Lori Bergman, owner of Double Dips Ice Creamery, in North Platte, was recently recognized in her community with the 2023 Women of Achievement in Business.
She was among six area women who were honored in business, education, government, medical, social services, and volunteer work by the Nebraskaland Bank and The North Platte Telegraph.
Lori’s ice cream business was started more than a decade ago, serving up scoops at fairs and local events, selling to customers from a food trailer. In August 2019, she made the leap into a brick and mortar storefront in downtown North Platte, taking on the dessert trade full time.
She worked with the Nebraska Business Development Center to develop her business and later connected with the Center for Rural Affairs.
The Center helped Lori secure financing through support from the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP), a federal program. Along with loan funds, RMAP allows the Center to help clients through technical assistance, such as business planning, organizing expenses, and much more.
“Opening just prior to the pandemic, Lori has worked hard to make her shop a success and we’re proud to help her along the way,” said Becky Parker, loan specialist. “Being able to provide RMAP funds through the Center shows this type of federal tool keeps communities vibrant.”
This is not Lori’s first community award. Previous awards include the 2020 North Platte Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year Award and 2020 North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau Tourism Award.
