Ever since 1990, REAP has had a constant theme. It is Evolution and Change. Our evolution is speeding up in 2012, as major changes are in the works.

Technical Assistance is a vital part of your small business success. The REAP Hispanic Business Center provides technical assistance to Latino business owners all over the state of Nebraska.

Are your business books in order? Are you good with computers? Is your business plan written down? If you answered “no” to any of these, the REAP Women’s Business Center can help you!

Maria Davila, recipient of the REAP Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year Award.com

According to the US census, Hispanic-owned businesses have increased by about 44% between 2002 and 2007, to 2.3 million businesses. That growth is more than twice the national rate of 18%.

Hispanic-owned businesses generated $345.2 billion in sales in 2007, up 56% compared with 2002. The number of Hispanic-owned businesses with receipts of $1 million or more increased 52%, from 29,168 businesses in 2002 to 44,206 businesses in 2007.

With buying power dramatically increased, companies and organizations have begun targeting Hispanic customers. If you are a small business owner and live in Nebraska, where the number of Hispanic individuals increased by 77% since 2000, you should be thinking about strategies to attract these new customers in 2012.

There are so many questions to ask when considering the purchase of an existing business. A great place to begin is with the tips listed below.

Most importantly, start by asking, "Why is the seller selling?" The answer will raise red flags or be consistent with, and meet no resistance when asking for the detailed information that follows.

Chandler honey is marketed all over Central Nebraska, supplying approximately 80 stores. They sell as far away as Hy-Vee in Omaha and handle all Nebraska Honey Sunday bottling and distribution.

Pat and Rachael Chandler took over management of Chandler Sandhill Honey in Anselmo, Nebraska, in early 2000. Pat is a skilled beekeeper and production manager, with over 350 hives. Rachel manages the honey bottling side of the business along with sales and honey delivery.

Back in 2007, a state Value Added Agriculture grant helped them up¬grade their honey bottling facility. In 2010, they received another grant to upgrade their 70 year old honey extraction equipment. It required matching funds, and the Nebraska Rural Development Commission led them to REAP.

Working with Dena Beck, the Business Specialist for their region, Pat and Rachael prepared a business plan and cash flow to apply for financing to modernize their facility along with the equipment. Through Dena’s contacts, the Nebraska Enterprise Fund was brought in as the primary lender, together with REAP and the Custer County Revolving Loan Fund.

Archery is a specialty of the staff at Midwest Outdoors, LLC. The business launched after two entrepreneurs let their passion grow into a business.

Archery is one specialty of the staff at Midwest Outdoors, LLC. The business launched after two entrepreneurs let their passion for the outdoors grow into a 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.

Andy and Seth grew up in the Nebraska outdoors and take pride in their one-on-one customer service, extensive knowledge base, and the quality products. Their niche is archery. Midwest Outdoors is the only full-service archery shop in Grand Island, and boasts a single indoor lane out to 15 yards and a single outdoor lane out to 70 yards.