The Nevada Small Business Development Center (Nevada SBDC), part of the University of Nevada, Reno, is kicking off its 2025 Small Business Challenges Survey. This survey invites local entrepreneurs and business owners to share the biggest hurdles they face.
Greg Mosier, the dean of the College of Business, said, “Understanding these challenges allows us to support our business community better.” This insight helps create stronger partnerships and programs that drive economic growth.
The survey runs from July 14 to August 31, 2025. It aims to collect feedback from the diverse group of small business owners, representing over 98% of Nevada’s businesses. The responses will be crucial for shaping support programs, including entrepreneurial training and access to funding.
Since 2022, the Nevada SBDC has conducted this survey yearly to track challenges and trends. In the 2024 survey, they found that local business owners were particularly worried about acquiring new customers (47%), dealing with inflation (35%), and securing funding (25%). For new entrepreneurs, access to funding was the leading concern (70%), followed by regulatory compliance (28%) and marketing strategies (27%).
Winnie Dowling, the state director of Nevada SBDC, noted a shift in concerns. “Customer acquisition has become more pressing, alongside ongoing inflation worries. This year’s survey will help us see how these challenges change over time.”
The survey plays a vital role in statewide programs like the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). This initiative assists small businesses in accessing vital capital. In September 2024, Nevada received $4.2 million from the Small Business Opportunity grant to strengthen its assistance services.
The 2025 Small Business Challenges Survey is accessible in both English and Spanish, ensuring more business owners can contribute their voices.
Overall, this survey not only highlights individual challenges but also serves as a tool for crafting more effective business support programs. By understanding the struggles of Nevada’s entrepreneurs, we can help nurture a vibrant business ecosystem in the state.
For more details about the Nevada SBDC and its initiatives, visit Nevada SBDC.