Starting a Business

In the simplest of terms, entrepreneurs are people or groups of people who start and/or grow businesses.  If the idea of offering a business appeals to you, become informed.

• What are some potential needs of the people in your community?
• What products or services have you not been able to find or buy at this time?
• What businesses already fulfill those needs in the community?
• What is the potential customer base for the need?
• What is the potential for the customer base to grow or decline?
• What is the probability that the customer base could financially support your business?

Assistance in starting your business is available from:

• Nebraska EDGE: Helping Small Businesses Succeed
• Center for Rural Affairs
• USDA Rural Development
• Rural Enterprise Assistance Project
• US Small Business Administration

Technology

Modern technology can also provide acreage owners the opportunity to work from home or start home or Internet based businesses.  Again, do your homework to discover and research the possibilities.

Nebraska MarketMaker is an interactive mapping system that locates businesses and markets of agricultural products in Nebraska, providing an important link between producers and consumers. Whether you're selling, buying, looking for transportation or value-added services, Nebraska MarketMaker is a great tool.

The Nebraska Food Cooperative brings Nebraska farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople together to offer you the best of freshness and flavor in local foods that will make your taste buds tingle. Buying local helps your own community grow stronger along with your health and pocketbook. Join the cooperative to buy or sell.

Youth Entrepreneurship

Does your child have an interest in entrepreneurship?  Then check out UNL's entrepreneurship opportunities for students.

Or check out ESI: Entrepreneurship Investigation, an exciting, interactive, curriculum designed for ages 10-19.  ESI uses a variety of tools to help participants develop their entrepreneurial skills and find their business niche.

Find Your Niche

• Organic Horticultural Crops, National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
• Agricultural Alternatives, Penn State University