DECEMBER 21, 2010 (LINCOLN, NEB.)—The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and Nebraska Rural Development Commission (RDC) have awarded $154,375 in grant funding for 12 partnerships through the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act (BECA), which supports regional economic and community development partnerships in rural areas of the state.   

“Building Entrepreneurial Communities projects have assisted communities in their efforts to strengthen small businesses, attract new residents, and engage youth in entrepreneurial activities.  The grant funding has also encouraged new regional collaborations and cooperation,” said Linda Fettig, RDC director.

BECA is administered by the RDC. Projects receiving grants include:

Merrick County Business Development
The Village of Chapman and Central City received $14,700 to provide Merrick County residents with training in developing and enhancing business success via business coaching, business bookkeeping, and entrepreneurship training.  Merrick Foundation Inc. will provide financial support. Contact Chuck Griffith, Merrick Foundation, Inc., at 308-946-3707.

Building Bridges for the Next Generation
The Village of Pender and the Pender Public School Board received $2,600 to develop a youth entrepreneurial camp.  The camp will help educate the next generation of entrepreneurs by focusing primarily on technology and aviation. The Village of Pender and the Pender Public School Board will provide financial support. Contact Diann Ballard, Pender Economic Development, Inc., at 402-922-1652

Paint Our Town Campaign
Dundy County and the Village of Stratton received $6,375 for alumni recruitment mailings and marketing materials to help Dundy County and Stratton recruit new citizens and businesses to the area. Dundy County Chamber of Commerce and Development will provide financial support. Contact: Ben Blecha, Dundy County Chamber of Commerce and Development, at 308-737-1569.

New Frontiers Development Network Planning Grant
The ten-county regional New Frontiers Development Network received $4,500 to build a coalition of regional resource providers, businesses and entrepreneurs. Contact Bob Broweleit, Sandhills RC&D, at 308-546-0636.

Building Pathways Home
Furnas County and Beaver City received $4,100 to purchase “Rural Community Career Development” curriculum from the University of Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.  The curriculum is designed to help high school students uncover career possibilities in their hometown.  Furnas Harlan Partnership will provide financial support. Contact Don Tagtman, Furnas County, at 308-991-4601.

Developing Future Entrepreneurs
Valentine Cherry County Economic Development and the Village of Cody received $11,400 to develop youth entrepreneurs in Cherry County through education and technical assistance.  Cherry County Economic Development and the Village of Cody will provide financial support. Contact Mike Burge, Valentine/Cherry County Economic Development Board, at 402-376-6842.

Better Tomorrows in Dawson County
The City of Lexington and Dawson County received $26,750 for website upgrades, marketing materials, Youth Entrepreneurship Education (ESI curriculum), adult entrepreneurship sessions, and teacher internships and materials.  The goal is to provide area residents with advanced entrepreneurship education that focuses on available opportunities in Dawson County and promotes the County as a great place to live. Dawson Area Development and the Advocating for Business Labor Education Program will provide financial support. Contact Mary Gohl, Dawson Area Development, at 308-784-3902.

Relocate to the Medicine Valley
The City of Curtis and Medicine Valley Public Schools received $10,350 to fund a Recruitment Coordinator position and conduct a marketing campaign.  The project will focus on attracting families, retirees and businesses from Colorado’s Front Range to Medicine Valley.  Medicine Valley Economic Development Corporation will provide financial support. Contact Doug Schultz, Medicine Valley Economic Development Corporation, at 308-367-4122.

Building Opportunities for Future Growth
The Village of Fordyce and City of Hartington received $3,400 for a Business Fair and Interview with Resource Assistance event, to host a Business Marketing Seminar, and to purchase Business Resource Guides.  Hartington Economic Development will provide financial support.  Local contact: Carla Becker, Hartington Community Development Corporation, at 402-254-6357.

Entrepreneurship Education through the Greater Fremont Incubator
The City of Fremont and Metropolitan Community College received $32,800 to educate and coach established and new generations of entrepreneurs through webinars, workshops and conferences. Metropolitan Community College will provide financial support. Contact Ron Tillery, Chamber of Commerce Foundation of the Fremont Area, at 402-721-2641.

Resident & Business Recruitment
The cities of Madison and Stanton received $32,700 to partner with Norfolk Area Recruiters (NAR) and Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council (EVEDCO) in recruiting efforts related to new residents and business start-ups or expansions.  Funds will be used for website development, social media marketing, brochures and marketing materials. NAR and EVEDCO Council will provide financial support. Contact Makala Williams, Norfolk Area Recruiters, at 402-371-8142.

Homegrown.  Homemade.  Hometown!
The Village of Davenport received $4,700 to develop new food processing or value-added food-related enterprises, retain youth and attract new residents to Thayer County. Contact Jake Voss, Davenport Community Foundation, at 402-364-2165.


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