Business Resources
The Washoe County Library System has a wide variety of resources to help your business, from print materials to free access to online resources, including Reference USA, lynda.com, and Learning Express. In addition to our latest research databases listed below, you will find a list of local business resources and organizations to help you get your business plans off the ground. Not finding what you need? Call any of our 12 branches and let us help you.
Business Source Elite
Includes full-text articles from business newspapers and magazines, including Harvard Business Review, MacWorld, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, and nearly 500 peer-reviewed publications.
Legal Information Source
Find assistance on legal matters of all kinds. Includes full text for many top consumer legal reference books; thousands of legal forms; legal information about businesses and corporations, patents, copyrights and trademarks, business taxes, and more.
LinkedIn Learning
Premier online learning resources for business, software, technological, and creative skills. Formerly Lynda.com.
Reference Solutions
Find new business opportunities, research companies, conduct market research, create business plans, and much more. Instant access to accurate, in-depth information on 24 million US businesses and 235 million US residents.
Regional Business News
Includes full-text coverage of regional business journals, newspapers, and newswires from all metropolitan and rural areas in the United States.
Reno Gazette-Journal
Search and browse recent and historical articles. Digital access includes text archives (1999-present), digital microfilm (2009-present), and historic Reno newspapers (1870s-1977).
The Wall Street Journal
Online access allows all library card holders to read the most recent several issues of The Wall Street Journal, including its coverage of business, finance, and tech news.
Bridgewire
Bridgewire is a member-funded makerspace/hackerspace/workshop serving the Reno-Sparks area. Bridgewire is open 24/7 to all members with “Open Space Night” every Thursday from 6-9 pm, or by appointment.
The Chamber
The Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Northern Nevada and is a voice for businesses in Washoe County. It focuses on advocacy on behalf of all businesses, information and education for members, and connectivity with members and consumers.
Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada
EDAWN is committed to recruiting and expanding quality companies that have a positive economic impact on the quality of life in greater Reno-Tahoe. EDAWN provides advice and guidance on business incentives and assistance programs.
Entrepreneurs Organization
EO is the only global network exclusively for entrepreneurs. EO helps entrepreneurs grow through peer-to-peer learning, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and connections to experts.
The Generator
The Generator is an inclusive art, maker, and community space in Reno, open to anyone who wants to make art and be part of a creative community.
Innevation Center
The Innevation Center is a collaborative space created to stimulate invention, entrepreneurship, small businesses, and startups. The center features co-working areas and a makerspace for members, as well as conference rooms and closed office spaces for rent. There’s access to seed funding, business mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Made in Nevada
MIN is an association of business, agriculture, and governmental entities working together to develop awareness and to promote the purchase of products manufactured and crafted in Nevada. Made in Nevada businesses are listed on the MIN website, giving you the ability to connect to people seeking information about the products you offer.
Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology
NCET is a member-supported nonprofit organization that produces educational and networking events to help people explore business and technology.
Nevada Small Business Development Center
NSBDC provides an abundance of free and low-cost information, assistance, counseling, and training for Nevada businesses.
Reno Collective
With freelancing and remote work becoming increasingly popular for creative and technical talent, Reno Collective provides a collaborative workspace for your business needs.
Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority
The RSCVA acts as a marketing organization to promote convention and tourism business in the area. RSCVA owns and operates several facilities designed to draw out-of-town visitors.
Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency
TMRPA addresses infrastructure, land-use planning, and natural resource management in Washoe County.
Truckee Meadows Tomorrow
Truckee Meadows Tomorrow is a grassroots, nonprofit organization. TMT’s vision is to continually improve the quality of life in the Truckee Meadows.
1 Million Cups
This free program is designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs with their communities. 1 Million Cups is now in more than 160 communities across the country, working with entrepreneurs and giving them the tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing their businesses.
US Small Business Administration; Small Business Innovation Research; Small Business Technology Transfer Program
The SBA helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses and provides SBA-backed loans, government contracting opportunities, disaster assistance, and training programs to help businesses succeed. SBIR and STTR are two similar federal grant programs designed to involve small, but high technology, companies in meeting the needs of 11 federal agencies. $2.3 billion is available each year, and each of the agencies issues its priorities and proposal submission instructions at least once a year.
SCORE
SCORE mentors give free small business and startup advice. They can show you how to turn your idea into a business and avoid some of the most common pitfalls. SCORE also provides tools such as business plan templates and the best in small business education, as well as one-on-one mentoring. Over 40 volunteer counselors are available to help you.
Society for Human Resource Management
SHRM provides a centralized list of resources to prepare, train, and connect Nevada job seekers with Nevada employers.
US Department of Agriculture
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. The agency provides grants for the purchase of renewable energy systems and funding to increase the economic viability of biomass projects and energy technology.