Nevada small businesses employment at all-time high

CARSON CITY —During the third quarter of 2015, employment in Nevada’s firms with less than 100 employees reached a record-high at 592,000. Small businesses in the state have now added back all of the jobs lost during the recession. The current total transcended the previous high mark of 585,000 established prior to the recession.

“I am incredibly proud that Nevada’s small business community has served as the driving force behind the state’s economic recovery. This is a milestone day for communities across Nevada and a demonstration of the resiliency of our state,” said Governor Brian Sandoval. “Nevada has always been an attractive destination for businesses and our successful diversification efforts are helping amplify the message that Nevada is emerging as an international leader in business development. Congratulations to the small businesses, entrepreneurs, and new-industry pioneers who have helped Nevada surge past previous records and are building the new Nevada.”

From the end of 2007 to the beginning of 2010, nearly 75,000 jobs were lost in small business establishments in Nevada, said Bill Anderson, chief economist for Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.

Year- over-year, small business employment has been recorded in each of the previous 19 quarters. In the third quarter of 2015, job levels elevated 18,700 higher than a year ago. Year-over-year, job gains in excess of 15,000 have been recorded in 10 of the past 11 quarters.