Barrera honored as Center for Rural Affairs' Latino Partner of the Year

Small Towns
Contact(s)

Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext. 1025

LYONS, NEBRASKA - The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Sandra Barrera, of Grand Island, Neb., as its 2016 Latino Partner of the Year. Center staff will recognize Barrera at an award ceremony on March 10 in York, Neb.

The Latino Partner of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding support for the Center for Rural Affairs and exceptional dedication to small business development in rural Nebraska.

Barrera is a University of Nebraska at Lincoln Extension educator of community vitality in Hall County, and is an entrepreneur herself.

“Sandra is a great partner in sponsoring and promoting training opportunities to the community,” said Juan Sandoval of the Center for Rural Affairs. “She understands the importance of access to resources.”

She helped start Coffee Tables, a monthly training for entrepreneurs in Grand Island, and refers clients to the Center so they can explore their financing options.

“Not only does Sandra encourage Latino entrepreneurs to utilize resources to help them be successful, but she is also an excellent mentor,” said Sandoval. “She is passionate about assisting small business owners to help them succeed.”

In 2016, Barrera’s support helped start 23 businesses in the Grand Island area.

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The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Center for Rural Affairs receives funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA Microloan Program and SBA Women’s Business Center), United States Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Business and Innovation Act through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, United States Department of Treasury, Peter Kiewit Foundation and other sources. The Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All Small Business Administration funded programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.