Burt and Cuming County Economic Development Receive Grant From Nielsen Foundation

December 11, 2015 Leave a comment


Burt County Economic Development Corporation and Cuming County Economic Development are pleased to announce they have received a $150,000 grant from the Donald E. Nielsen Foundation. The funds will be used for a housing demolition program in each of the counties, which will be administered by their respective economic development organizations. The goal of the program is to assist communities and/or individuals in funding the demolition of dilapidated residential structures.

 

Both counties have an issue with an aging housing stock. According to Burt and Cuming County housing studies, there are over 300 plus houses that are in poor and dilapidated condition within the two-county area. Both counties are crafting their own unique plans that will address this issue.

 

Burt County will begin taking applications for their demolition program in January 1 through March 31, 2016. Applications can be submitted by either the property owner or by the governmental entity. Each grant that is allocated will cover no more than 50% of the total demolition cost. Each community can receive funding for no more than two houses per funding cycle. Grant cycles will repeat as funding allows.

 

“In discussions with community leaders, they were ready to do something about dilapidated and abandoned houses, but often lacked the funding. This program was a direct result of listening to the needs of the communities,” said Patty Plugge, director of Burt County Economic Development Corporation. “We are currently partnering with Cuming County on another possible housing project. It just makes sense to work together on common issues, when possible.”

 

For more information on the guidelines and application process for the Burt County Demolition Program, visit http://www.burtcoedc.com or contact Patty Plugge at 402-374-2953.

Pictured are: L to R Garry Clark, Cuming County Economic Development, Clarence Mock, Donald E. Nielsen Foundation, Patty Plugge, Burt Co. Economic Development. Photo courtesy of Patty Plugge.

Pictured are: L to R Garry Clark, Cuming County Economic Development, Clarence Mock, Donald E. Nielsen Foundation, Patty Plugge, Burt Co. Economic Development. Photo courtesy of Patty Plugge.

 

 

 

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Business Plan Basics Begins

February 20, 2014 Leave a comment


Lyons, NE – The Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) Women’s Business Center in collaboration with the Cuming County Economic Development will host a five-week Business Plan Basics course beginning Thursday, February 20, 2014 and continuing through Thursday, March 20, 2014. Each session will run from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Sessions will be held at the Nielsen Center, 200 Anna Stalp Avenue, West Point,  NE.  The instructor for the class is Diann Ballard, owner of db Consulting, LLC.

The business planning workshop series will include the following main topics: Marketing, Promotion/Advertising, Financial Management, Customer Relations and Goal Setting. REAP collaborates with the University of Nebraska EDGE Program in utilizing the NxLevel Micro-Entrepreneurs curriculum called “Business Plan Basics.”

“Planning is a key to success in business, and these five hands-on exploratory sessions are designed for those thinking of starting a business and small business owners. Sessions will cover important information to complete a business plan,” commented Monica Braun, REAP Women’s Business Center Director.

Registration for the course is $79 and includes the course materials and a one-year REAP membership. To register, please contact Garry Clark,  Cuming County Economic Development Executive Director,  at garry@cumingcountyed.com, or (402) 372-6001 or you may contact Monica Braun, REAP WBC Director, atmonicab@cfra.org, or (402) 643-2673.

The Rural Enterprise Assistance Project provides lending, training, networking, and technical assistance opportunities for start-up and existing small businesses.


More information about REAP and its services can be found at www.cfra.org/reap.  REAP receives funding from the Nebraska Business and Innovation Act, Community Development Block Grants through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Small Business Administration, United States Department of Agriculture and other sources. The REAP WBC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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