David McBee to headline MarkeTech 2021 as keynote speaker

An internet marketing expert will be the keynote speaker for GROW Nebraska’s 2021 MarkeTech Conference focused this year on helping entrepreneurs digitally pivot their businesses.

David McBee is an author, trainer, and professional speaker who will deliver two keynote addresses during the conference July 15 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, NE.

McBee works with sales representatives and business owners around the world teaching and creating a curriculum about the intricacies of internet marketing as well as relationships and personal development. Considered an expert in his field, he is known for his passion, sense of humor, and talent for making the complicated simple while also helping people to become better versions of themselves.

Born and raised in the suburbs of Kansas City, this Eagle Scout earned a BFA in Theater from Avila University and spent his twenties as a salesperson and entrepreneur. Today he writes, trains, and speaks on everything from online marketing to personal development and relationships.

McBee is married to his best friend and they have a son and a daughter. His passions include family, travel, barbecue, jeeps, the outdoors, and reading.

In addition to McBee’s keynote addresses on topics related to digitally pivoting, MarkeTech 2021 will also feature speaker panels with directly applicable advice for navigating the evolving online marketplace.

One panel will showcase Nebraska businesses who successfully re-framed their marketing strategies to reach audiences online after the COVID-19 pandemic shook up marketing norms. This time will be filled with real-life examples and tangible strategies other business owners can apply.

Another panel will feature experts in digital marketing. From this panel, attendees will get tips and tricks on everything from selling on Amazon to creating videos that engage your customers.

As always, MarkeTech 2021 will also include loads of networking time, including the networking plaza, where businesses and organizations can set up booths that feature their products and their mission.

Registration is now OPEN for MarkeTech 2021. Register now to secure your spot and the early bird rate!

If you have questions about this year’s conference, please contact GROW Nebraska CEO Janell Anderson Ehrke at janell@grownebraska.org or Director of Marketing and Business Development Tiffany Stoiber at tiffany@grownebraska.org.

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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

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eCommerce *

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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

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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.