Blog Posts & Stories

Did you know that nearly 1 in 10 small businesses in the U.S. is owned by a veteran? Together, they employ nearly 5 million American workers and produce more than $1 trillion in sales every year. Last...

For more than two decades, Ruth Chantry has been gaining farming experience, and she’s not planning to stop any time soon.

By Cody Smith, former staff member Consistent with the nation, rural Nebraskans are aging at a faster rate than their urban counterparts. Unfortunately, a shifting long-term care system may leave them...

Ray Meylor, prides himself on being an asset to his community, through teaching and practicing conservation to preserve water quality.

In February 2018, after the presidential budget was released, I wrote a piece highlighting the importance of conservation and the Conservation Stewardship Program. I made note that the presidential budget included cuts to conservation programs, and cited my growing concern that stewardship of our natural resources would be left behind with these damaging actions.

For one woman in Denton, Nebraska, health care worries have been a part of her life for almost a decade. Melissa Smith is a mother of five and a small business owner. Along with her husband, Tyler, they own and operate Hillside Events, a wedding venue located on their family property outside of town.

Results of this week’s election will have significant implications for the future of rural America. Voters should not forget the farm bill is on the ballot. A strong farm bill is crucial for rural...

Knock. Knock. Linda, a retired woman in her sixties, comes to the front door of her rural Nebraska home on a rainy, summer day. She offered to let me in, wondering what had me out in the poor weather.

For seven years, rural Nebraskans in the health insurance coverage gap have heard all the what if scenarios around Medicaid expansion. At the same time, they have dealt with the what ifs of purchasing their heart medication or putting food on the table.

Keep your body, mind, and soul in harmony. This is something Rosa Maria Brooks takes to heart when running her business, Rosa Maria’s Wellness Spirit Of Healing And Astrology Center, LLC. More than...

Congress, whether through dysfunction, neglect or some combination, has allowed the Farm Bill to expire.

This November, voters in Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, and Utah will decide whether to extend health insurance coverage to a combined half million hardworking, low-income Americans.

Even though she’s traveled all over the world, Cora Fox says her favorite places are the small towns and wide open spaces in the heartland of America. Cora’s love of rural led her to the Center for...

Running a successful business doesn’t happen overnight; it takes hard work, ambition, and persistence. Occasionally, entrepreneurs also have to step outside their comfort zone and ask for help. Stacy...

If there is one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that water quality improvement practices are key to solving Iowa’s water problem.

Nancy Cochran-Jones never thought she’d make a living through cleaning services. Then, an opportunity to take over her congregants’ tile cleaning business changed everything for Nancy and her husband...

October is Women’s Small Business Month, making now a perfect time to highlight accomplishments of women entrepreneurs and small business owners across the nation. About 150 Women’s Business Centers...

Up and down the campaign trail and all across Nebraska, candidates are quick to tell you that property tax is their number one priority. It’s true for incumbents and newcomers alike. Nearly every rural or statewide contender is ensuring voters that property tax is the primary focus.

Rural Nebraskans are at a distinct disadvantage in their ability to access health care coverage. Combined with the limited availability of health care providers and facilities, this disadvantage grows as consideration is given to the socioeconomics of health care access.

Connectivity is the defining aspect of our 21st century economy. Access to broadband internet offers the best in education, health care, and economic development. Unfortunately for many, the best isn’t available.