Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
On Thursday, Sept. 2, the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce hosted representatives from the Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF). The meet and greet was held at The Pedalers Corner patio with Sam & Louie's catering the pizza.
The NEF serves a target market of traditionally disadvantaged small businesses, including those owned by people of color, low-income people, women and veterans. The Nebraska Enterprise fund envisions a vibrant small business eco-system where every small and micro business has the opportunity to start, grow and prosper.
“The City of the Sidney and the Cheyenne County Chamber are excited to introduce the benefits of working NEF because their services fill that loan gap for those entrepreneurs who don’t fit traditional bank loan financing. NEF has microloans that can help someone finance the start of a small business. NEF doesn’t just loan money though. They provide a full suite of services that help entrepreneurs from concept to expansion,” said Kim Matthews, Economic Development Director for the City of Sidney.
The 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. gathering was an opportunity for NEF representatives and business leaders and entrepreneurs in the Sidney area to meet.
In addition to offering loans to micro and small businesses, NEF hosts programs such as “Small Business Essentials – Overview of Quickbooks, Small Business Clinics, and Strategies for Small Business to Recover, Rebuild and Be Ready with the NEF. Workshops are also available in Spanish. The NEF staff can work with business owners are determining cash flow, calculating start-up expenses and the importance of budgeting.
The NEF works with the businesses traditionally defined as disadvantaged small businesses, including those owned by minorities, low-income people women and veterans.
Following a significant number of inquiries from Iowa bankers and entrepreneurs, the NEF expanded services into Iowa this year.
The Nebraska Enterprise Fund has provided $14.23 million in direct lending caption impacting 1,791 jobs, 45,317 individual coaching sessions, and 11,134 participants in training during the last five years. The NEF has customizable training options available.
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