Nevada Attorney General Proposed Restarting Business Loan Fund
Small-business owners may see renewed access to low-interest capital if state loan programs are revitalized.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Employment
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Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has proposed new investments to revive the state's dormant small-business loan program. The initiative aims to increase awareness and funding for local operators who meet state certification requirements.
Why it matters
The proposal addresses a funding gap for small businesses that has persisted since the program went dormant in 2023. By reinvesting in this vehicle, the state seeks to stimulate growth for entrepreneurs who may currently lack access to traditional capital.
The program distributed $600,000 to 16 businesses before going dormant in 2023, leaving less than $250,000 in its current fund. This follows an initial 2017 appropriation of $1 million.
The players
Aaron Ford
The Nevada Attorney General who is proposing new investment and marketing strategies for the state's small-business loan program.
Joe Lombardo
The Governor of Nevada who received an endorsement from the National Federation of Independent Business in September 2026.
Rural Nevada Development Corp.
A development entity currently responsible for managing the state's small-business loan program since 2025.
National Federation of Independent Business
A national advocacy organization that represents small-business owners and provides endorsements for state and federal political candidates.
The details
Established by Senate Bill 126, the program provides low-interest loans to certified small businesses and is currently administered by the Rural Nevada Development Corp. The fund has only issued two loans since 2025. Attorney General Ford indicated that the program's recent stagnation stems from a lack of state-level promotion.
Timeline
Senate Bill 126 created the loan program in 2017.
The loan program went dormant in 2023.
The state placed the program under the Rural Development Corp. in 2025.
Annual nonfarm employment in Nevada rose 1.9% in April 2026.
The NFIB endorsed Gov. Joe Lombardo on September 15, 2026.
Market Landscape
The proposal seeks to reinvigorate a state mechanism established by Senate Bill 126 that has seen minimal activity in recent years. This move follows a period where the program effectively suspended operations after distributing its initial appropriation.
Operators in Nevada should track potential legislative updates regarding the loan fund to see if it becomes a viable financing source for their future growth. Small businesses should maintain updated certifications to ensure they are eligible if the program resumes active lending.
The takeaway
The proposed reinvestment signals a potential shift back toward state-backed lending for small enterprises. Business owners should monitor future legislative sessions to determine if this capital becomes available for expansion or operational needs.
Further reading
For broader trends on state-level labor and business support, see Employment.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Las Vegas Sun.
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