Power Play Studio, an adult retailer, has received Tier One Local Emerging Small Business certification from the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development. This certification marks Power Play Studio as the first adult company to be certified by the state and the only adult retailer listed in Nevada's directory of over 1,000 certified Emerging Small Businesses.

Certification Details and Implications

The certification, announced on September 18, 2026, confirms that Power Play Studio meets Nevada's size and locality standards for an Emerging Small Business. A representative for Power Play Studio stated that this certification is not a state endorsement of the company's products.

The Emerging Small Business (ESB) certification program was established in 2014 by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) to foster the growth of small businesses within the state. The program aims to connect small businesses with contracting opportunities from state and local government agencies. Businesses seeking certification as a Local Emerging Small Business in Nevada must submit a complete application to GOED. The application process involves providing general business information, including address, legal structure, establishment date, capabilities, gross receipts for the past three years, and employee count. There is no fee to apply, and applications are reviewed within 90 days. Certification is valid for two years.

A Power Play Studio representative highlighted the historical exclusion of adult retail from federal small-business lending. According to the representative, Small Business Administration rules render any business generating more than a minimal share of its revenue from products of a prurient sexual nature ineligible for its loan programs. This restriction applies across the adult sector, regardless of a company's trading practices.

Elmer Whittaker, founder and Managing Director of Power Play Studio, stated that adult retail is a legitimate American industry. Whittaker noted that the industry employs people, pays taxes, and adheres to the law.

Power Play Studio's Background

Power Play Studio's website indicates that the company is a game development studio focused on creating sports games. The company began in 2007 as PowerPlay Manager. Its stated goal is to create world-class sports games, provide players with enjoyment, and foster friendliness and sportsmanship. The company also aims to connect real sports with virtual sports, collaborating with sports federations and supporting athletes. Power Play Studio's games are developed by individuals focused on continuous improvement, quality, sports enjoyment, and teamwork. The company's headquarters are in Slovakia, and it reports having over 30 million registered players and more than 60 nationalities represented among its team members.

Industry Context

The adult industry continues to see new product introductions and events. On September 18, 2026, Beisar introduced its new Pillar fantasy vibrating dildo. Full Circle Brands expanded its Pleasure Company collection with four new vibrators and massagers on September 17, 2026. Blush debuted the Rowen dildo from its EnLust line on the same day. CalExotics expanded its Aura collection with three rechargeable bullet vibrators and two dual-action massagers on September 16, 2026, while Orion Wholesale expanded its Cottelli Party line with five new styles. Blush also introduced the Aurora dildo from its Avant Collection on September 15, 2026, and Womanizer debuted its new Liberty 2 Leopard Edition clitoral stimulator on the same day. Honey Play Box added Aly Kennel to its sales team on September 14, 2026.

Looking ahead, the XBIZ Expo Retail Trade Show is scheduled for January 7-10, 2027, at the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE. This event will gather pleasure product manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and other industry professionals for four days of business, networking, and entertainment. Hotel booking for XBIZ 2027 opened on September 16, 2026.

Key Facts

  • Power Play Studio received Tier One Local Emerging Small Business certification on September 18, 2026.
  • The certification was granted by the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development.
  • Power Play Studio is the first adult company and the only adult retailer certified in Nevada's directory of over 1,000 Emerging Small Businesses.
  • Federal small-business lending has historically been unavailable to adult retail due to Small Business Administration rules.
  • Elmer Whittaker is the founder and Managing Director of Power Play Studio.
  • The Emerging Small Business certification program was created in 2014 to support small business growth in Nevada.