Blog Posts & Stories

In her previous role with the Center, Jessica frequently encountered individuals eager to launch or enhance their businesses. And as she referred them to the Center’s Lending Services staff, she couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to do more. Now as a loan specialist, Jessica’s role encompasses an array of responsibilities focused on supporting small businesses and facilitating homeownership opportunities across the state.

The Center for Rural Affairs is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $62 million grant under the Solar for All program. With this grant, the Center will focus on ensuring that low-income and...

A farm stand can be an excellent way to diversify your revenue, connect with your audience, and market your goods. Not only are these stands a convenient way to sell your products, but they’re also a great way to educate visitors about your farming practices and connect with your customers.

The Nebraska Legislature adjourned its 2024 session on Thursday, April 18. While a combination of filibusters and only 60 working days limited the number of bills debated, the Center was pleased to see a much needed injection of state support for child care providers, health care affordability, and broadband development.

Para muchos emprendedores, el sueño de ser propietario de una pequeña empresa se centra en construir algo desde cero. Si bien ese es ciertamente un camino, a menudo conlleva riesgos, incertidumbre e incontables horas de arduo trabajo. En la tercera parte de nuestra serie de tres partes sobre transición empresarial, analizamos cómo proceder para comprar una empresa.

For many entrepreneurs, the dream of small business ownership centers on building something from the ground up. While that certainly is one route, it often comes with risk, uncertainty, and untold hours of hard work. In part 3 of our three-part series on business transition, we’re taking a look at how to go about buying a business.

The end of the 2024 Iowa legislative session is near. Today, April 16, marks the 100th day of legislative work and is the last day legislators will receive per diem stipends for their time spent in...

Renewable energy development, energy conservation, and energy efficiency improvements offer an opportunity for rural communities to save money, become more energy-resilient, and increase the reliability of the electric grid. While many Nebraska communities are interested in such improvements, the upfront costs associated with energy-related projects have often been initially prohibitive—until now.

Michelle y Scott Herbolsheimer soñaban con revivir un centro comunitario que alguna vez fue ruidoso cuando compraron la antigua estación de servicio abandonada en las afueras de Oakland. Comprar una gasolinera fue más que una oportunidad de negocio para Michelle y Scott. La compra les ofreció la oportunidad de revivir un pedazo de la historia de Michelle.

Michelle and Scott Herbolsheimer dreamed of reviving a once-bustling community hub when they bought the old derelict gas station at the edge of Oakland. Buying a gas station was more than a business opportunity for Michelle and Scott. The purchase offered them the chance to revive a piece of Michelle’s history.

While many Center for Rural Affairs' old-timers may not recognize the name Chris Roberts, she played a critical role in changing the direction of the Center in the late 1970s. Most of the work in the early 1970s focused on policy advocacy and muck-raking journalism. But Chris changed this—at least for me.

We are pleased to share an update on our priority legislation this session, Legislative Bill (LB) 1116, which would have created a grant or loan program for grocery and convenience stores in areas with limited grocery access to expand or improve fresh food options. While the bill did not advance out of the Agriculture Committee, last Monday Sen. Teresa Ibach introduced Legislative Resolution (LR) 374 to propose a related interim study.

Here in rural America, many of us see the benefits of supporting our local farmers and gardeners. It’s hard to top fresh food, and spending our hard-earned money locally contributes to the betterment of our communities as a whole. Unfortunately, as abundant as fresh food may be within our communities, it isn’t always within reach for some families.

With attention now turned to the state budget, the Center for Rural Affairs needs your help urging legislators to pass House File (HF) 2599, which would establish the Iowa Grocer Reinvestment Fund and Program and the Local Produce Processing Fund and Program.

One of the goals included in Nebraska's Department of Environment and Energy's Priority Climate Action Plan recently submitted to the federal Environmental Protection Agency is to increase the use of regenerative agricultural practices in the state. The plan identifies "cover crops, no-till, and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizer" as important practices to improve soil health, which increases its ability to sequester carbon.

El conocimiento empresarial y la calidez de María Dolores Arias Villalpando la han ayudado a convertir su negocio, Laundry Mex, en Grand Island, Nebraska, en un lugar acogedor para los clientes y un próspero centro de negocios para sus inquilinos.

Maria Dolores Arias Villalpando’s business savvy and warm nature have helped her turn her business, Laundry Mex, in Grand Island, Nebraska, into a welcoming place for customers and a thriving business center for her tenants.

Ya sea que se trate de un giro estratégico o de un plan de jubilación, la decisión de vender una empresa requiere una cuidadosa consideración. Aunque muchos propietarios de pequeñas empresas confían en un plan de salida similar al de una sucesión familiar, ese no siempre es el camino ideal. A veces es mejor confiar el legado a alguien fuera del círculo familiar. En este artículo, el segundo de una serie de tres partes sobre transición empresarial, repasamos las etapas cruciales de la planificación de la sucesión cuando se trata de vender su empresa a una persona que no es miembro de la familia.

Whether it's a strategic pivot or a retirement plan, the decision to sell a business takes careful consideration. Although many small business owners rely on a family succession-style exit plan, that isn’t always the ideal path. Sometimes it’s best to trust the legacy to someone outside of the family circle. In this article, the second of a three-part series on business transition, we walk through the crucial stages of succession planning when it comes to selling your business to a non-family member.

A new farm bill is top of mind for many farmers, ranchers, and rural community members. However, amidst the ongoing discussions and negotiations, another important conversation is beginning to unfold. In the weeks ahead, members of Congress will outline federal spending levels for 2025, including funding for programs that impact agriculture and small businesses.