By Veronica Reyes, former staff member
My goal is to help small towns in rural Nebraska stay vibrant places to live by creating new businesses, and assisting communities grow from the inside out. I want to keep small towns attractive for individuals to stay in or come back to their birthplace.
This job gives me an opportunity to provide assistance to individuals who are looking to start or expand their businesses. Part of my role as a Latino loan specialist is to help people with financing, technical assistance, and training.
I’m excited to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with borrowers before, during, and after their loan transactions. I feel privileged for the chance to work with people who have a dream, and to be part of and witness the moment when that dream becomes a reality.
Over the years, I’ve done work on a contract basis for the Center on different occasions. First, as a REAP technical assistance provider for two years, then as an instructor for the Business Plan Basics training in Spanish for three years.
My previous employment experiences have given me plenty of opportunities to prepare for my new, full-time role with the Center. In 2016, I joined the Central Community College Entrepreneurship Center as a business coordinator, and I assisted the director of regional economic development agencies, helping with small businesses. In Venezuela, I worked for more than 10 years in small business development, then I was involved in international trading. I obtained an MBA in management from Universidad de Carabobo in Valencia, Venezuela, and I have experience in marketing research and customer service culture.
My husband, Julio Reyes, and I live in Columbus, Nebraska, a place we feel lucky to raise our 3-year-old son and call our home. I’m originally from Venezuela, growing up in Valencia, the industrial capital and third largest city in the country. Julio and I moved to Nebraska in 2013 to reunite with my parents and siblings who have lived here since 1998.
Rural Nebraska is one of the best places to grow and establish a family. The warmth and generosity of the people around my own family has made our transition into this amazing state so much easier.
I am grateful and feel privileged to have this job. I get to help people and communities, and I get to learn something new every day.
I can be reached at 402.942.1113 or [email protected].
Veronica assists small businesses in 10 counties, including Burt, Cedar, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Madison, Pierce, Stanton, Thurston, and Wayne counties. She serves Latino businesses in 18 counties, including Antelope, Boone, Burt, Cedar, Colfax, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Dodge, Knox, Madison, Nance, Pierce, Platte, Stanton, Thurston, Washington, and Wayne counties. For a map, click here.
