie.com
TECH TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:
The Founder Institute is the world's largest entrepreneur training and startup launch program, helping
aspiring founders across the globe build enduring technology companies. In the Founder Institute's four-
month, part-time program, promising startup entrepreneurs "learn by doing" and launch a company through
structured training courses, practical business-building assignments, and expert feedback from a large
network of business mentors. Plus, aspiring founders are not required to quit their day job to participate, so
they can begin building a business around their ideas without putting their livelihood at risk.
Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 85 cities and 40 countries, the Founder Institute has helped
launch over 1,310 companies, which have created over 10,000+ new jobs. The company's mission is to
"Globalize Silicon Valley" and build sustainable startup ecosystems that will create one million new jobs
worldwide.
For more information on The Founder Institute visit their Las Vegas Meetup group online at
http://www.meetup.com/Las-Vegas-Startup-Founder-101/events/218913442/
HIRING EMPLOYEES:
Workers Compensation: If you decide to hire employees you will also be required to obtain Workers
Compensation Insurance, contact your business insurance agent for further details or contact the Division
of Industrial Relations at www.dirweb.state.nv.us/.
Along with Workers Compensation Insurance you will need to consider other insurance needs. If you plan
to use your personal vehicle to operate your business you will need business insurance on your vehicle. I
would recommend contacting an insurance broker for the requirements for your type of business.
Unemployment Insurance: You will need to pay unemployment insurance through the Nevada State
Employment Security Division at (702) 486-0250 or online at http: detr.state.nv.us.
Labor Laws: You will be need to be in compliance with local state labor laws, for more information visit
the Office of the Labor Commissioner at www.laborcommissioner.com or at (702) 486-2650.
Incentives for Employers: Silver State Works through Nevada JobConnect. Employers can get up to
$2,000.00 per employee in incentive reimbursements or training allowances for new hires. For more
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information visit www.silverstateworks.com or at (702) 486-0129 in Southern Nevada or (775) 284-9660
in Northern Nevada, or email at silverstateworks@nvdetr.org
DISASTER RELIEF LOANS:
SBA Disaster Assistance Program-low interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes
and private, nonprofit organizations.
Disaster Relief Loans can be used for: a) repair or replace b) real estate c) personal property d) machinery
and equipment e) inventory f) furniture and fixtures g) lease hold improvements
To find a location near you for assistance please call (800) 659-2955, go online to www.sba.gov and for
the disaster loan application go to www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS:
Intellectual property law prevents other people from stealing your ideas, company logo, product designs
and business methods.
What is Intellectual Property? a) Works b) Ideas c) Business Name d) Logo e) Inventions f) Discoveries
Patent: A Patent grants its owner the right to exclude other businesses from making, using, offering for
sale, importing or selling the patented invention in the US. Anyone can obtain a US patent regarding of age
or citizenship. Patent protection lasts 14-20 years depending on the type of patent. Patents can cost
thousands of dollars. You will need help from a patent attorney. For more information visit the US Patent
and Trademark Office at http://www.uspto.gov
What can be patented? Any man-made products or the processes for making such products can be
patented. You can patent: a) Process b) Machine c) Manufacture d) Composition of matter
Trademark: A Trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, color or design that identifies the source of consumer
goods or services. You don’t have to register your trademark in your area, but you may want to register
with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Trademark registration lasts for 10 years and you can renew it
for an indefinite number of 10 year periods. A Trademark is valid as long as it is used in commerce and
defended against infringement.
Copyright: copyright protection applies to original works of authorship in tangible form. Tangible means
that it can’t simply be in your head, it must be physically available to other people, like a book or a DVD.
Copyright registration is not necessary, but it’s a very good idea. Copyright notices and registration are
inexpensive and good for the life of the creator plus 70 years after your death, or 95 years from the creator’s
publication or 120 years from creation of the work, whichever is shorter. You can register your copyright
with the Register of Copyrights in Washington, D.C. online at www.copyright.gov
Examples of copyrighted material: a) Literary works b) Musical work c) Dramatic works d) Pantomimes
and choreographic work e) Architectural works f) Pictorial, graphic and sculptural works g) Motion pictures
and other audiovisual works h) Sound recordings i) Computer programs
For additional information regarding patents, trademarks and copyrights contact the United States Patent
and Trademark Office (USPTO) at www.uspto.gov.
