Intro
Rural Prosperity Nebraska's annual impact report is not about the numbers—it's about the stories of real people taking real action to improving their communities and the state of Nebraska. Below, read more about the impact that RPN Extension educators had in 2025.
Headline Story
Rural Prosperity Nebraska programs strengthen rural Nebraska economies through entrepreneur-led development and ecosystem building.
One year ago, Joel Yera worked the graveyard shift at a sanitation company. Today he owns his own transportation company, the 1,000th business supported by Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s Small Business Program. Developed by Extension Educator Sandra Barrera, the program provides personalized coaching, business planning support, and connections to a statewide entrepreneur network. By guiding entrepreneurs from early ideas to ribbon cutting and expansion, the Small Business Program is helping Nebraskans turn passions into businesses that keep rural communities thriving.
What is your passion? That’s what I ask because even if you have a great idea, if you’re not passionate, it will fail. Passionate people make local economies in our small towns grow.
—Sandra Barrera
By the Numbers
61
entrepreneurs completed Emergency Planning for Business trainings.
120
leaders were engaged in Rural Rendezvous, a statewide peer-learning circle for community development.
186
learners across Nebraska participated in RPN Business School programs.
$700,000
in grants and assistance boosted business owners through the Heartland Regional Food Business Center.
Inspiring Nebraskans and Their Communities
Nebraska Extension helps rural communities come together across generations and perspectives to shape the future of the places they call home. By identifying and activating local strengths by leveraging University research and resources, communities spark entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment that drive positive change.
All Things Nebraska
Nebraska’s Hub for Data, Mapping, and Community Insight
- All Things Nebraska doubled views, tripled active users, and generated 800+ direct-link visits — reflecting expanded engagement.
- Nebraska Map Room, Rural Poll Interactive, and the UNL Engagement Map led traffic — supporting data-informed decision making.
- Students preparing an FFA speech on mental health used the Rural Poll Tool and Wellbeing data in All Things Nebraska — demonstrating how ATN supports learning and data-informed storytelling.
Extension Disaster Education Network
The Right Resources at the Right Time
The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) convened statewide partners for intensive training, strengthening collaboration, and building a shared vision for disaster education to support preparedness and community resiliency across the state. The EDEN team received a $300,000 USDA NIFA grant to expand Extension's capacity to respond to extreme weather events in communities.
Contact
JORDAN RASMUSSEN
RPN Program Leader
(402) 719-5230
jordan.rasmussen@unl.edu