Blog Posts & Stories

The future of Nebraska’s energy generation is up for debate and the voice of rural residents is needed to make sure it’s a sustainable, resilient, and responsible one.

Not often do we consider the possibilities that emerge from a school cafeteria. Most of the time, they’re places where students enjoy a break, eat a meal, and socialize with friends. The cafeteria is, absolutely, all of these things, but it’s also much more as many groups around our state are realizing. Our school cafeterias can be transformed into both the largest classrooms and restaurants in Nebraska.

When Sheyla Campos and Antonio Fombellida Garcia started their business Handyman Antonio, in Grand Island, Nebraska, they made sure everything was by the book.

After more than 70 years, the community of Oakland, Nebraska, has no hospital. Citing low in-patient and emergency room volume, hospital officials announced the closure of MercyOne Oakland in June—leaving all of Burt County without a facility.

The Center for Rural Affairs has been on Chuck Karpf’s radar since 1979. Although he didn’t have much contact with the Center until the 1980s and ‘90s, he has become an active supporter over the years and now serves on the Board of Directors.

A self-described “free spirit,” Ashley Nisley has explored a variety of occupations over the years. From licensed cosmetologist to licensed insurance agent, Ashley also has worked as an office clerk, bartender and, on occasion, a waitress, until developing an interest in fine jewelry that led to her becoming a business owner.

The effects of climate change are laid out in a new United Nations report, which pointed to greenhouse gas emissions. While global leaders address broader issues, local efforts continue to protect natural resources, including giving farmers an easier path to conservation resources.

Nebraska businesses with no more than five employees now can apply for up to $20,000 in tax credits. Johnathan Hladik, policy director at the Center for Rural Affairs, said because funds are limited, now is the time to get in line for the Nebraska Advantage Microenterprise Tax Credit.

Farmers and ranchers interested in working-lands conservation often have a vision for their operation that includes the well-being of both the environment and the commodities they produce. What’s...

La Administración de Pequeños Negocios (SBA por sus siglas en inglés) tiene dos opciones disponibles para los prestatarios que deseen solicitar el perdón del préstamo del Programa de Protección de Cheques de Pago (PPP por sus siglas en inglés).

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has two options available for borrowers seeking forgiveness on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.

¿Tiene una gran idea para un negocio? ¿O ya es dueño de un negocio y está buscando formas de llevarlo al siguiente nivel? Un préstamo podría proporcionar el impulso adicional que necesita su pequeña empresa.

Do you have a great idea for a business? Or already own a business and are looking for ways to take it to the next level? A loan could provide the extra boost your small business needs.

Mark Villagrana always wanted to run his own business, and when the opportunity presented itself to open Sweet V’s, he got his entire family to join the adventure with him.

Many producers know that conservation helps keep their ranches and farms resilient. However, the path to adopting sound environmental practices might not be clear for farmers and ranchers new to...

In Macy, Nebraska, fresh produce is abundant. Especially in a 7-acre garden next to the school football field. In a joint effort among the UMÓⁿHOⁿ (Omaha) Nation Public School, the Jobs for American...

When conventional food supply chains had difficulties adapting at the start of the pandemic, farmers markets and local food systems clearly displayed the resiliency of short supply chains as interest...

Alma Sagastume sabe un par de cosas acerca de cómo administrar un negocio. Durante años, dirigió su propia tienda en Guatemala antes de mudarse a Nebraska, donde ha sido propietaria de My 15 City por casi una década.

Living in a larger community meant Megan Zoucha and her husband, Will, were used to having certain amenities nearby. While they appreciated the convenience, they opted to move to Fullerton, Nebraska, to enjoy the slow pace of rural living.

Alma Sagastume knows a thing or two about running a business. For years, she ran her own shop in Guatemala before moving to Nebraska, where she has owned and operated My 15 City for the better part of a decade.