Center for Rural Affairs asks for feedback on small business needs by Sept. 30

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Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext 1025

LYONS, NEBRASKA – Small business owners and those who serve them, including lenders and resource providers, are invited to take a short survey to help identify the changing needs of small businesses in Nebraska.

The Center for Rural Affairs is circulating its small business needs assessment survey for the sixth time. The biennial assessment began in 2008.

“The challenges that small businesses face in Nebraska are constantly evolving, and we need timely feedback to ensure we are helping businesses and to make sure we have a thriving economy in our state,” said Anna Pratt, Center for Rural Affairs Women’s Business Center director. “Meeting the needs of startup and existing small businesses is important to all the organizations and entities that provide small business services.”

As with previous surveys, the Center for Rural Affairs will use the results to help shape future programming.

“Our ultimate goal is to enhance programming to best serve the critical needs of today’s entrepreneurs,” Pratt said.

Previous surveys have resulted in expanded programming. Center staff used the 2016 survey results to increase trainings that focus on online and social media marketing.  

“That’s a need we immediately started working to fill,” Pratt said. “At this point, we have six instructors providing training in this area. It’s now a big part of our curriculum.”

The survey is available in English or Spanish. The deadline is Sept. 30.

Results of the 2016 survey can be found here.

Center for Rural Affairs provides business training, technical assistance, microloans, and networking to small businesses in Nebraska.

 

Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

Center for Rural Affairs receives funding from the Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Business and Innovation Act through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, U.S. Department of Treasury, Peter Kiewit Foundation, and other sources. Women’s Business 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. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities and/or persons with limited English proficiency will be made if requested in advance. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.