NCET Biz Tips: Supporting Local Small Businesses While Networking and Learning

Sarah Johns

Have you heard? Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET) has moved its monthly Biz Bite luncheons to the Reno Public Market.

For years, Biz Bite luncheons have been held the fourth Wednesday of each month, with individual speakers or panels that provide actionable business or technology information that you can implement in your business. Humble brag: our speakers are awesome. The topics remain interesting. And you leave a Biz Bite feeling like you learned something that can easily and immediately be put into effect.

But, post-Covid, our engagement wasn’t hitting the mark. We needed to do something different to attract more participants, and we needed to listen to our members.While we were looking to rebuild Biz Bite, what was once known as Shoppers Square was being reimagined in the heart of Reno. Inside the new, beautiful, and bright space are more than a dozen small businesses providing food as diverse as the entrepreneurs behind them.

Reno Public Market was perfect for NCET’s needs. The people of RPM want to bring our community together, and they want to support local. Talk about synergy. The move to Reno Public Market matches the ethos of NCET: support small business, provide people choice.

Wolf Pack Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe speaking at the NCET Biz Bite luncheon on February 1, 2023.

Just a few weeks ago, NCET had its official relaunch Biz Bite event. Wolf Pack Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe was the keynote speaker. As check-in began, we started noticing an increase in walk-in registrations. By the time our event officially started, the number of participants increased almost 30-percent just from that morning’s registration numbers. Also highlighting a benefit of hosting an event at the food hall — flexibility. We were able to accommodate last-minute walk-ins and provide them a wide variety of high-quality food options. It was a success all around.

We are truly grateful to have a new home, and hope to see you at the next Biz Bite event to be held at Reno Public Market Wednesday, Feb. 22 — Bill Gerard will be talking about EOS, and how to Get a Grip on Your Business. For more information on hosting an event at Reno Public Market click here.

NCET is a member-supported nonprofit organization that produces educational and networking events to help people explore business and technology.

Sarah Johns is president and Chief Executive Officer of NCET - Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology. Sarah joined NCET in 2022 when Dave Archer retired after 16 years at the helm. Sarah has extensive experience in communications and networking with 20 years’ experience in television. She has also worked as Director of Public Relations for a tech startup, and most recently she was the Public Information Officer for the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Sarah was recognized in 2017 by the Reno Tahoe Young Professionals Network as one of Northern Nevada’s 20 Under 40. In 2018, Sarah received the 2018 Sierra Nevada Top-20 Powerful Women award from Northern Nevada Business Weekly.

When not working to further the NCET mission, you can find Sarah spending time with her husband Dave Lawrence Johnson, their two young children, and two rescue dogs.