We Are More Than Just A Retail Store!
We know entrepreneurs, innovators, and business owners are the backbones of our communities, economy and future. GROW Nebraska's services help hundreds of Nebraska businesses, and we couldn't do it without support from people like you. Thanks to you, we offer promotion, education, and market access to these entrepreneurs. Together, we create jobs and bring money in to help Nebraska’s hard-working citizens.
Let's continue to make great things happen! 😃
Our Story
In 1996, Janell Anderson Ehrke - then the director of a small, local organization named the Central Plains Foundation - was looking for a way to help Nebraska small businesses, entrepreneurs and artists. She stumbled upon the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program and Handmade in America and thought, “Why doesn’t Nebraska have a program like this?” After completing a business plan and doing hours of research, she formally brought the GROW Nebraska program to life in January 1998.
Since then, GROW Nebraska has developed a successful team that provides:
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One-on-One Training
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Technical Support
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Marketing Assistance
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Market Testing
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Market Launch Services to Businesses All Over The State
GROW Nebraska means “Generating Resources for Wealth.” 👍
While the program serves businesses statewide, GROW knows that many business owners, entrepreneurs, and artists who live in rural areas can feel isolated. Janell’s family has lived through that struggle, persevering through the agriculture crisis of the 1980s. Now, she and her team are committed to helping Nebraskans in all parts of the state connect to the global marketplace.
Each product purchased at the BuyNebraska store on Talmadge Street in south Kearney or online at BuyNebraska.com directly benefits Nebraska businesses, artists and entrepreneurs. To date, GROW Nebraska has produced over $7 million in sales, and has helped to create and retain more than 1,500 full-time jobs.
Every GROW Nebraska product is carefully handcrafted, created or designed by a Nebraskan committed to their craft and their customers. They’re dedicated to quality, hard work, and the “GROW Nebraska” way of life. Just take a look at the products offered on BuyNebraska.com, and see for yourself.