By Lisa Swarthout, Chair, Nevada County Board of Supervisors 

I am honored to be selected as chair of the Nevada County Board of Supervisors this year. To me, this role is not about the title. It is about the responsibility: listening, leading and bringing people together to move our County forward in a way that reflects the values and needs of our community.  

That is why I have chosen the Year of the Small Business as my theme for 2026.

As the owner of a small business in Grass Valley for 30 years, I know that small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. They are the family-owned shops on our Main Streets, the contractors, farmers, growers, artists, makers, restaurants and service providers who give our county its character and keep our economy rooted right here at home. When small businesses thrive, Nevada County thrives.

Whether you are a start-up, a business looking to expand or a business simply trying to stay here and succeed, I want the County to be your partner in success. Our job is to ensure County departments are true partners - not obstacles - to local entrepreneurs.

As a small business owner, you don’t always have the time to find out what your resources are or to ask for help. This became apparent during COVID, when we saw how difficult it was to communicate with businesses in unincorporated areas, while our cities had their own business license programs.

Later this year, we will roll out a new optional business license program for unincorporated county residents. This voluntary program is designed to give participating businesses access to resources, growth opportunities and pathways to financing, grants or contracts that sometimes require a license – not to add extra requirements. It is one more way we are working to support businesses and connect them with the tools they need to thrive. The program will cost an estimated $50 a year and is completely optional.

Beyond this new program, the County’s Economic Development Office helps businesses and nonprofits navigate resources and provides guidance and support. From hiring your first employee to seeking financing and planning for growth, we are working to make those connections easier and more accessible. Learn more and subscribe to the office’s monthly newsletter to connect with tools, resources and opportunities designed to support local businesses at NevadaCountyCa.gov/EconomicDevelopment.

I look forward to working alongside our economic development partners, County staff, my fellow supervisors and, most importantly, the business owners who take a risk every day to serve our community.

A strong small business community does more than support our economy. It creates good jobs, strengthens nonprofits and keeps our communities vibrant and resilient.