REAP News

Newspaper owner named Latino Business Center Entrepreneur of the Year

By Liz Daehnke on August 20, 2018 - 6:20am

What started as a passion for writing, and a desire to help others in her community, has led Norma Cell Marquez, of Grand Island, Nebraska, to become a successful, award-winning business owner.

Because of the dedication to her craft and the community she serves, the Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Norma as the 2017 Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) Latino Business Center Entrepreneur of the Year. She was recognized at an award ceremony on March 9 in Red Cloud, Nebraska.

Passion for rural entrepreneurs leads to award for REAP 2017 Friend of the Year

By Liz Daehnke on August 14, 2018 - 4:50pm

Seven years ago, when Sara Bennett began working for Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC), she had no idea that her passion for serving rural entrepreneurs would lead to winning an award.

Because of her dedication, Sara has been chosen as the Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) 2017 Friend of the Year. She was recognized at an award ceremony on March 9 in Red Cloud, Nebraska.

Latino-owned businesses in Nebraska almost doubled in five years, according to report

By Liz Daehnke on August 1, 2018 - 1:29pm

Husband and wife business partners, Diego Leon and Jenny Lopez, rely on their memories of Colombian fruit and juice stands to recreate the vibrant and unique dishes of their homeland. These thoughts inspire their restaurant, FRUIT, in Grand Island, Nebraska.

The couple immigrated to the U.S. in 2014, and opened their business in January 2016. Diego says starting their venture was an intensive process, but a labor of love.

Staff spotlight: Laurie has big goals and high hopes for new position

By Liz Daehnke on July 2, 2018 - 3:18pm

Since 1990, the Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP), has provided services to micro businesses throughout Nebraska. Because of financial assistance, and/or training provided through REAP, countless small businesses have grown and thrived, and just as many eager entrepreneurs have seen their dreams come true by opening their own businesses.

To lead a program which offers that much opportunity and gives so many people hope is a giant undertaking, but it’s one that Laurie Donnell is excited to begin.

Chatterbox flies again: from skies in WWII to a soaring business venture

By Liz Daehnke on June 27, 2018 - 5:15pm

Every small town has that one place locals love to hang out; that business where everyone gathers. There’s something about the comfort of being in a home away from home that draws people in and keeps them coming back for more.

In Tekamah, Nebraska, that business is Chatterbox Brews.

“When you walk out onto our back patio, you feel like you’re walking into someone’s backyard – it feels like home,” said Cindy Chatt, one of the owners of the business.

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