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GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING:
Are you interested in doing business with state and local government agencies? Below is information for
the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development as well as Clark County.
Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development
555 E. Washington Ave.
Suite 5400
Las Vegas, NV. 89101
Web: www.diversifynevada.com/esb
Phone: (702) 486-2700
Below is a link to a one page flyer with additional information regarding the ESB program
http://www.diversifynevada.com/documents/14GOED004_emerging_small_business_1sheeter_FINAL.p
df.
TO QUALIFY AS A LOCAL EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS, THE APPLICANT MUST:
Submit a completed application to the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development;
Be a Local Business;
Be in existence, operational and operating for a profit;
Maintain its principal place of business in Nevada;
Be in compliance with all applicable licensing and registration requirements;
Not be a subsidiary or parent company belonging to a group of firms that are owned or controlled by
the same persons if, in aggregate, the group of firms does not qualify pursuant to program
requirements;
Be qualified as either a Tier 1 Local Emerging Small Business or a Tier 2 Local Emerging Small
Business.
If you meet the criteria listed above and are interested in registering for the ESB program please follow this
link: www.diversifynevada.com/esb
If you have questions about the ESB program, please email esbprogram@diversifynevada.com or call
GOED at 775-687-9900 in Carson City or 702-486-2700in Las Vegas.
Clark County Department of Finance
Purchasing & Contracts
500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.
Las Vegas, NV. 89155
Phone: (702) 455-0000
Web:http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/depts/finance/purchasing/Pages/BusinessOpportunityandWorkforce
DevelopmentBOWDProgram.aspx
Clark County is committed to a business-friendly environment that promotes the development of local small
businesses. They have developed a program called BOWD, short for Business Opportunity & Workforce
Development.
Small business owners who sign up for the BOWD program receive professional guidance and support as
they build capacity to compete for government contracts through a combination of classroom sessions,
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mentoring, coaching and County relationship-building activities. Participating companies also gain access
to skilled and unskilled labor required to help them complete new work.
To qualify a small firm must have a business license, offer goods or services the County would purchase
and complete an assessment that determines whether the organization fits into the basic, intermediate or
advanced level of BOWD’s four-month curriculum. Participating firms attend weekly, bi-weekly or
monthly classes, depending upon assigned curriculum levels.
BOWD is funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA),
approved by the Clark County Commission and administered by Akers & Associates, Inc.
Small business owners who wish to apply for enrollment in the BOWD program can contact Akers &
Associates, Inc. at 9702) 724-1500 or email: info@akersinc.com.
EXPORTING:
Are you interested in exporting your goods or services? If so please contact the Nevada Governor’s Office
of Economic Development and/or Nevada Industry Excellence.
Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Southern Nevada
Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development
555 E. Washington Ave.
Suite 5400
Las Vegas, NV. 89101
Phone: (702) 486-2700
Web: www.diversifynevada.com
Northern Nevada
Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development
808 West Nye Lane
Carson City, NV. 89703
Phone: (775) 687-9900
Web: www.diversifynevada.com
Nevada Industry Excellence
Nevada Industry Excellence (ExporTech program)
Multiple Locations
Web: http://www.nevadaie.com/nvie/index.php/services_and_solutions/growth_services/
Nevada Industry Excellence has a great exporting program called ExporTech. For additional information
please review the information below under Nevada Industry Excellence.
ExporTech is the “how-to” program that helps your small- or medium-sized company enter or expand into
global markets by assisting in the development of an international growth plan customized specifically for
your business. Utilizing a team of export experts, ExporTech helps your company move quickly beyond
planning, into actual, profitable export sales.
provides resources that help you rapidly move from planning to actual sales and payment
teaches you international strategies and success factors based on real-world company research
helps your team build a robust export plan in just three months
connects you with reputable resources and expert consultations in your community
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accelerates your speed to market, actual leads and sales
If you’re interested in learning more about ExporTech, contact your local Nevada Industry Excellence
Project Manager or go to http://www.nevadaie.com/nvie/index.php/contact%20us/ for more information.
This is not legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice you should
contact an attorney.
CONTACT:
Carrie Foley - Program Officer II
State of Nevada, Department of Business & Industry, Director’s Office
555 E. Washington Ave.
Suite 4900
Las Vegas, NV. 89101
Phone: (702) 486-2754
Twitter: @NVBizAdvocate
Web: www.business.nv.gov
