GROW Nebraska Members Welcomed into 2022 Nebraska Passport Program

GROW Nebraska is happy to announce the following members are joining the 2022 Nebraska Passport program; Zambuni Specialty Coffee Auction out of Grand Island Nebraska, Small Town Famous out of Hastings, Nebraska, McCue’s Nebraska Taproom out of Kearney, Nebraska, Robber’s Cave Tours out of Lincoln, Nebraska, 63 County Store out of Spencer, Nebraska, and McClean Beef out of York, Nebraska. We also have the following members who sponsor the program, Nebraska Lottery, History Nebraska, and Nebraska Game & Parks Commission.

This program is run by Nebraska tourism and is a great opportunity for many local businesses to bring in more people. Everyone who gets a passport fills it out like a regular passport, but these passports get the participants fun prizes. Once a place is visited it gets marked down and then the participant keeps going until all the businesses on the list have been visited! The best part every participant is more than welcome to come back, as many times as they would like, to every business they travel to.

In a press release Nebraska Tourism executive director, John Ricks, said “The popularity of this program year after year continues to leave me in disbelief. In a couple of weeks, we will have new 2021 economic impact numbers tied to the program and the positive effect travelers have on the businesses involved. Can’t wait to share those.”

This program will feature 70 attractions in 10 themed categories. Travelers have from May 1st through September 30th to visit the attractions and get their stamps.

GROW Nebraska member Ryan Fitch who co-owns McCues Taproom in Kearney is one of our members who recently got to join the program. They heard about the program and participated in it themselves traveling to many businesses. He states, “The Nebraska Passport Program was a no-brainer for us because it showcases exactly what McCue’s is all about: ALL Nebraska! We hoped that the combination of the historic McCue’s building and our unique 100% Nebraskan approach would be of interest to many thirsty travelers!” McCues is known for serving only Nebraska brewed drinks, including beer, cider, spirits, and wine.

Although this program is a great one to be a part of it is hard to get into. Stephanie Boettcher owner of 63 County Store in Spencer, Nebraska heard about the Nebraska Passport Program from a friend when her store first opened, she states, “We applied several times and were beyond excited to get accepted for the 2022 passport, it is a great opportunity. We are very excited for all the new faces the Passport should bring to our area.” 63 County Store is known for a variety of items including gifts of all kinds. They have what you want and what you need.

63 County Store and McCues Taproom have been members of GROW Nebraska for a little while now and they both joined for some marketing support. Ryan Fitch states, “GROW NE is another great organization that empowers and supports Nebraska small business. Starting a business is hard, not everyone possesses marketing or technical know-how. They provide much-appreciated boosts through training and exposure to new customers both in the store and online!”

Congratulations to all the businesses who made the Nebraska Passport program! Don’t forget to grab your passport and enjoy the fun prizes! Check out the link and the businesses below!

NE Passport

https://nebraskapassport.com/

Our members on the list:

https://mccuesnebraskataproom.com/

http://www.63countystore.com/

https://shopzabunicoffee.com/

https://shopstf.com/

https://www.robberscavetours.com/

https://mcleanbeef.com/

Our members who sponsor the program:

https://nelottery.com/homeapp/landing

https://history.nebraska.gov/

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About the GROW Nebraska® Foundation

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.

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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.