The road to becoming an entrepreneur can be daunting. On Tuesday, May 5, vendors participating in the Small Business Resource Fair may lessen some of the daunt by pointing you in the right direction and providing sage advice.

How do I get started? What business licenses do I need? Will my new business idea fit this community’s needs? Can I quality for a start-up loan? Or, if you are already in business, but need some advice on how to grow to whom can you turn? Sometimes you’ll need professional advice to make owning your own business a reality. 

The Carson City Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Carson City Community and Economic Development Department to bring together a group of experts to help navigate the maze as you venture into a new career.

According to the U. S. Small Business Administration, the most likely age group to start a business is between 35-54; however, the fastest growing new entrepreneurs are 55-64 which makes sense in our region where so many have worked for governmental agencies and have, or are close to, retiring and now are contemplating their “second act.”

Financially secure, this cohort has gained valuable work experience and is not quite ready to fully retire opting instead to take the opportunity to begin a new career —their way.

A Gallup poll found more than 60% of Americans express a desire to start a business or be their own boss, but few are confident enough to take the leap. Lack of research, knowledge of community needs, and how to manipulate “the system” can serve as a detriment to a successful launch.

Essential home services needs rank at the top of the start-up business success chart.  There never seem to be enough landscapers / gardeners, home cleaning services, handymen, plumbers, painters, roofers and more.

Currently within Carson City, the women-owned businesses featuring beauty, health, personalized services and welfare have grown as new businesses are now entering our market to serve our growing community.

If you find yourself at a career crossroads and are thinking of that next step as you contemplate creating your own business, we invite you to meet the professionals to guide you to make that dream come true. Or perhaps your business is ready for that critical next step in growth.

Hope Sullivan, Carson City Community and Economic Development Business Director, will conduct a round-table discussion beginning at 10 a.m. to address any small business challenges faced by those opening or growing a small business in Carson City.

The free event takes place Tuesday, May 5 between 9 am – 11 am. Meet the governmental agencies and financial institutions that can guide you through the regulation process and obtain small business loans: Carson City Business Division; State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry; Nevada Secretary of State (state business license); Governor’s Office of Economic Development; Small Business Development Center; Small Business Association; Greater Nevada Credit Union and United Federal Credit Union.

What: Small Business Resource Fair

When: Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Where:  Carson City Community Center Robert “Bob” Crowell Room

Time: 9-11 am