A small contingent of Startup Champions Network members gathered in Las Vegas to support Summit Host and new member, Shaq Cruz and learn more about the Las Vegas ecosystem. Shaq has been a wonderful partner throughout the Summit planning experience, and although we had to cancel the summit, it was essential that we show our support, meet the ecosystem builders on the ground in Vegas, and learn more about the work being done there. 

Shaquille “Shaq” Cruz is a Las Vegas native and U.S. Coast Guard veteran who works for the first-ever Office of Entrepreneurship as the Entrepreneurship Coordinator. Nevada’s Office of Entrepreneurship, which is run by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, was established under Assembly Bill 77 to support the state’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. “Our job is to help support entrepreneurial service organizations, influence policy, create legislative reports, and offer government contracting support,” Shaq explained. “But really, we’re here to foster this strange thing folks call an entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

“There’s a real renaissance happening here. Founders are hitting Series A raises and setting records for investment. It’s a signal that we’re producing capable, visionary leaders—and building something real.” - Shaq Cruz

Shaq’s journey to this work is as vibrant as the city he represents. After military service and some post-Coast Guard soul-searching—including carpentry, a stint on a sailboat, and a move back to his hometown—Shaq dove into public policy, venture capital, and eventually, economic development. His diverse background gives him a unique perspective on the interconnected roles of government, investment, and grassroots community building.

“I found that the ecosystem was still a little early, and it was hard to compete with the Austins and New Yorks,” he said. “But this new role gave me a deeper understanding of what ecosystem building really means—it’s a mix of policy, venture capital, corporate engagement, and, most importantly, people.”

The Las Vegas Ecosystem on Display

During our Las Vegas Ecosystem Tour, we experienced firsthand the placemaking that’s helping shape a new era for entrepreneurship in Southern Nevada. From coworking spaces and historic revitalization efforts to local tech meetups, innovation labs, and national pitch competitions, Las Vegas offered a vivid look at what ecosystem growth looks like in practice.

Our ecosystem tour included Black Fire Innovation, where major hospitality brands test cutting-edge technologies, a tour of the Historic Westside, where a renewal of entrepreneurial energy is reshaping neighborhoods, and an innovative coworking space where partnerships have helped spur revitalization. Events like Tech Alley showcased the city’s thriving grassroots culture, drawing software developers, founders, and investors into conversation month after month. Pitch Mayhem, meanwhile, featured founders from all over competing to win money and hopefully fall in love with Las Vegas while they were there.

“There’s a real renaissance happening here,” Shaq shared. “Founders are hitting Series A raises and setting records for investment. While that’s not SCN’s primary focus, it’s a signal that we’re producing capable, visionary leaders—and building something real.”

We visited places like Nevada Partners, where they are investing in small businesses in the Historic Westside, and attended the Nevada Business Resource Fair, where we saw over 100 business resources on display, ready to help entrepreneurs succeed.

We also met ecosystem builders like Dave Burlin, the Las Vegas Global Enterprenuership Week coordinator, who organizes weekly Vets in Tech events to bring the veteran entrepreneurship community together. We got to be a part of the Nevada Business Hub launch, an EcoMap powered tool for entrepreneurs to find the resources they need, in partnership with EDawn and the Governor’s Office. From community building to government initiatives to innovation within universities, Shaq touches every aspect of the ecosystem as a connector and a champion. He did a great job showcasing the real Las Vegas and the people putting in the work to support our 315,000 microbusinesses across Nevada.

Shaq emphasized how much of that work centers on making sure entrepreneurs don’t feel alone. “To know there is a community, a resource network, and people walking with you—even when you’re making hard decisions solo—that’s powerful. That’s the kind of support we’re building.”

Looking Ahead

Shaq’s Office of Entrepreneurship is still new, but it’s already playing a key role in connecting ecosystems statewide—from Las Vegas to Elko, Reno to Mesquite. “We’re building a mosaic of what entrepreneurship looks like in Nevada,” he said. “That means listening to people’s dreams and finding ways to help make them real.”

At SCN, we’re proud to count Shaq among our members and grateful for his leadership in making the Las Vegas Ecosystem Tour such a meaningful experience. His blend of public service, lived experience, and entrepreneurial vision reflects what ecosystem building should be.

As we look ahead to future gatherings, we carry with us the energy, lessons, and relationships sparked in Las Vegas—thanks to the heart and hustle of Shaq Cruz.