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.