Without You, We Can’t Close the Digital Divide!

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Take the Nevada Speed Test!

Reliable, affordable broadband connectivity is vital to the development and well-being of all residents in the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) region. However, not all communities are equally-well served with broadband connectivity.

The Nevada Speed Test is counting on fellow Nevadans to pinpoint those locations by logging on to NevadaSpeedTest.org, a mapping tool which measures internet speeds. By analyzing home and business connectivity, strategies can be identified and funding solutions pursued that improve regional broadband infrastructure.

The Nevada Speed Test may be performed on any device that has an internet or cellular connection and takes less than one minute to complete. No personal information will be collected. Repeated speed tests are encouraged during the one-year initiative to better capture variations in internet speeds and collect more statistically valid data.

If you haven’t taken the test, please log in today. If you have, please share with your friends, family and business colleagues. To help you help us, below is a copy/paste blurb ready for sharing on your social media platforms or e-mail outreach.

Nevada Speed Test

Copy and Paste Blurb Below to Help Spread the Word!

Please join me in being part of the Western Nevada Broadband Initiative, a coalition of local governments working to improve broadband connectivity. Your help is needed to pinpoint the region’s most unserved and underserved homes and businesses. By logging on to NevadaSpeedTest.org, a mapping tool which measures internet speeds, we can analyze home and business connectivity to identify strategies and funding solutions to improve our regional broadband infrastructure. It takes less than a minute and thanks for your help!

Have a Business Idea?

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Rural Pitch Day – Launch Rural Nevada
Don’t Miss It – November 5th, 2021

This annual event is designed for startups and small business owners in rural Nevada and provides opportunities for mentorship, access to capital, and connection with entrepreneurial support organizations throughout the Silver State. Learn from business experts how to launch business ideas followed by pitch presentations for awards up to $1,250. This year the event will be held in a hybrid format with local in-person viewing sites and online options.

NEW in 2021, thanks to a sponsorship from Nevada Gold Mines, Rural Pitch Day – Launch Rural Nevada is open to junior and senior high school students in rural Nevada!

Ready to pitch your business idea? Apply Today – Applications close October 22, 2021.

Rural Pitch Day Info.

Apply Now!

Get Your Tickets!

Tahoe Prosperity Center Presents Tahoe Rising

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A virtual discussion on the region’s Economic Challenges and Opportunities!

Tahoe Rising is a three-part virtual event to catalyze change and take action for the benefit of Lake Tahoe’s regional community and economy. Join the Tahoe Prosperity Center as it presents keynote speakers from around the country and the Lake who will discuss challenges facing Lake Tahoe in this current pandemic; sharing economic, community and environmental perspectives.

The fast-paced program includes panel sessions with those experts combined with local Tahoe leaders that will enhance these conversations. Collaborative and interactive group sessions will follow and provide an opportunity to share solutions that can be implemented locally to improve the region and build a resilient community.

The Tahoe Prosperity Center is an Associate Member of the Western Nevada Development District.

Event Schedule:

September 30th
10:00 am till 12:00 pm
Topic: Tahoe’s Economic Picture

October 14th
10:00 am till 12:00 pm
Topic: Tahoe’s Economic Recovery

October 28th
10:00 am till 12:00 pm
Topic: Tahoe’s Economic Resiliency

Learn More!

County Small Business Grant Program!

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Supporting Small Businesses Financially Impacted by COVID-19

A partnership between NACO and the counties of: Douglas, Elko, Lincoln, Lyon, Nye, Storey, Washoe and White Pine

Eight counties across Nevada have partnered with the Nevada Association of Counties (NACO) to develop a grant program to support small businesses financially impacted by COVID-19. This grant program is being supported by federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds. Eligible businesses must be located in Douglas, Elko, Lincoln, Lyon, Nye, Storey, unincorporated Washoe or White Pine counties.

Eligible Grant Uses include:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Protective Retrofits
• Working capital – including utilities, payroll not covered by PPP, inventory etc.

