JPMorganChase is supporting the Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UNLV’s Office of Economic Development with a new $400,000 grant to help more local 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. 

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. 

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. 

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 SBDC serve nearly 3,850 clients, mobilize more than $39 million in capital, support more than 7,900 jobs, and help launch or support more than 500 businesses.