Local businesses battered by the economic storm can find refuge at the free Northern Nevada Business Resource Summit today at the Atlantis Casino.

Sparks Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event that is open to owners who would like to move their businesses from surviving to thriving.

"We feel that during these tougher economic times, we really need to support one another," Sparks Chamber Director Len Stevens said. "There are a lot of ways to help during times like these. We've brought together a number of non-profit agencies to provide various kinds of help and advice — different types of information that could be a benefit to small, medium and large businesses when things are not as affluent as they have been in the past."

Businesses can learn about free and low-cost services, tools and tips offered by local development, business and educational agencies.

"We're finding out that most businesses that have been around for a long or a short amount of time are not aware of the various agencies who have the ability to help them," Stevens said. "There are government and some local agencies that can provide support. Our goal is to help struggling businesses to keep their doors open or to advance what they're already doing."

There will also be a business expert-moderated discussion, where participants can air their concerns and work together to form solutions that will support community businesses and the local economy.

"There is help available, whether it be financial, business planning, advertising, hiring practices, the university and TMCC," Stevens said. "There are a lot of resources out there. Businesses can find help, and it is just a matter of leaving the office and getting out there, or even just meeting successful people and talking with them about how they did it."

What concerns are on the minds of local business owners?

"The major concerns when you're on a tight budget, are questions such as, 'Should we do more advertising or should we cut back?' 'How do we get the word out that we're in business and we have these services to offer?' " Stevens said. "The other thing is overcoming the general fear that is in every community with the economy, that everything is going bad. In a lot of cases, it's not. It's in a growth cycle."

Stevens said there is an even greater need now for business owners to increase their skills, network with other business executives and continue to advertise.

"We want to encourage people," Stevens said. "You don't run away and hide right now, you get out there and network because there are still people who need services. Make yourself visible so others see what you have to offer."

To help businesses increase their visibility in the community while dealing with a smaller budget, the Sparks Chamber will offer a discounted six-month advertising promotion.

Starting in mid-May, businesses can advertise on the chamber's large electronic sign on Victorian Square at a 67 percent discount. Normally, advertising costs $299 a month. As part of this six-month package deal, businesses can be featured on the electronic sign for only $100 a month by calling the chamber at 358-1976.

"The exposure is going to be unbelievable, especially during the special events season," Stevens said. "In order to make sure there's enough exposure, it will be limited to 100 businesses."

Sparks Chamber members are also eligible for a drawing.

"We invite all businesses to attend the Business Resource Summit, but Sparks Chamber members who attend will be placed into a drawing for six months of free advertising on the chamber's electronic sign on Victorian Square," Stevens said.

The Northern Nevada Business Resource Summit is held from 5-9 p.m. today at the Atlantis Casino-Resort-Spa, located at 2800 South Virginia St. in Reno.