Office Of Small Business Advocacy

Last week, we emailed about supporting Assemblymember Duy Nguyen’s bill, —a game-changer for Nevada’s barbering industry. If it passes, AB 225 will reduce the time it takes to become a licensed barber and cut down unnecessary hurdles that have held back aspiring professionals for too long.

This afternoon’s hearing on AB 225 was unexpectedly delayed due to mounting pressure from barbering schools and special interest groups.

These organizations have banded together to oppose the legislation, arguing that “consumer safety” is at risk. The way they talk you’d think they were guarding against a wave of rogue barbers straight out of Sweeney Todd!

The real motive is clear: protecting their profits at the expense of hardworking Nevadans who just want to get to work.

For years, barbering schools have profited from the state’s lengthy and expensive licensing requirements, charging students thousands of dollars for courses that take far longer than necessary. Special interests benefit from this system by limiting competition and creating artificial barriers that keep new professionals out of the industry. It’s nothing short of protectionism—a tactic designed to preserve the status quo and ensure that only those who can afford the steep costs and time commitments can enter the field.

These special interest groups act more like economic gatekeepers than defenders of quality. Reducing licensing requirements would open the doors for countless aspiring barbers to launch their careers, support their families, and provide affordable services to Nevada’s communities.

It’s time to cut through the noise of special interests—for the sake of small businesses, consumers, and economic freedom in Nevada.

Head to the comments to see how YOU can help!

Assemblymember Duy Nguyen’s bill, AB 225, is a game-changer for Nevada’s barbering industry. This legislation will reduce the time it takes to become a licensed barber, cutting down unnecessary hurdles that have held back aspiring professionals for too long.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

✂️ Supports Small Business Owners – Quicker licensing means more skilled barbers can start their own businesses, hire employees, and contribute to Nevada’s economy faster.

💰 Lowers Costs for Everyone – With fewer barriers to entry, competition increases, helping drive down prices for consumers and business owners alike.

💼 Increases Access to Services – More barbers mean shorter wait times and better access to quality grooming services across the state.

This is a win-win for both entrepreneurs and customers! Let’s support policies that help Nevadans get to work faster and grow our local economy.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

📣 Contact the members of Assembly Commerce and Labor to voice your support of AB 225.

🖊️ Use this link to write your opinion and support the bill. https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/Bill/12227/Overview

🗣️ Testify in person in Las Vegas and Carson City or via telephone on Monday, February 24 at 1 PM.

Contact our office if you have any questions!

Institute for Justice

🚨 JUST RELEASED: OSBA’s 2025 Biennial Report! 🚨

Nevada’s economy thrives when people can work without unnecessary government red tape. OSBA’s Biennial Report outlines key recommendations for the to cut excessive licensing requirements and make it easier for Nevadans to pursue their careers.

✅ Streamline occupational licensing
✅ Remove barriers to entrepreneurship
✅ Help businesses grow & hire more workers

📖 See for yourself how we can create a freer, more prosperous Nevada: https://osbanv.com/ -df_1514/1/

Thank you Nevada Policy for including the Nevada Lieutenant Governor's bill - SB5 - in the list of bills you're supporting in this upcoming legislative session!

From the Nevada Business Journal article (January 2025):

"Here's the hero of the session for Nevada entrepreneurs. SB5 ensures the Office of Small Business Advocacy-currently housed in the Lt. Governor's office-stays open for business beyond 2025.

Whether it's cutting through red tape or providing vital resources, this office is a lifeline for entrepreneurs across the state. Nevada's economy thrives on small businesses, and keep­ing this office running is a no-brainer. It's not just a win for business owners; it's a win for Nevada's entire economy."

🔗Sign our letter of support by clicking: https://ow.ly/M9Jm50UKwYJ

Register for SCORE's FREE "Ask A Lawyer" series today!

Topics covered in the seminar include:
• Types of entities (sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, LLC)
• Municipality/state business license requirements
• Basic Tax information for establishing a business
• And more!

https://score.tfaforms.net/112?EventID=a10Vt000003MVt3

📣 Calling all urban farmers 📣 Mark your calendar for the Nevada Urban Ag Conference! Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, you'll grow your knowledge & skills in the ag industry.

🗓️Jan 28-30
📌South Point Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
🔗https://extension.unr.edu/urban-ag/

It's time to rethink Nevada’s licensing system.

By reducing the hours required for training, lowering fees, allowing reciprocity for licensed professionals between states, and eliminating unnecessary exams, we can open opportunities for more people to start their own businesses.

Let us make it easier for Nevadans to chase their dreams, start businesses, and contribute to our economy without being held back by bureaucratic red tape. It’s time to tear down these barriers and build a Nevada where everyone can succeed.

The Office of Small Business Advocacy team works hard during Nevada's legislative sessions to track bills that increase red tape for our state's entrepreneurs!

https://nevadabusiness.com/2024/10/the-burden-of-occupational-licensing-in-nevada/

Less than 30 days remain until the election and small business owners must navigate how to balance personal political beliefs with what's best for their business. Here are some tips to stay informed and get involved in this election...and in the upcoming Nevada Legislative Session!

How Small Business Owners Can Influence Policy and Stay Informed During the Election Season | Entrepreneur Strategies for small business owners who are looking to influence policy decisions, stay informed and strengthen their business resiliency ahead of the 2024 election.

🎤 TAP TAP 🎤 NEVADA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! California business leaders say a new law will restrict economic development in their state and is one more example of the regulatory red tape businesses in CA must battle on a daily basis.

Gavin Newsom signs law to limit new warehouses Environmental and business groups alike had lobbied against the bill, which establishes a 300-foot minimum distance between new warehouses and inhabited buildings.

Imagine spending years perfecting your craft and you're ready to turn your dream career into a reality. Unfortunately, Nevada’s licensing requirements can throw up roadblocks before you take that first step.

Learn how licensing is holding you back and how we fix these issues - https://nevadabusiness.com/2024/10/the-burden-of-occupational-licensing-in-nevada/

via Nevada Business Magazine

The Burden of Occupational Licensing in Nevada Let’s get real for a second: Imagine you have spent years perfecting your craft—whether as a hairdresser, a carpenter, or a massage therapist—and you are finally ready to step out on your own and s…