Jobs Employment: Getting Started

The following organizations are a good place to start as you begin to develop your idea for a new business or wish to expand your existing business. These organizations provide assistance in a variety of ways, including consulting, training, libraries and helpful websites.

Nebraska Business Development Centers – Created by the College of Business Administration, University of Nebraska at Omaha, these centers offer free, basic consulting services and a start-up guide. They also offer workshops, training events, and other resources. NBDC centers are in Chadron, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, North Platte, Norfolk, Scottsbluff, and Wayne. http://nbdc.unomaha.edu/

One-Stop Business Assistance Center – Operated by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Center can provide detailed technical assistance, identify available financial resources, and research any issue no matter how small or complicated. 800-426-6505. The Center also maintains an extensive, in-depth, and up-to-date website of resources about every aspect of starting up and operating a business. http://assist.neded.org/

REAP (Rural Enterprise Assistance Project) – A program of the Center for Rural Affairs, REAP is Nebraska’s largest microenterprise program (catering to businesses with five or fewer employees). It operates on a state-wide, rural basis through regionally based Business Specialists. REAP provides lending, training, networking, and technical assistance. http://www.cfra.org/reap/default.htm

SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business – (Service Corps of Retired Executives). Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE Counselors offer free counseling, resource materials, and low-cost business workshops. SCORE chapters are found in Columbus, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, and Scottsbluff. To find your nearest SCORE chapter either in Nebraska or in bordering cities, go to the national website and enter your zip code. http://www.score.org/

University of Nebraska Entrepreneurship Clearinghouse – This site will help you navigate the wide variety of entrepreneurial services and programs offered by the University of Nebraska system for new and existing businesses, faculty and students of all ages. http://www.nebraska.edu/entrepreneurship