October 10, 2025
At Reno Startup Week 2025, Advantage Capital had the privilege of sponsoring and participating in a dynamic conversation on impact investing and entrepreneurial growth. The panel, moderated by Sandra M. Moore (Managing Director & Chief Impact Officer, Advantage Capital), brought together leaders across policy, advising, and entrepreneurship to discuss how Nevada can continue to foster small business success.
The Panelists
- Senator Dina Neal – Nevada State Senate, longtime champion of small business legislation
- Jake Carrico – Director of Advising, Nevada Small Business Development Center
- Alli Villines – Owner of Allie Remarketing Agency and founder of She Means Business
- Navgeet “King” Zed – Founder of Omis Venture Studios
Discussion Highlights
1. Policy as a Platform for Growth
Senator Dina Neal emphasized how legislation can serve as the foundation for small business growth. From the introduction of new market tax credits to the creation of Nevada Grow, her work has focused on expanding access to capital. Her message was clear: policy must adapt to ensure Nevada businesses have an on-ramp to access capital and data-driven support.
2. Turning “No” into Opportunity
One of the strongest themes was how entrepreneurs hear “no” from investors — and what happens next. Senator Neal stressed that a rejection shouldn’t extinguish an entrepreneur’s vision, and that policy should help create pathways to pivot and persevere. The panel agreed: risk and reward must be understood on both sides of the table, with investors seeing potential impact as part of the return.
3. Technical Assistance & Data Matter
Jake Carrico highlighted the role of the Nevada SBDC in helping entrepreneurs use data and technical advising to strengthen their decisions. From market research to financial planning, these resources create a bridge between passion and sustainable growth. Supportive services are as critical as capital in ensuring entrepreneurs succeed.
4. Empowering the Next Generation
Alli Villines brought the perspective of young founders, sharing her work with She Means Business, which mentors and funds women aged 16–24 as they launch companies. She emphasized the need for approachability and accessibility in investment conversations, ensuring that even first-time entrepreneurs can see a path forward.
5. Impact Without Boundaries
Navgeet “King” Zed explained how his fund is industry-agnostic and impact-agnostic, investing in scalable solutions that also generate positive societal change. He underscored that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not, and that early-stage investment is crucial to bridging that gap.
6. Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years
The panel closed with a forward-looking discussion:
- Senator Neal called for Nevada to update its economic development policies, especially to support e-commerce and dismantle outdated programs.
- Jake Carrico envisioned a more unified ecosystem of statewide resources, accessible through platforms like the Nevada Business Resource Hub.
- Alli Villines shared plans for her Female Founders program, which will help young women launch businesses with mentorship and startup costs covered.
- King Zed hoped to see Nevada cultivate more impact entrepreneurs whose solutions can scale globally.
Final Takeaway
Investing for impact isn’t just about financial returns — it’s about building ecosystems that empower entrepreneurs, reduce barriers, and create long-term opportunities for communities. From policy shifts to technical assistance to early-stage capital, Nevada’s leaders are shaping an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive.
