Las Vegas-based Maverick Helicopters has received a $2.5 million investment from Advantage Capital. The investment will help the company weather the economic downturn attributed to COVID-19 and retain nearly 300 Nevada employees.

Maverick Helicopters was founded by veteran Gregg Rochna in 1995 with one helicopter and has since grown to be a large operation, with 47 helicopters and five fixed wing aircraft.

“There is a lot of uncertainty in the economy right now, but this investment has provided the stability we needed to get over this hurdle, keep our people working and position our company for continued growth,” says Rochna. “We have hit our stride over the past five years in terms of growth, and I'm excited to keep the momentum going.”

The funding was made in connection with the Nevada New Markets Jobs Act, which was passed by the state legislature in 2013 and renewed in 2019 to help businesses in low-income areas across the state gain access to investment capital and create good jobs for Nevada residents.

“I am so glad to see the Nevada NMTC programme at work, doing exactly what it is intended to do; support businesses in distressed areas and help to retain good, quality jobs here in Nevada,” comments assemblywoman Dina Neal. “The economy has really taken a hit in recent times, and these are the kinds of programmes that will help small businesses get the financing they need to get us on the path to recovery.”

“We have a long history of investing in businesses across Nevada,” adds Al Alvarez of Advantage Capital. “Our investment focus has always been on helping underserved communities through business growth, and ensuring people have access to good quality jobs. We are excited to provide the additional working capital that Maverick needs for continued growth.”

This financing is part of a larger $7.5 million investment made as part of a new initiative, the Silver State Growth Capital Initiative, which backs growth-focused Nevada-based entrepreneurs and operators.