The U.S. Small Business Administration offers trusted, long-term funding options with competitive terms:
SBA 7(a) – Up to $5.5M for general business use (working capital, real estate, equipment). Rates typically 6–13% in Reno
SBA 504 – Ideal for real estate and long-life equipment purchases, with fixed terms and low down payment
SBA Microloans – Up to $50K for startups via community intermediaries, with flexible terms and business support .
Community Advantage – Loans up to $250K through mission-driven lenders serving underserved communities
Top Nevada SBA Lenders:
Nevada State Bank (SBA Preferred) among leaders like Zions, Wells Fargo, Western Alliance, and Plumas Bank
For businesses with strong financials:
Banks like Western Alliance offer conventional term loans up to $1M and revolving credit for equipment, inventory, and payroll
Heritage Bank of Nevada provides business lines of credit and commercial real estate and equipment loans heritagebanknevada.com.
While grants for profit-driven small businesses are limited, Reno and Nevada offer valuable programs:
The Nevada Department of Business & Industry lists state-level grants requiring matching funds
USGrants.org identifies several small-business grant opportunities in Reno
Reno’s government (EDA/GOED) offers tax abatements, industrial revenue bonds, historic tax credits, and non-traditional financing reno.gov.
Washoe County Grants Division supports nonprofits and small businesses washoecounty.gov.
For underserved entrepreneurs and those needing flexible funding:
Organizations like Opportunity Fund provide microloans and business assistance, particularly for underserved founders architecturaldigest.comen.wikipedia.org.
SBA’s Community Advantage and Microloan programs are delivered via eligible Nevada nonprofit intermediaries (e.g., Nevada RISE) .
Platforms like Lendio match Reno businesses with various lenders—from SBA to fintech—with streamlined online applications en.wikipedia.org.
Identify your capital need (e.g., equipment, expansion, cash flow)
Choose a suitable funding type (SBA, conventional, grants, CDFI)
Pre-qualify with lenders or nonprofit intermediaries
Prepare documentation (taxes, P&L, financials, business plan)
Submit your application
Undergo underwriting and negotiate terms
Accept funding and execute your growth plan
SBA Nevada District Office offers lender match and counseling architecturaldigest.com+2gosbaloans.com+2investopedia.com+2investopedia.com+1gosbaloans.com+1.
Nevada SBDC, including the Rural Nevada RISE program, provides free advisory support and forgivable loans nevadasbdc.org.
SCORE Reno/Las Vegas supplies free mentoring and financial guidance.
Reno Economic Development (EDA/GOED) offers tax credits, bonds, and incentives heritagebanknevada.com+14reno.gov+14fincenboifiling.com+14.
| Need | Best Fit |
|---|---|
| Startup or small project | SBA Microloan, CDFI microloan, or grants |
| Equipment or real estate | SBA 504, Equipment loan, or conventional financing |
| Flexible operating capital | SBA 7(a) or conventional business line of credit |
| Underserved or minority-owned | SBA Microloan, Community Advantage, Opportunity Fund |
| Access to multiple offers | Online marketplace (Lendio) to compare options |
| Tax credits/incentives | Reno EDA/GOED programs, tax abatements, historic tax credits |
Boost your credit score and reduce existing debt
Maintain clean, updated financial statements and tax returns
Craft a clear business plan outlining funding usage and repayment strategy
Gather quotes or documentation for equipment, real estate, or projects
Approach multiple lenders—including banks, SBA, CDFIs, and marketplaces
Use free local advisory support (Nevada SBDC, SCORE) for guidance
Reno’s small businesses benefit from a robust mix of SBA loans, conventional financing, tax incentives, microloan programs, and tech-enabled platforms. By aligning your needs with the right funding source—and leveraging expert support—you can secure capital to grow your business and strengthen Nevada’s economy.
Ready to take the next step?
Start with a free consult from the Nevada SBDC or SBA Reno office, explore local incentives through EDA/GOED, and prepare your documents to open the door to financing opportunities.