How do we GROW Nebraska?
GROW Nebraska is a 501(C)(3) non-profit Entrepreneurial Service Organization for Nebraska entrepreneurial businesses. Its mission focuses on maximizing Nebraska’s entrepreneurial spirit and building Nebraska businesses globally by providing important services to small businesses in the state. GROW is unique because it is the only market access program in the state.
What Services Does GROW Provide?
GROW Nebraska offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to learn more about marketing and to fi nancially afford services they would not have been able to have the funds for on their own. “GROW Nebraska is an invaluable tool for small businesses across the state,” said James Gustafson, owner of Lincoln, Neb.-based PurJava. “We have benefi ted in many different ways including networking, receiving funding for a marketing expansion, and retail opportunities. The membership fee and ancillary services are affordable for start-up and existing small businesses.”
Here’s a list of some of the organization’s most benefi cial services:
- The eCommerce site, www.buygrownebraska.org, was launched this year and features 540 products from more than 40 members.
- Retail Opportunities through the year-round Kearney Hilltop Mall, Holiday and State Fair stores offer training opportunities for members to understand credit card machines, bar codes and transactions.
- The GROW Book is a circulation of 10,000 directories distributed to retailers and potential customers highlighting GROW members.
- Product evaluations provide feedback on product price and packaging.
- Cooperative ads on NTV and in retail magazines allow members to advertise to a large audience at a fraction of the price.
- The Direct GROW Loan and the Quick GROW Loan in collaboration with the Rural Enterprise Assistance Program (REAP) give microenterprises access to quick start cash for their businesses.
- Discounted web sites allow members to to have a professional Web site at a fraction of the cost a Web designer would charge.
- Web critiques give members feedback on the design, usability, content and features of their web sites to ensure repeat visitors and optimal sales.
- A link to the GROW web site is especially beneficial for members who have eCommerce on their own web site since GROW’s web site is well established and has a high ranking on search engines.
- New technologies sites and training such as the GROW Nebraska blog, Facebook and MySpace corporate pages and upcoming podcasts create brand awareness, foster conversation and create networking opportunities.
- The Members Only Forum supply members a place to network with one another and to ask GROW staff questions directly.
In 2007, GROW Nebraska received a total of $98,564 in state and federal grant funding, corporate support, and private donations. The program generated $258,950 in sales of member products, creating a return on investment of $2.62 for every dollar received in funding. GROW Nebraska delivers growth for Nebraska’s economy through these returned investments.
In 2007, GROW Nebraska reached an all-time high of 252 members, including 82 new members and sustained an 80 percent renewal rate. “It’s just nice to know that we have a community— a family—that supports us and has the same passion for entrepreneurship and for helping out Nebraska,” commented Kris Vrtiska of Falls City, Neb.-based Heritage Falls Candles.
How Can You Make an Impact?
Taking your institution or group on a GROW Nebraska Green Tour gives you the chance to see what Nebraska has to offer. The Retail Passport Program lets you help our state’s economy by buying Nebraska products made by real Nebraskans. These tours create revenue, brand awareness, and the potential for repeat customers. You get the opportunity to have fun touring Nebraska and receive a free gift card.
GROW Nebraska Green Tours are an opportunity for company and business groups to fi nd out who the intriguing entrepreneurs are in their own backyards. Tours of 15 to 40 people can take a day-tour to see the breathtaking views of Cedar Hills Vineyard, to taste some of the more than 25 fl avors of HR Poppin’ Snack’s popcorn, or to hear the light stroke of Kristi Anderson’s paint brush on one of her glass pieces.
Geneva State Bank’s Ambassador Club took the very fi rst Green Tour this year. Ann Carlson, the bank’s Ambassador Club coordinator, commented on the tour: “We were all delighted with the tour. It was interesting to fi nd such unique things in our own backyard. We would do it again, absolutely.”
Buying corporate gifts from our Signature Series Gift Baskets lets you share multiple members’ products with your coworkers or clients. For example, Vicki Harper of Platte Valley State Bank & Trust Co. in Kearney, Neb., ordered 293 gift baskets last year.
Providing tax-deductible financial support provides you with signage at GROW events, a link on the GROW Web site, and access to other GROW services. In addition to Platte Valley State Bank in Kearney, GROW thanks the following institutions for their fi nancial support: Bank of Bertrand, First Central Bank in Arapahoe, Cambridge, and McCook, First National Bank of Johnson, First National Bank of Omaha, First State Bank in Gothenburg, Omaha, and Ralston, First State Bank in Holbrook, First State Bank in Loomis and Alma, Security First Bank in Elwood, Cozad, and Overton, TierOne Bank, and U.S. Bank for their fi nancial support to GROW Nebraska.
If you would like to make an impact with GROW Nebraska or have any other questions, e-mail the organization at info@grownebraska.org.
Story by: Nebraska Bankers Magazine
