Small Business Creation Drops in Clark County

New data shows 90% decline from pandemic highs as federal funding programs end.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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According to new state data, small business creation in Clark County, Nevada has dropped by more than 90 percent from pandemic highs in 2021. While over 11,000 businesses registered for licenses in 2021, that number fell to just 631 in 2025 as many federal pandemic support programs ended.

Why it matters

Small businesses are vitally important to the local economy, employing nearly 45 percent of Nevada's private sector workforce. The decline in new business creation could impact job opportunities and economic growth in the region.

The details

The data shows business openings declined steadily from the 2021 peak, with 10,522 in 2022, 8,212 in 2023, and 3,501 in 2024. Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County, said the decline represents a return to normal levels rather than a concerning trend, as the pandemic drove many people to start small businesses after job losses or workplace dissatisfaction. However, the end of many federal funding programs has created challenges for new entrepreneurs, especially in accessing capital.

  • In 2021, over 11,000 businesses registered for licenses in Clark County.
  • In 2025, the number of new business registrations dropped to 631.

The players

Shani Coleman

Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County.

Small Business Administration

According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses employ nearly 45 percent of Nevada's private sector workforce, and Clark County has nearly 60,000 small businesses with fewer than 100 employees.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely not as high as what we saw during the pandemic. I know there's been some conversation out there regarding whether things are declining, but what we see is probably more of a normalization.”

— Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County (fox5vegas.com)

“Maybe they got laid off or maybe they were disenfranchised by how they were treated by someone in corporate America or how they responded to the pandemic.”

— Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County (fox5vegas.com)

What’s next

The county is adding programs to support small businesses, including boot camps, startup cost assistance and virtual learning programs offered in English and Spanish.

The takeaway

The decline in new small business creation in Clark County highlights the importance of continued support and access to capital for entrepreneurs, especially as federal pandemic programs end. Maintaining a diverse and thriving small business community will be crucial for the region's economic growth and job opportunities.