Existing law directs the Division of Workforce and Economic Development of the College of Southern Nevada to develop, create, oversee and manage the NV Grow Program to provide certain informational and technical assistance to existing small businesses in this State that are expanding or ready to expand. Existing law further directs the Division to: (1) select the lead counselor who serves as coordinator of the Program; (2) employ a geographic information specialist; and (3) consult with a stakeholder group in identifying additional components that are necessary, advisable or advantageous for the growth and development of businesses located in this State. (Section 2 of chapter 459, Statutes of Nevada 2015, as last amended by chapter 570, Statutes of Nevada 2019, at page 3666)
Section 1 of this bill requires the Division to establish requirements for: (1) the supervision of the lead counselor by at least two employees of the Division or by an advisory team appointed by the Division; and (2) the training of the geographic information specialist. Section 1 also requires the Program to provide to participants in the Program classes and resources on business development and business financing. Section 1 further revises the stakeholder group to include the African Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and the Vegas Chamber.
Existing law provides that the institutions of the Nevada System of Higher Education located in Clark County and the Nevada Small Business Development Center in Clark County shall cooperate with the geographic information system specialist to mentor and track businesses participating in the Program in Clark County. (Section 2 of chapter 459, Statutes of Nevada 2015, as last amended by chapter 570, Statutes of Nevada 2019, at page 3666) Section 1 removes the requirement for the Nevada Small Business Development Center in Clark County to participate in the tracking and mentoring of businesses participating in the Program in Clark County. Section 1 also provides that the Nevada Small Business Development Center located in Clark County and the Division will assist in identifying skilled labor in this State and focus on the utilization of existing resources as part of the Program.
Section 2 of this bill appropriates $950,000 for each fiscal year to the College of Southern Nevada for certain allocations and to assist and carry out the NV Grow Program.