A volunteer-powered outreach initiative connecting Northern Nevada's business community — supporting growth, creating quality jobs, and strengthening our regional economy.
Supporting Northern Nevada's existing businesses through direct volunteer engagement
The EDAWN Business Builders program is a volunteer-based outreach initiative focused on Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) across Greater Reno-Sparks. Relaunched in Spring 2025, the program mobilizes EDAWN investor-volunteers to directly engage with existing businesses in the region.
Business Builder volunteers work alongside EDAWN's program staff to visit targeted companies, listen to their needs, connect them with resources, and help remove barriers to growth. The program currently focuses on key industry groups including finance and logistics, with findings and recommendations presented to stakeholders each quarter.
EDAWN's mission is to add quality jobs to the region, support the success of existing companies, assist newly forming businesses, and diversify the economy — all while positively impacting the quality of life in Northern Nevada.
Business Builders volunteers play a direct role in strengthening Northern Nevada's economy through structured company outreach and support.
Volunteers are paired with targeted local businesses based on industry focus areas identified by EDAWN.
Reach out to your assigned companies via phone, email, or in-person to introduce the program and schedule a visit.
Conduct one-on-one visits to understand business challenges, growth goals, and what support they need most.
Link businesses with workforce training, community partners, economic development tools, and EDAWN's broader network.
Build meaningful relationships with local business leaders and understand their real-world challenges firsthand.
Link businesses with workforce development programs, education partners, and community resources that help them thrive.
Help keep and grow quality employers in Northern Nevada — strengthening the local economy for everyone.
Work alongside EDAWN's team and other community leaders, growing your own connections across key industry sectors.
The Business Builders program is designed for EDAWN investors and community partners who are passionate about Northern Nevada's economic future and want to make a tangible difference.
Members at any investment level are welcome to participate as volunteer Business Builders.
Business professionals, executives, and civic leaders who want to give back to the regional economy.
Those with expertise in finance, logistics, manufacturing, or other key Northern Nevada industries.
Not an EDAWN investor? Find out about investing here.
Join a growing team of volunteers making a real difference for Northern Nevada businesses. Reach out to our Business Retention & Expansion Manager to learn how to get involved.