LINCOLN, NEB. (October 30, 2006)—Governor Dave Heineman has awarded $134,968 in funding to 10 projects through the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act (BECA).
BECA provides grant funding to help create programs that generate and sustain wealth in economically depressed communities and regions throughout Nebraska. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Nebraska Rural Development Commission administer BECA.
The 10 projects that received funding during this round include:
• PK (Phelps and Kearney counties) Entrepreneurial Coalition received $8,135 to offer NebraskaEDGE (Enhancing, Developing and Growing Entrepreneurs) classes and workshops to new and existing entrepreneurs to spur new business ideas, business succession and retention, and youth entrepreneurship. Coalition members will provide matching funds.
• Holt County 2010 Initiative received $30,000 for a strategy that addresses business development issues, and encourages more youth and young adults to engage in entrepreneurship and community leadership. Cities and villages in Holt County will provide matching funds.
• Wayne Area Economic Development, Inc., received $13,008 for its Building Wayne’s Distinct Advantage project that will combine innovative components of entrepreneurial development, and community planned giving and education to achieve economic sustainability and long-term transfer of wealth for Wayne County. Wayne County, Wayne Area Economic Development, Inc., and the Northeast Nebraska Resource Conservation and Development Council will provide matching funds.
• Unlocking Our Potential received $9,850 for a plan that includes establishing an annual leadership and development class, retaining area youth, providing opportunities for business transfer education and helping energize local business owners in Burwell, Neb. Burwell Economic Development will provide matching funds.
• Butler County Development Initiative received $12,500 for a business strategy for David City, Neb. and Butler County that incorporates the building blocks of leadership development, business development, and youth and young adult entrepreneurs and community leaders. The City of David City and Butler County will provide matching funds.
• Destination Knox County received $14,075 to increase business transition education and develop a growing tourism base. The Knox County Development Agency and Knox County will provide matching funds.
• Expansion of Southeast NebraskaEDGE Program received $6,000 to collaborate with existing programs and extend continuing education classes to small business owners in Otoe, Nemaha, and Johnson counties. Rural Enterprise Assistance Projects, Southeast NebraskaEDGE Coalition, River Country Economic Development Corporation, Auburn Economic Development and the City of Tecumseh Economic Development will provide matching funds.
• Six northeast Nebraska communities that comprise the Logan Valley Initiative received $15,100 for a strategy creating a more entrepreneurial-friendly climate, increasing leadership, empowering youth, and enhancing overall communications. The City of Lyons, the City of Bancroft, Bancroft-Rosalie Public Schools, Pender-Thurston Community Education, Pender Public Schools, and the Lyons Community Foundation will provide matching funds.
• Thayer County Economic Development Alliance, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln County Extension Office in Thayer county and Great Plains Communications received $2,500 to undertake Thayer County Leadership that involves continuing a Leadership Plenty Class, and starting up Home Town Competitiveness with the goal of building enthusiasm and vitality throughout the county. Thayer County Economic Development Alliance, the University of Nebraska Extension in the Southern Plains Unit, and Great Plains Communications will provide matching funds.
• The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, the Juan Diego Center in Omaha, and the City of Omaha received $23,800 to implement the Latino Business Partnership. The project is designed to develop training sessions, and a business development series that addresses information and educational gaps in the minority business community, primarily composed of Hispanic businesses. The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce will provide matching funds.
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Linda Fettig at 308-749-2291, or email: linda.fettig@nebraska.gov
Individuals who are hearing and/or speech impaired and have a TDD, may contact the department through the Statewide Relay System by calling one of the following numbers:
711, (800) 833- 7352 (TDD), or (800) 833-0920 (voice).
The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505, or (402) 471-3111.
