The City of Reno and the Reno Redevelopment Agency are striving to help local businesses experiencing challenges during the economic downturn. One way they are doing this is by helping small business owners secure financing. 

Last Wednesday, the City Council approved a contract with Nevada Microenterprise Initiative (NMI), a private non-profit agency, to administer the Greater Reno Opportunities for Business (GROBusiness) Program. It is funded entirely by the City’s Community Development Block Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The GROBusiness Program is offered to qualifying new or expanding businesses in the City of Reno. Additional services through NMI include counseling and guidance to assist with maintaining a viable business, technical assistance, ongoing training, networking, and oversight. For more information about the GROBusiness Program contact the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative at 775-324-1812.

 To learn more about programs and services available visit www.reno.gov, click on Newsroom, then Current Issues, and Recovery & Reinvestment or www.reno.gov/Index.aspx?page=2037.

Council Member Dwight Dortch read the proclamation declaring April 4-10 Reno Community Development Week. Community Investment Manager Jodi Royal-Goodwin accepted the proclamation thanking the Council for their commitment to the program, which has been very busy with new President Obama Incentive Programs to help residents.

Reno Council Member Dave Aiazzi discusses need to let residents know that the budget cuts will need to consider an 18-month to 2 year impact of the downturn in the economy. He wants residents to help the City decide what services to provide.