Our Nonprofit Promise

We Are Training, Marketing, Technical Assistance.

We Are Nebraska Entrepreneurs!

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The GROW Nebraska® Foundation helps entrepreneurs get the resources they need to live in Anywhere, NE and make a sustainable living. Since the inception of GROW Nebraska® in 1998 our vision and mission has never wavered: to create viable economic development through business training, technical assistance, promotion, and access to markets. We create impactful opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs to live in “Anywhere”, Nebraska and make a sustainable living.

Who We Are

We Are Giving Back

We are a nonprofit educational organization, providing marketing and training to individuals and small business owners across Nebraska.

We are marketing

We assist entrepreneurs get the resources they need to live in Anywhere, NE and make a sustainable living.

We Are Training

1,975 business owners received training in 2021. 756 trainings were one-on-one technical assistance sessions with business owners.

We are a nonprofit

GROW Nebraska® is an educational nonprofit 501c3. The only small business assistance program in the state focusing solely on marketing and training.

GROW Nebraska® Stories

Keeping you connected to the entrepreneurs helping to shape Nebraska’s economy

State Fair 2022 Proves to be Success for GROW Nebraska Members

Sep 16, 2022

As 2022’s state fair has come to an end, GROW Nebraska wants to thank all the members for making it possible for this year’s outcome to be so great! We were up over all in sales and had our second largest state fair outcome. GROW Nebraska had about 54 businesses participate, and some of those were service businesses who came and promoted their products!

GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center Welcome’s Lydia Okuku

Aug 17, 2022

This Summer, the GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center (GNWBC) was offered an opportunity to partner with Step Up! Omaha – a nonprofit organization that assist youths in resume and interview preparation and first job placements. Step Up! Omaha was able to pair us with an amazing intern named Lydia Okuku. Lydia came to us as a 2022 graduate from Millard North who was excited to learn more about marketing and business management.

Bianchi Candles Expands in New Nebraska Game and Parks Candle Line

Aug 3, 2022

Not many success stories start at twelve years old, but for Nic Bianchi that’s exactly when it all began. He got a candle making kit for his birthday and only grew from there. He started a couple of lines of candles, Bianchi Candle Company, and Yes You Candle.

1,975

individuals received trainings in 2021

The GROW Nebraska® Foundation provides education and training to individuals and small business owners across Nebraska, with an emphasis on economically depressed areas, to create sustainable economic development and marketing opportunities.

View All Upcoming Trainings

October 20th | GROW Nebraska’s® FREE Online Training | Are You Using Google to the Fullest Potential?

A presentation that encourages the use of really Google’s inexpensive tools to make a big impact. We will talk about how Google My Business impacts your local SEO. We will talk about how an organization can advertise for as little as 2.00/day on Google Ads. And we will talk about how all of Google’s products work together to increase brand awareness.

GROW Nebraska® is a nonprofit 501c3 providing training and education to Nebraska businesses.

GROW Nebraska® Foundation Headquarters Marketing & Innovation Center

Younes Campus
421 W Talmadge Street Suite #1 | Kearney, NE 68845
308.962.6767 | info@grownebraska.org

Buy Nebraska Gift Store

Younes Campus
421 W Talmadge Street Suite #1 | Kearney, NE 68845
308.338.3520| kearney@grownebraska.org

Merchant Services

Do you take credit cards? Do you want lower credit card processing fees? We have a merchant program with risk free comparison options that can save you money.

PRIME Grant to Assist Low-Income Entrepreneurs

In the prior PRIME grant, GROW Nebraska® purchased technology equipment for 50 low-income participants and began an intensive training program to teach them to use the technology effectively. The current grant extends that training and allows those who came in at the end of that project to receive additional training as well as bringing in new low- and very-low-income entrepreneurs and small business owners for exceptional training and market access services.

Access to Micro Loans

GROW Nebraska partners with organizations like the Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) and Small Business Association (SBA) to help connect members with micro loans.

Google AdWords *

Through a Google AdWord Grant, GROW Nebraska® offers the opportunity for members to explore this feature at no cost, which can be a great addition to your marketing plan. Google AdWords is an online advertising program used to create ads to reach people that use the Google search tool, who are looking for specific products–like yours. All ads run through the GROW Nebraska's BuyNebraska.com eCommerce site.