Grant awards range from $1,500 to $20,000.

Applications are open September 8 thru October 6, 2020.

The Nevada Small Business Development Center is partnering with NACO to provide help to businesses that may need it.

Request free and confidential assistance by calling 800-240-7094 to make an appointment with a counselor through one of their 13 statewide locations.

Apply Now!

Nevada Commuting Patterns

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Michael Dominguez and Thomas R. Harris have just released a technical report containing valuable data on Commuting Patterns in Nevada.

Michael Dominquez is a Research Associate at the University Center for Economic Development at the University of Nevada, Reno, and Thomas R. Harris is a Professor in the Department of Economics and Director of the University Center for Economic Development at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The report contains statistical data, by county, on where residents live vs work, number of households, median income, percentage of households with a computer, percentage of households with broadband internet, annual unemployment rates, and education levels.

Download the complete document here: Nevada Commuting Patterns

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

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Congress Passes Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

As small businesses in the United States continue to be impacted by COVID-19, Congress successfully passed the CARES Act which is intended to assist business owners through various provisions. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers.

A guide has been complied to help provide information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.

Guide Topics

• Paycheck Protection Program Loans
• Small Business Debt Relief Program
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Emergency Economic Injury Grants
• Small Business Counseling
• Small Business Contracting
• Small Business Tax Provisions

See the Small Business Guide to CARES Act.

For more information visit: SBA

WNDD Conference 2016 Early Registration

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‘Building a Stronger Nevada’

Shares Nevada’s New Economic Realities Second Annual Conference

Organized by Western Nevada Development District

September  20-22, 2016
Reno, NV

(Carson City, NV) — The Second Annual Building a Stronger Nevada Economic Development Conference, presented and organized by the Western Nevada Development District, UNR College of Business, UNLV Center for Business and Economic Research, USDA Rural Development and Nevada Industry of Excellence. The conference will explore the ideas, programs and products that are defining the new Nevada economy.

The event will be held at the University of Nevada, Reno, Sept. 20-22, 2016 at the Joe Crowley Student Union.

“Our Building a Stronger Nevada conference will provide opportunities for a broad section of professionals to present and share what is happening in a dynamic, changing Nevada economy,” said Ed Lawson, President of the Western Nevada Development District and Councilman for the City of Sparks, NV. “This conference will take people behind the headlines of Nevada’s great business re-birth. The new companies, new ideas and knowledge base that is shaping a new future.”

Tracks for the conference, Wed., Sept. 21 and Thurs., Sept. 22 include Agribusiness, Economic Development/Vitality, Energy, Manufacturing, Transportation/Infrastructure and Workforce Development. The $150 cost before June 30 includes opening sessions with keynote speakers, institutes, tours, educational sessions, Exhibit Hall Reception, parking and luncheons for both days. A one-day conference pass is $75.

The Pre-Conference Workshop, Fundamentals of Economic Development, will be held Tues., Sept. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for an additional $75.

“The 2015 inaugural event exceeded our expectations with over 250 participants in attendance,” said Lawson. “We are programming to offer the conference in alternate years between the north and south part of the state, beginning this year in Reno and traveling to Las Vegas in 2017.”

This year will include educational sessions, specialized institutes and illuminating off-site tours. New this year is the Stronger Nevada Awards which will recognize outstanding marketing materials and tools used for attracting and retaining business. Deadline to apply is May 21, 2016. Applications and information are available online at wndd.org or Louise Torres at 702-407-1400 X103, louise.torres@nv.usda.gov.

Sponsoring the Building a Stronger Nevada conference is an opportunity for business and organizations to showcase to key industry leaders and decision makers. Sponsors will have a opportunity to reach a uniquely targeted audience involved with Nevada’s economic development.

For more information go to wndd.org or contact Sheryl Gonzales at 775-883-7333 X2000, sgonzales@wndd.org.