Entrepreneurship & Small Business Creation

in Southern Nevada

We’re excited to announce our first three panelists for the next Brews & Economic Views, hosted by the UNLV Center for Business and Economic Research, on Thursday, April 16. This event will explore Entrepreneurship and Small Business Creation in Southern Nevada, highlighting the founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders helping shape the region’s growing startup economy.CBER’s recent research shows Nevada led the nation in post-pandemic small business momentum, with business filings surging in 2020 and surpassing their highest level since 2006. As of 2024, roughly 40 percent of businesses in Nevada currently in operation were created after the onset of COVID-19, underscoring a major shift in how Nevadans responded to economic disruption. Small businesses have also played a key role in the state’s recovery, accounting for 45 percent of private-sector jobs in 2022.?

MEET THE PANELISTS

Lorraine YardeFounder, Innovation HendersonLorraine Yarde is a founder, executive search strategist, and innovation ecosystem architect dedicated to building environments where entrepreneurs and enterprises thrive. A serial entrepreneur who has launched, scaled, and exited businesses, Lorraine advises founders on strategy, positioning, technology integration, and capital readiness. Through Innovation Henderson and Tech Alley Henderson, she is working to position Henderson as a destination for innovation by connecting founders, investors, operators, academic institutions, and public leaders.

Len JessupManaging Partner, Desert Forge VenturesFellow, Lincy Institute at UNLVLen Jessup is a two-time university president, former business school dean, entrepreneur, and startup investor who has spent his career advancing innovation, leadership, and economic development. He previously served as president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Claremont Graduate University. Jessup now serves as a Fellow at The Lincy Institute at UNLV and managing partner of Desert Forge Ventures, a venture capital fund supporting startups in areas such as AI, semiconductors, clean tech, and biotech.

Eric SanchezCEO & Co-Founder, X2L BIOEric Sanchez is the CEO and Co-Founder of X2L BIO, a sports data company making remote VO? assessments more accessible through wearable technology. After successful corporate careers in advertising and pharmaceuticals, including with Eli Lilly’s Neuroscience Division, Eric spent the past two decades as a serial tech entrepreneur building SaaS, wearable technology, and AI-driven solutions to improve health outcomes. He holds multiple patents in impact indication, data tracking, and fitness assessment and has successfully led and exited several hardware and software startups.

Join us for a conversation with local innovators about what’s driving new business creation in Southern Nevada and how the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to evolve.

Venue: TBD
Address: Las Vegas