MarkeTech Conference

MarkeTech is more than a conference. It’s cutting edge training, valuable networking, and a technology showcase. Be inspired, be engaged, and work hands on with today’s most innovative tools. MarkeTech provides organizations with tools and ideas advancing their businesses through collaboration between marketing and technology. As a member, save $100 on registration, learn more at www.marketechconference.org.

Free Monthly Training Webinars

Twice a month, on the third and fourth Thursdays, GROW Nebraska hosts free, open-to-the-public trainings. Participants can tune in from any location where they have phone or internet service. Each month GROW Nebraska® features different presenters and topics related to marketing or small business.

Visit our training page for information on future training dates and topics.

Upcoming Trainings

Social Media Training

Need help getting on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn or Google Places? We offer free individual assistance to get you started in the social media world. This can be a valuable addition to your marketing plan. We will also post or repost information about your business on our social media platforms to make our followers turn into your followers, too, and you can feature videos about your business on our YouTube Channel.

Statewide Workshops

GROW Nebraska® offers a series of workshops focusing on technology and marketing for entrepreneurs. In today’s chaotic world, it is easy to get distracted by advertising proposals that derail our marketing budgets. Attending these workshops gives you a firsthand look at marketing and technology methods to increase the success of your next trip. Business owners, community leaders and marketing staff can accelerate their skills with a small investment of time and money.

Find out more about our upcoming workshops

One-on-One Consulting

We pride ourselves in communicating with our members about what they need and want. This service includes an initial consultation and as many follow-up conferences as each member desires. "GROW Nebraska has provided marketing leads and encouragement to expand my markets." -Sharon Walde, Heirloom Treasures "GROW Nebraska helped me find my niche in the market. I've been really happy with the services and opportunities that GROW has provided for me." -Ima Gene Mason, Im's Countryside Painting

eCommerce *

With the help of our ecommerce sites, our GROW Nebraska® members benefit from a strong web presence. Sell your products through our online platforms including BuyNebraska.com, Amazon and Ebay.

Shop Local

Selling and Wholesale

Members are able to join our Mark It to Market UPC program. ($25/code with $5 annual renewal fee)

Exporting

GROW Nebraska® works hard to help Nebraska businesses reach markets far beyond Nebraska’s and our nation’s borders.

Retail*

GROW Nebraska members have opportunities to sell their products at our Kearney retail location on the Younes Campus, in pop-up stores and at the Nebraska State Fair.

Social Media

GROW Nebraska® is very active on social media, and we use these platforms to reach thousands of fans and followers with information about our members. Read our blog and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, and Snapchat.

Market Testing*

Through our market testing program, you can take advantage of mall and airport traffic that you otherwise would not have access to. You can set up a table or have a trunk show any day of the week at our Kearney retail store. You can offer samples or just talk about your product to potential customers. Customers want experiential shopping; they want to meet the artist, author, designer or manufacturer. Think about it like a farmer's market or craft show but without the booth fee! It is a great opportunity to launch a new product, get feedback on a current product, and build your brand.

Proud Member Sign

Every GROW Nebraska® member will receive a "Proud Member of GROW Nebraska®" sign to post in their retail location, office, home or booth.

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TV Opportunities

GROW Nebraska's connections offer members the opportunity to take part in valuable promotional spots on television that have a statewide audience. The cost of these spots would be prohibitive for small businesses, but GROW members can be featured on the NTV Good Morning Nebraska television show through the GROW Nebraska® spot at no cost. Being featured on these shows gives GROW Nebraska’s clients state-wide exposure and helps them brand their name and product. Thousands of potential customers listen to these shows. This is a media that is effective, and thanks to GROW’s efforts, members can access this remarkable marketing asset at no cost.

Member Webpage

We provide all of our members with a webpage within our website. It's easy for members to update with the latest information, videos, photos, events, and job openings. This platform for the webpage is a powerful successful tool for search engine optimization (SEO) and is key for small businesses looking for exposure in today's marketplace.

Product Photography*

In the age of online shopping, stunning product photos are more important than ever. GROW Nebraska can help you make your products shine with professional photography.