NebraskaEDGE and WesternEDGE10 programs

The NebraskaEDGE (Enhancing, Developing, and Growing Entrepreneurs) is a community-based entrepreneurial training program operated by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI). The program focus is on helping small rural businesses, including agricultural businesses, to increase their capacity to plan and manage their operations more effectively leading to increased profitability. They also support a youth entrepreneurship program, helping the next generation of business leaders to explore self-employment opportunities.

According to the NebraskaEDGE Web site, program participants will learn how to:

• Determine the feasibility of starting or expanding a business,
• Structure a business plan that aligns with personal ideals and aspirations,
• Research the industry, set pricing, and effectively deliver the product or service to market,
• Develop marketing strategies that effectively reach the customer base,
• Understand the terms used by lenders and legal advisors,
• Efficiently manage operations such as finances/cash flow, legal issues, employees, suppliers and more,
• Craft a detailed business plan and actively use it as a road map to manage a business.

Each course provides opportunities for one-on-one advice from instructors, as well as a chance to solicit fresh ideas from a group of fellow entrepreneurs. Courses are taught by people with first- hand business or consulting experience.