Innovation Center Gives GROW Nebraska Members New Marketing Opportunities

Pouring the footings for the new addition.

Outside building complete including double entry doors.

What is SEO, and how do I use it in my business? How do I purchase Google AdWords to promote my new product? I have a new idea, but I’m not sure how to test the market to see if it will sell. I want my products to look professional on my website, but I don’t have the greatest photography skills.

These are all questions and services that GROW Nebraska staff can answer and provide. And, in the near future, these answers and services will become even more accessible with the new GROW Nebraska E-Commerce and Marketing Innovation Center.

“We are so excited to offer this new dedicated space for training and learning opportunities to our members,” GROW CEO Janell Anderson Ehrke said. “Very few small business owners have the time or resources to become experts in one field let alone three: retail, wholesale and electronic. This new innovation center is the answer to the needs of these business owners.”

The new innovation center is under construction at GROW’s new Buy Nebraska retail location, 421 W. Talmadge Road No. 1, in Kearney. The new space is attached to the east side of the store and will allow for a dedicated space for shipping, photography, member training and collaboration. It will improve efficiency and allow for more privacy for business owners working on ideas with GROW staff.

The new space will also give members even more tools to grow their businesses from photography assistance to social media strategies and more.

With the addition of the innovation center, GROW Nebraska plans to add to its task force of proven experts in the following areas:

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Strategy: Assistance with Google advertising, social media campaigns, new product development and content writing, as well as strategic “big picture” planning.

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User Experience: GROW will help members create a pleasing online shopping experience for their customers.

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Web Analytics: Help business owners understand web analytics and make decisions about growth and improvements based on real data.

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Innovation Management: Help members monitor new marketplace technologies and implement pilot projects with new listings and ideas and assist in product development and market testing so members can “test drive” products before placing them in the global marketplace.

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Online Marketing: Help members understand Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing, develop sector-specific SEO and Google AdWords tools for members and offer operational advice about the optimum structures and processes in online marketing.

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Mobile: Assistance in developing apps and services for mobile devices and advice on m-commerce (mobile commerce) strategies.

The new innovation center should be complete and operational during the first quarter of 2019.

The innovation center received a boost with a $100,000 two-year grant from the Peter Kiewit Foundation and is seeking more grants and private donations help with its funding.

If you would like more information about the GROW Nebraska E-Commerce and Marketing Innovation Center from a business perspective, or if you would like to donate, please contact Janell at janell@grownebraska.org or GROW’s Business Development Director Kristi Gargan at kristi@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 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.

Request Photography

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.