Access to capital is on the minds of start-up businesses in the Silver State. In fact, according to the 2025 Nevada Small Business Challenges Survey, published by the Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the largest challenge cited by start-up businesses in Nevada was access to capital.
An overwhelming 71% of more than 1,000 respondents said that “funding my business” was one of their top three challenges. That concern was also in the top three concerns of existing Nevada businesses with 38% saying “securing funding” was an issue.
Phyllis Gurgevich
Nevada banks are the key to accessing capital and are vital to economic growth in our state. They increase the amount of money in circulation by creating credit, which affects our economic development, raises overall demand and leads to more production. From promoting capital formation and investment in new enterprise to promoting trade and industry, Nevada banks fuel the churn of our economic engine.
Beyond the economy, banks fuel their communities. Creating partnerships one relationship at a time, bankers work with customers to understand financial needs and goals. They also create plans to achieve those goals and anticipate future needs. Businesses large and small count on banks for numerous, secure and reliable financing options.
Traditional lending forms the foundation of loan programs offered by banks. These programs include loan products and lines of credit that aid businesses in expanding operations and acquiring new equipment, vehicles or land. Banks also offer financial products and services that allow businesses to conduct financial transactions safely and securely by facilitating the acceptance of payments, paying bills, improved cash flow and an ability to work with international customers and foreign currencies.
For many small businesses, understanding which bank products best fit their stage of growth is the first step toward accessing capital. Banks work closely with business owners to assess cash flow, time in business, credit history and future plans to recommend appropriate solutions. Early-stage or growing businesses may begin with business checking accounts, merchant services and cash management tools that establish financial history and improve liquidity. As businesses mature, banks can offer term loans, equipment financing and revolving lines of credit designed to support working capital needs, seasonal fluctuations and expansion opportunities.
Banks also help small businesses prepare to become “bank-ready” by advising on financial statements, credit profiles and business planning. This guidance helps entrepreneurs strengthen their financial position and qualify for a broader range of financing options over time. When traditional bank products are not the best fit, bankers can help identify alternative or supplemental programs through public-private partnerships that expand access to capital while maintaining responsible lending standards.
Nevada’s banks also are instrumental in federal lending programs such as SBA lending, offering 7 (a) and 504 loans, and partners with the Small Business Administration to support additional loan, grant and education programs for businesses.
Banks also partner with state programs, including those through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), like the state collateral support program that helps borrowers when there is a collateral shortfall. Other programs help with microenterprise initiatives.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) are financial institutions with a specific focus on promoting community development. CDFI’s can bridge gaps and help underserved or distressed markets. Nevada banks partner by providing loans, purchasing loans, making qualified investments into CDFIs and more.
When looking to start or grow a business, there’s no better first step in Nevada than sitting down with a business banker in a local bank branch.
Phyllis Gurgevich is president and CEO of the Nevada Bankers Association.