Nevada SBDC launches 2026 Small Business Challenges Survey to guide future support for entrepreneurs
July 27, 2026 | Member Submitted
Annual survey invites Nevada business owners to share challenges, opportunities and resource needs
The Nevada Small Business Development Center (Nevada SBDC) is inviting entrepreneurs around the state to participate in the 2026 Nevada Small Business Challenges Survey, an annual initiative designed to identify the issues most affecting Nevada’s small business community and help shape future business assistance efforts.
As Nevada’s economy continues to evolve, understanding the experiences of business owners has never been more important. The survey provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity to share the challenges they face, from access to capital and workforce shortages to inflation, marketing, regulatory issues and business growth opportunities.
The information collected will help Nevada SBDC and its statewide network of partners better understand emerging trends, prioritize technical assistance programs, inform educational offerings and advocate for resources that directly support Nevada’s entrepreneurs.
“Small businesses are the foundation of Nevada’s economy, and the best way to understand their needs is to listen directly to the owners who are creating jobs and strengthening their communities every day,” said Winnie Dowling, state director of the Nevada SBDC. “The insights gathered through this survey help ensure that future programs and services are responsive to the real-world challenges Nevada businesses are experiencing.”
Each year, thousands of Nevada entrepreneurs contribute valuable feedback that helps paint a comprehensive picture of the state’s small business landscape. The results are used by economic development organizations, policymakers, community partners and business assistance providers to better align resources with the needs of local businesses.
Nevada SBDC encourages business owners of every size and in every industry, from startups and home-based businesses to established manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and professional service firms to participate.
The survey runs from July 20 through Aug. 30 and takes only a few minutes to complete. Responses will help strengthen Nevada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for years to come.
Business owners are encouraged to share their feedback through the survey, available in English and Spanish.
– @unevadareno –
The University of Nevada, Reno is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. As a Nevada land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world. For more information, visit www.unr.edu.
About the Nevada Small Business Development Center
The Nevada Small Business Development Center is a statewide business assistance program hosted by the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno. Nevada SBDC provides no-cost, confidential business advising, training and resources to help entrepreneurs start, grow and sustain successful businesses throughout Nevada through a network of offices and partners serving communities across the state.
Media Contact:
Brad Scribner
Community Project Manager
Nevada Small Business Development Center
bscribner@unr.edu
(775) 784-4748