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Recent posts by Monica Braun

Women Entrepreneurs Conference Abuzz with Networking

By Monica Braun on April 24, 2013 - 10:08am

What do you get when you have an event targeting entrepreneurial women? Lots of sharing of ideas, inspiration, and information! That’s what took place at the Women Entrepreneurs Conference held at the YWCA of Grand Island on March 20, 2013.

Marketing tips and advice came from Ann Martin of idea bank marketing in Hastings. Ann shared great information about customer service. You know how important first impressions are, right? Think of the voice that answers the phone at your business. Then carry that enthusiasm and service to your online and social media marketing.

SBA Disaster Loans Available to Nebraska Small Businesses

By Monica Braun on April 16, 2013 - 11:50am

Small, nonfarm businesses in all Nebraska counties except Richardson county are eligible to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans from the US Small Business Administration (SBA). The loans offset economic losses due to reduced revenues caused by drought conditions.

“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers who have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” according to Alfred Judd, spokesman for the SBA.

Unprecedented Times Call for Unprecedented Women

By Monica Braun on February 13, 2013 - 12:00am

The REAP Women’s Business Center and the Small Business Administration (SBA) have put together a Day of Insights, Inspiration and Personal Growth for Women. Come join us at the Grand Island YWCA on Wednesday, March 20, 2013!

Presenters will provide information on Launching, Marketing, and Business Succession! A panel of  women entrepreneurs will share their stories. Information about the Affordable Health Care Act will be discussed. AND we will have time for Networking. With everyone’s busy schedules, we seem to be missing that sharing and encouraging time!

How Can You Tell a Happy Pet? The Tail Waggin Knows

By Monica Braun on November 25, 2012 - 8:09pm

Alison Martin owns The Tail Waggin, a mobile store operated from a decked-out and gaily painted SUV that takes toys, healthy treats, collars, leashes, beds, holistic food and wellness products to personal shopping appointments for pets. The small business offers customers a chance to shop at home and fills a void of quality pet products in the area.

Loved working with pets so much she made a career change
“I knew in my heart all along I was destined to work with pets,” said Alison, who, along with her husband, enjoys six dogs in their household. A native Nebraskan, she gave up a career in broadcasting in Denver to serve as the local Humane Society’s offsite adoptions coordinator.

But after sitting awake at night fretting over the fate of the pooches, Alison moved on to a veterinarian clinic. She eventually learned of a local pet sitter the vet would recommend to customers. “I thought that was a great job,” Alison said, “without the heartache of working in a vet clinic.”

Resources for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities in Nebraska

By Monica Braun on November 25, 2012 - 8:04pm

In spite of laws that dramatically increased physical access and educational opportunities for people with disabilities, big challenges remain. Unemployment and underemployment is much higher for this group. During the recent recession, Americans with disabilities dropped out of the labor force at five times the rate of workers without disabilities.

It’s been 22 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed. With ADA came accessible buildings, transportation, and telecommunication systems that have increased opportunities for people with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) passed even earlier, 36 years ago – ensuring access to a quality education for all our children with disabilities.

People with disabilities are much more likely to be self employed than their non-disabled counterparts. Innovative and creative people with disabilities have used self employment, especially home-based business ownership, when traditional employment was unavailable to them. Some are REAP clients, and REAP staff frequently refer them to me for help. I want to share my sources with you.

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