Invest Nebraska creating an 'ecosystem' for entrepreneurs

NORFOLK, Neb. -- Invest Nebraska has received major grants to build capacity in Northeast Nebraska, and hired a Community Development Manager in Norfolk.

Invest Nebraska applied for the $250,000 in funding through the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to expand the partnership between Invest Nebraska and the Northeast Nebraska Growing Together Initiative. This funding will be used to build Invest Nebraska’s organizational capacity, extend its Operational Assistance Program for entrepreneurs, and collaborate with the Northeast Nebraska Growing Together Initiative with a specific focus on AgTech startups.

"It's one component in developing an ecosystem," Dan Hoffman, CEO of Invest Nebraska told NCN of the value of a creator's space. 

In a news release he said, “Receiving a competitive Central Standards grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation demonstrates their commitment to build entrepreneurship ecosystems in rural areas [...] Founders and entrepreneurs will be able to execute their business models in downtown Norfolk with a virtual component for other Northeast Nebraska communities through a co-working space and The Combine incubator.”

To that end, Invest Nebraska also announced that Emma Bennett is the Community Development Manager based in Norfolk. So far she tells NCN she has been building partnerships, and is eager to finalize a location for the project.

Downtown is the most ideal location, Hoffman said, adding that he hopes they work with Wayne State College and Northeast Community College to create businesses that bring in out-of-town customers and "import money into the local economy."