JPMorganChase Expands Support for UNLV Program Powering Small Business Creation and Job Growth
New $400,000 grant to Nevada Small Business Development Center at UNLV will support tailored advising, investor-readiness planning, and resource connections for local entrepreneurs
LAS VEGAS – July 9, 2026 – JPMorganChase is expanding its support for the Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UNLV’s Office of Economic Development with a new $400,000 grant to help more Southern Nevada entrepreneurs move from idea to launch, strengthen their operations, and prepare for growth.
The new funding will help the SBDC deepen hands-on advising for small business owners and startups, with a focus on investor-ready business plans, market validation, technology feasibility, revenue models, and operational readiness. Over the next two years, the grant is expected to help the SBDC support more than 3,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses, contributing to the creation of more than 1,000 jobs, the retention of around 8,000 jobs, and the launch of 400-plus new businesses.
“The collaborative and community-focused work of the Small Business Development Center at UNLV exemplifies our mission to drive regional economic growth and support local entrepreneurs on their path to success,” said Chris Heavey, UNLV Interim President, “We are grateful to JPMorganChase for its ongoing support, which enables UNLV to serve thousands in our community each year.”
Managed by the UNLV Office of Economic Development, the SBDC at UNLV helps entrepreneurs navigate the crucial early stages of building a business. Counselors provide confidential advising, training, and resources at no cost to those preparing to start a business or expand an existing venture. Its services include one-on-one counseling, workshops and courses on startup planning, marketing, cybersecurity, accounting, human resources, and other core business needs.
“With JPMorganChase’s support, we provide small businesses with guidance and expertise to navigate the complexities of establishing a commercially sound and impactful startup,” said Zachary Miles, interim vice president for economic development at UNLV. “And the SBDC’s work aligns with other Office of Economic Development programs, offering a bridge between small businesses and UNLV that leads to beneficial collaborations, job opportunities for our students, impactful applied research, and the pursuit of joint funding.”
For many entrepreneurs, the earliest stages of building a business can be the hardest to navigate. Funding, regulations, operational planning, talent, technology, and customer acquisition can all present barriers, while traditional incubators and accelerators may not address foundational needs. The SBDC helps entrepreneurs close those gaps before they seek capital, pitch investors, or scale.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Southern Nevada’s economy, but too many entrepreneurs still face barriers to the capital, guidance, and networks they need to thrive,” said David I. Garcia, head of Las Vegas for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, chair of the JPMorganChase’s Nevada Market Leadership Team, and member of the UNLV Department of Finance Advisory Board. “That's why we're proud to support organizations like the SBDC at UNLV through our American Dream Initiative, helping entrepreneurs gain access to capital, local expertise, and other opportunities that can accelerate growth and strengthen communities.”
The commitment builds on JPMorganChase’s previous support, which helped the SBDC expand staffing, advising, and industry-specific services for entrepreneurs across Clark County. Together, JPMorganChase’s philanthropic funding has helped the program serve nearly 3,850 clients, mobilize more than $39 million in capital, support more than 7,900 jobs, create more than 1,400 new jobs, and help launch or support more than 500 businesses.
Media contact:
Albert Delgado
albert.delgado@unlv.edu
702-895-5863
About the Nevada SBDC at UNLV
The Nevada SBDC at UNLV’s Office of Economic Development was established as a resource for small business creation and expansion in Southern Nevada. The Clark County economic and community development resource is one of a nationwide network of more than 1,000 centers. Confidential business advising, training and resources are available at no cost to existing entrepreneurs or those preparing to start their businesses. For more information, please visit www.unlv.edu/sbdc.
About UNLV
UNLV is a doctoral degree-granting institution of more than 33,000 students and 4,000 faculty and staff that has earned the nation’s highest recognition for both research and community engagement from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. UNLV offers a broad range of respected academic programs and is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diverse population and workforce, driving economic activity and delivering high-quality healthcare to Southern Nevadans. Learn more at unlv.edu.