Rural Enterprise Assistance Project

Rural Main Street Call on REAP when you are thinking of starting a small business or if you already operate a small business in Nebraska.

Through REAP you can create a business plan, research potential markets and marketing ideas, discuss management issues with experienced business specialists, and apply for a small business loan.

Started in 1990, REAP has provided services to numerous micro/small businesses throughout Nebraska. (A micro business is defined as one with 10 or fewer employees.) We've placed over $7 million in loans and leveraged over $13 million in additional funds from other sources.

NEW! Please fill out our REAP Small Business Needs Assessment survey today! We'll use it to plan REAP services, and we'll share the results widely.

Events

MarketPlace: Connect. Learn. Be Inspired!
The 6th Annual MarketPlace will be held at the Ramada Inn Convention Center in Kearney, Nebraska on Feb. 22, 2012. MarketPlace is an event focused on growing small businesses and rural communities.

Nebraska Agri/Eco-Tourism Workshop
The 7th annual agritourism workshop will be held at the Sandhills Convention Center in North Platte on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2012. It is presented by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development Travel and Tourism Division and numerous partners.







Spotlight on Business

Love of Outdoors Grows into Business

Andy Leighty and Seth Jensen started Midwest Outdoors in Andy’s basement as a side venture to their construction businesses. The pair was testing potential demand in the region before they leaped into the new venture. Happily, the signs were positive, and the two businessmen opened their full time hunting and fishing store in Grand Island, Nebraska, on Feb. 28, 2011. In addition to hunting and fishing basics, the shop also offers trapping supplies and some apparel.


Meet Gina and Bradley Babb of Ord, Nebraska. In 2008 they took over Brad's family business with the crucial help of Rural Enterprise Assistance Program (REAP). They were featured in a documentary produced by the Association for Enterprise Opportunity to demonstrate the importance of microenterprise development across America.


What is REAP?

The Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) of the Center for Rural Affairs is committed to strengthening rural communities through small, self-employed business development. More.

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