REAP Newsletter
| The REAP Business Update newsletter is published quarterly for REAP members and others interested in starting, expanding and supporting small rural businesses.
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Improved REAP Web Serves Rural Entrepreneurs
Thu, 07/02/2009 - 19:50 — Marie PowellThe Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) is committed to helping rural small businesses succeed through action-oriented programming including lending, loan packaging assistance, small business training, one-on-one counseling and networking opportunities. In providing assistance to startup and existing entrepreneurs, an up-to-date and easy to use website is an important tool. To that end, we have been busy working behind the scenes on a major upgrade of the REAP website. We launched the new site on April 13, 2009, at http://www.cfra.org/reap.
Rural America and Health Care Reform
Thu, 07/02/2009 - 19:46 — Marie PowellRural Americans face unique challenges in our current health care system. When Congress acts on health care reform later this summer, their legislation will need to address rural concerns if Congress hopes to fulfill the promise of making the health care system fair and equitable to all.
Hair Salon Gets a Stylish Boost
Thu, 07/02/2009 - 19:43 — Marie PowellElaine Mullin Receives Funds to Expand Business
The REAP Women’s Business Center recently recognized Elaine Mullin with a $3,000 award provided by the Women & Co.® Microenterprise Boost Program. Elaine owns and operates Elaine’s Hair Studio in Pawnee City, Neb. and has built a clientele of over 150 people in the area. She has over 30 years of experience working as a hair stylist.
The REAP Women’s Business Center recently recognized Elaine Mullin with a $3,000 award provided by the Women & Co.® Microenterprise Boost Program. Elaine owns and operates Elaine’s Hair Studio in Pawnee City, Neb. and has built a clientele of over 150 people in the area. She has over 30 years of experience working as a hair stylist.
REAP Staff Attends AEO Conference
Thu, 07/02/2009 - 19:40 — Marie PowellArlington, Virginia was the setting for the 2009 Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) Conference on May 16-19, 2009. Five REAP staff attended the training event.
REAP Staff Receive Awards
Thu, 07/02/2009 - 19:37 — Marie PowellREAP staff Jerry Terwilliger and Eugene Rahn both received awards recently recognizing their outstanding work with the Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP).
Calendar Dates
Thu, 07/02/2009 - 19:30 — Marie PowellREAP Activities:
Two Computer Basics Workshops in Spanish will be offered in July by the REAP Hispanic Business Center in partnership with the University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension, Northeast Community College, and Wakefield Gardner Public Library. In August, a Business Plan Basics Training in Spanish is coming to Imperial. Look below for details on these and other events.
Two Computer Basics Workshops in Spanish will be offered in July by the REAP Hispanic Business Center in partnership with the University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension, Northeast Community College, and Wakefield Gardner Public Library. In August, a Business Plan Basics Training in Spanish is coming to Imperial. Look below for details on these and other events.
REAP Award Recipients
Thu, 04/09/2009 - 21:03 — Marie PowellEntrepreneur Award
Larry Harbour, established LB Custom Chrome and Detail, LLC, in Broken Bow, Nebraska, as a side job in 2001 and officially since October 2006. The business provides “quality detailing with unsurpassed service.”
Larry Harbour, established LB Custom Chrome and Detail, LLC, in Broken Bow, Nebraska, as a side job in 2001 and officially since October 2006. The business provides “quality detailing with unsurpassed service.”
3rd Annual Business Plan Competition in McCook
Thu, 04/09/2009 - 18:06 — Marie PowellThe Hormel Family Foundation (www.investmccook.com) has begun accepting submissions for its third annual Business Plan Competition in McCook, Nebraska. The competition, which targets local entrepreneurs and business owners, will take place on June 12 at the Hormel Business & Technology Center on the McCook Community College campus.
REAP Website Upgraded
Thu, 04/09/2009 - 18:04 — Marie PowellBehind the scenes we’ve been at work rebuild¬ing the REAP website at www.cfra.org/reap, adding new functionality and streamlining the navigation. We have also improved the REAP Online Lending System and the Online Member Directory. Barring unforeseen problems or delays, the new website was to go live the week of March 30.
Update: REAP Training Opportunities
Thu, 04/09/2009 - 18:00 — Marie PowellThe REAP Women’s Business Center collaborated with the St. Paul Economic Development Corporation in February to host Dave Buchholz and his How to Get Big Results from a Small Advertising Budget presentation. Dave always presents practical ideas with a humorous touch.
Third Annual MarketPlace Conference a Huge Success
Thu, 04/09/2009 - 17:56 — Marie PowellOver 525 people gathered in North Platte, Nebraska, on Feb. 25, 2009, for the Center for Rural Affairs’ third annual MarketPlace, an entrepreneurial and small business conference. Entrepreneurs, business owners, service providers, students, teachers, farmers, ranchers and many others of all ages took part. Participants came from 11 states.
REAP Announces Women & Co.® Awardees
Thu, 04/09/2009 - 17:52 — Marie PowellFor the fifth year, the REAP Women’s Business Center has participated in the Women & Co.® Microenterprise Boost Program funded by Citi Foundation. Three entrepreneurs will receive cash awards of $3,000 or $5,000 as well as business skills training to help them grow and develop their businesses.
SBA Assistance: Surviving in a Down Economy
Thu, 04/09/2009 - 17:45 — Marie PowellTips on Revamping Your Business in Tough Economic Times
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering free online training courses to assist small business owners in the current economy. One has to register to take the courses, but there is no charge and you can go at your own pace.
Opportunity from Challenges!
Thu, 04/09/2009 - 17:31 — Marie PowellThe news these days is not very positive. The economy is bad and sounds like it will be for a long time; people are being laid off from long-time jobs in record numbers; on and on and on … . But could this be the opportune time for you to re-invent your business? Or at least look closely at how you are doing business?
LB Custom Chrome and Detail Finds Success with Eye Toward Quality
Wed, 01/21/2009 - 13:34 — Marie PowellLarry and Molly Harbour moved to Broken Bow from Omaha in 1998. (Molly was originally from the area.) They started their business, LB Custom Chrome and Detail, LLC, in 2001 from home. Larry spent the next five years improving his skills and building a client base.
Winning Federal Contracts for Your Business
Wed, 01/21/2009 - 13:18 — Marie PowellGovernment buyers are looking for what you have … quality products and services at competitive prices. There are billions of dollars in contracting opportunities with the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Defense Logistics Agency, Veteran’s Administration, and other federal, state and local agencies. With help from the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) and Small Business Administration (SBA) counselors, your company could be the one to take advantage of these lucrative opportunities.
