Rural Prosperity Nebraska's annual impact report isn't about the numbers—it's about the stories of real people creating real solutions to improving their communities and the state of Nebraska. Below, read more about the impact that RPN Extension educators had in 2024.
Rural Prosperity Nebraska programs strengthen rural Nebraska economies through entrepreneur-led development and ecosystem building.
Faced with a cramped boutique, Jessalyn and Dustin Crawford of Hey Honey Boutique in Ord, Nebraska, needed a bigger space. With help from Rural Prosperity Nebraska's grant-funded eCommunities team, they purchased and renovated a historic downtown building. The local business "eCoach" guided them through funding options like USDA Rural Development grants and tax credits, enabling the Crawfords to create a thriving hub combining a boutique, gun shop, and coffee bar. Restoring the 1880s building revitalized their business and community, proving how collaboration fuels economic growth and preserves local history.
Collaboration leads to greater outcomes because stakeholders are better informed, which leads to partnerships and referrals.
By the Numbers
150
Businesses started in 2024 with support from the Small Business Program
500+
Entrepreneurs attended the annual Small Business Conference
1,010
Nebraskans from 86 counties responded to the 29th annual Rural Poll, sharing their views and insights on living in rural Nebraska
$13,611,410
Increased or saved revenue for businesses and entrepreneurs who received eCommunities business coaching
Inspiring Nebraskans and Their Communities
Through Extension, rural communities find ways to engage residents of every age, interest, and background in re-imagining the trajectory of the place they call home by helping them discover their strengths and harnessing them for positive change. These collaborations leverage the research and resources of the University, simultaneously encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment.
Building upon the findings of the 2023 Leadership Chautauqua, the RPN Community Leadership Development Team hosted six statewide peer-learning webinars supporting leadership capacity development, where 100+ Nebraskans participated.
Through the efforts of the Native American Coalition:
• 18 Native American students participated in the Hoop of Learning college bridge program, earning both high school and college credits.
• 38 learners completed Tribal Engagement Training, emphasizing stewardship, Indigenous worldviews, and holistic growth through the four directions of the Medicine Wheel.
Contact
JORDAN RASMUSSEN
RPN Program Coordinator
(402) 719-5230
jordan.rasmussen@unl.edu