909 Nebraska Passport participants travel to every stop

GROW Nebraska® is proud to be a partner of the Nebraska Tourism Commission who experienced record breaking numbers for their Nebraska Passport program participation.

This summer, travelers celebrated the Nebraska Passport Program’s 10^th anniversary by touring the state and collecting stamps in record breaking numbers. This year, 909 participants submitted Passports with all 70 stops stamped, versus 769 in 2018 and 469 in 2017. These “Passport Champions” hail from Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon and Washington.

“Over the 2019 Passport season, I heard so many wonderful stories from our participants. Ranging from someone who takes their 98-year-old grandma around Nebraska every year to how a young boy begs his mom to take him back to Springfield Drug because he loved their milkshakes so much,” said Madison Schlake, Passport Program Coordinator. “Almost every day I was flooded with stories of family, friendship and genuine love for our beautiful state. Our “Passporters” are what makes this program so successful.”

2019 Nebraska Passport Statistics:

From submitted Passports, 154,755 total stamps were collected.
Participants included residents from 448 Nebraska communities and 37 states.
Passport participants ranged in age from 3-months-old to 98-years-old.
Participants submitted over 600 stories of their travels on nebraskapassport.com.
There were 22.5% more accounts on the Nebraska Passport app in 2019 than 2018.

“I’m not a native Nebraskan, so I’ve been able to use the Passport Program to help me explore the state in the three years that I’ve been here. This year I made it to 51 stops!” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “This program has continued to grow and every year it’s exciting to see how many people in Nebraska are exploring the state beyond their backyard.”

In 2017, the Nebraska Passport program generated nearly $6 million in travel spending throughout the state and $469,500 in state and local tax revenue, according to a study done by Dean Runyan & Associates.

This year’s grand prize drawings were an Omaha Steaks Butcher’s Share Quarter of Beef with a free chest freezer and $300 in Nebraska Lottery vouchers. Additional drawings were done for a variety of items provided by the 2019 passport stops that are listed on http://nebraskapassport.com/passport-details/2019-passport-results/.

Travelers who visited participating locations and collected stamps could also earn a 10^thanniversary keepsake item, Visit Nebraska calendar, Baker’s Candies gift box, Passport Champion t-shirt and $100 in Nebraska Lottery vouchers.

Be a 2020 Nebraska Passport Stop
Not only does the Nebraska Passport program benefit travelers through helping them create life-long memories, the program greatly benefits the 70 chosen Passport stops through increased traffic, sales and awareness.

Applications are now being accepted for Nebraska Tourism’s 2020 Passport program. Any Nebraska destination is welcome to apply to become a Passport stop. Past stops have included museums, restaurants, outdoor adventures, retail stores, etc.

To complete the 2020 Passport online application, as well as to view information about Passport stop requirements, how the program benefits Passport stops, and details about the application process, go to: http://nebraskapassport.com/passport-details/application/. The application deadline is December 31, 2019. Questions about participating in the program can be directed to info@nebraskapassport.com

GROW Nebraska Foundation is a statewide non-profit training and marketing organization. Serving over 400 Nebraska small businesses, the organization provides marketing opportunities, education, and training to launch and connect Nebraska businesses to the global marketplace. GROW Nebraska’s educational programs receive federal and state funding, along with generous support from foundations and individual donors.

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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 Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Center For Rural Affairs, 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 Foundation's Website.

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.

GROW Nebraska® also offers free Grow With Google Trainings the first Wednesday of every month. Our Google Trainings are offered in English and Spanish.

GROW Nebraska® Members are encouraged to tune into our "Tuesday Member Talks" which are for GROW Nebraska® Members only. Within these you can chat with staff and experts.

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). GROW Nebraksa has a UPC Program to help GROW Members get on Amazon and work with large businesses. GROW Nebraska works with number of partners for wholesale opportunities.

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, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, and Tiktok.

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 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.