Empowering Henderson Entrepreneurs: Business Support Initiative with NSU, CSN, and Tech Alley

May 12, 2025

The Economic Development & Tourism Department is collaborating with local partners to support Henderson businesses in building a strong foundation for success. The programs offered by Nevada State University, the College of Southern Nevada and Tech Alley are tailored to assist small and underserved businesses, including entrepreneurs.

Leadership Academy Presented by Nevada State University

The Leadership Academy (NSLA) consists of two micro-credential programs: the Supervisor Bootcamp and the Leadership Academy. Both programs utilize an employer-driven model of curriculum development and allow participants to add several specialty leadership areas to tailor the experience to their needs and interests.

NSLA offers participants immediate recognition for skills learned along the path to their greater goals. Micro-credentials provide competency-based recognition that allows a student to demonstrate mastery of a specific skill in a short-course format. These micro-credentials are grounded in research, best practices and are designed to be personalized, flexible and performance-based. The City will sponsor up to eight attendees. 

Dates: Starting Fall 2025
How to Apply: Contact Tom Nicholas, Director of Workforce Development, NSU

NV Grow Training Program Provided Through the College of Southern Nevada

Underserved late-stage startups receive up to 12 months of technical assistance, including marketing, finance, web design and licensing instruction. Eligibility under the Nevada Grow Act states that for a business to be selected for this program, it must have obtained the following milestones prior to application submission:

• Have its principal place of business within the State of Nevada and have had its principal place of business in this State for at least 2 years
• Generate at least $50,000 but not more than $700,000 in revenue
• Have a business plan

The City will sponsor a cohort of ten companies, with each receiving a $5,000 stipend. 

Dates: Ongoing
Contact: Eric Garner, Director, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Development, CSN

Workshops & Events Provided Through the College of Southern Nevada

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) offers a series of ten workshops designed to strategically develop core business skills. Participants will receive instruction in areas such as finance, marketing, location-based data, and identifying business opportunities. Each workshop is limited to 50 attendees.

In addition to the workshops, CSN will host a "Ready, Set, Expo" event featuring a business showcase, networking and promotional opportunities, and a closing ceremony with awards.

Dates: July to December 2025
Contact: Eric Garner, Director, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Development, CSN

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities Presented by Tech Alley - Henderson

Focusing on technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, Tech Alley is a networking and knowledge-sharing group that helps turn ideas into market-ready solutions and talent into careers. Attendees gain insights from community leaders in areas such as cybersecurity, fundraising, business law, search engine optimization (SEO), and blockchain management, among others.

Dates: Monthly meetings at a Henderson location to be determined
Contact: Lorraine Yarde, Tech Alley