GROW Nebraska Welcomes Two New Board Members and Several Officers

GROW Nebraska has inducted two new members on to the board. Along with four officers, these new members are bringing more knowledge of small businesses, and the growth needed in Nebraska economy.

One of the new board members, Jessica Kraus, co-owns the Lost Way Brewery in Holdrege, Nebraska, which will be celebrating five years of business in November. She is a huge part of the community there. In her free time you can find her devoting her time to the Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild and Holdrege Rotary. Jessica knows her way around local businesses and will be a huge asset to the GROW Nebraska board. Among many other benefits of adding Jessica to the board, she also has a degree in business and believes we can’t grow unless we grow together. When Jessica and her husband first moved to Nebraska it didn’t take long for them to fall in love with the state and what it has to offer. They visited Grow Nebraska, at the time, now known as Buy Nebraska, and kept hearing about what the program offers periodically throughout the years.

Jessica states, “As a business owner, I know how much it takes to build something you’re passionate about. It’s such a breath of fresh air to find an organization that is not only looking to help you succeed, but they’re just as passionate about your product or service, and they’re committed to finding the right consumers for it.”

Now that she is part of the board Jessica looks forward to getting to know the businesses in the great state of Nebraska, and the people who make the state that way.

Also joining the board is Kevin Black a very active member in his community as well. He is the Market President at Pinnacle Bank in Wisner, Nebraska. Kevin has a degree in Agribusiness, and finance. He served in the Army National Guard for 12 years. Kevin was born and has lived all over the state of Nebraska. Having a local background Kevin knows what drives the community and small businesses. He is passionate about Nebraska, and the economy. In his free time, you can find him coaching little league, and being an active member of Leadership Nebraska.

Hearing about Grow Nebraska through Nebraska Game and Parks Centennial Celebration, Kevin says “I was impressed how the organization worked with Nebraska Game and Parks Centennial to connect them with Nebraska-based businesses and keep as much of the products sold and designed within state borders.”

Kevin loves how the organization is Nebraskans supporting each other. He states “There are so many people in this state with great ideas, services, or products who simply lack the network or technical savvy to get them out to the masses. This organization helps to bridge that gap. I believe this to be extremely important to the future economic well-being of entrepreneurs, especially in our more rural areas.”

Now that Kevin is on the board, he looks forward to helping businesses connect with GROW Nebraska and its resources. “I care deeply about this state, which has been so good to me. Nebraska thrives because of its people. I want to do my part to bolster that.”

Janell Anderson Ehrke CEO and founder of GROW Nebraska states, “I am very excited for both new members of the board along with all of our officers, and their vast knowledge and expertise they are bringing to the team.” Janell feels that they will both be very beneficial to the future of the GROW Nebraska foundation board.

GROW Nebraska also has welcomed the following members as officers: Chairman of the board – Kent Grishman- President of Nebraska Trucking Association; Vice President – Kristi Gargan – Marketing Director for Buzz Marine; Secretary – Rick Nelsen – Senior Economic Development Consultant – Nebraska Public Power District; Treasurer – Kirsti Schack – Branch Manager First National Bank – Omaha.

Welcome to GROW Nebraska all new board members, and officers!

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.