NCET Biz Tips: Proof in the pudding: Northern Nevada supports startups and SMBs

NCET helps you explore business and technology

Sarah Johns

Sarah Johns

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One of the countless reasons I love living in Reno is the feeling of community here. Northern Nevadans come together and support one another. The startup and business community is no different.

NCET is a proud resource for anyone looking to start a business, build their business, and we are even a resource to help people learn when it’s time to pivot.

Which is why, for the 17th straight year, NCET is proud to host its annual NCET Small Business Expo on Sept. 29. There are new elements to the Expo this year.

We have a new location — the Reno Public Market. We have new hours — from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, the Expo is one of more than 40 events included in the new Reno Startup Week which runs from Sept. 25-29.

In a collaborative effort, more than 20 community businesses and organizations have come together to plan Reno Startup Week, one of the largest business events ever in the city of Reno. Throughout the five days, there will be programming for all levels of business from startup, planning, existing, to scalable/investor driven business. Reno Startup Week ends with the NCET Expo. And attending all of these events is free.

This information-packed week is centered around what makes the Truckee Meadows unique to begin with – collaboration and community. Bringing together founders, innovators, makers, dreamers, and business owners for a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit in Northern Nevada.

An example of what resources you will find at the NCET Small Business Expo include: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Western Region), the Better Business Bureau, WIN Speaker Series, business financial institutions, accounting firms, business coaches to help you get your idea to fruition, resources for those seeking employment, resources for businesses looking to fill open positions, and so much more.

There is still time to showcase your business at the Expo! If you are interested in being an exhibitor, we welcome you to register for a booth. All exhibitors/contact information will be listed and provided to participants.

We look forward to a fantastic week!


Sarah Johns is president and chief executive officer of NCET - Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology. She joined NCET in 2022. Johns was recognized in 2017 by the Reno Tahoe Young Professionals Network as one of Northern Nevada’s 20 Under 40. In 2018, she received the 2018 Sierra Nevada Top-20 Powerful Women award from Northern Nevada Business Weekly.