Sarah Risenhoover, owner of HomeSpun in McCook, has just expanded her business and added 3 more jobs. Sarah posts her menus for the bakery/cafe every morning on Facebook. We celebrate National Women's Business Month in October with Nebraska rural entrepreneurs like Sarah.

The Women's Business Center (WBC) is a center without "walls". REAP delivers WBC services across the state with business specialists located throughout Nebraska, specializing in outreach and training for rural women entrepreneurs.

See our Training Events Calendar for more information on events sponsored by REAP and other partners and organizations.

SBA Web Chats Offer Tips for Women on Starting and Growing a Small Business

Are you a woman ready to start or expand a small business? October is National Women's Small Business Month, a great time to take the first step! Four web chats will help get you started.

Oct 4: Starting and Growing Your Business
Oct 11: Finding Capital
Oct 16: Contracting with the Federal Government
Oct 25: Business Opportunities for Young Women

REAP Roundtable Group Meetings

We partner with rural communities to start local REAP Roundtable groups. Group members meet for networking, discussion topics and education on their own schedule. Roundtable groups meetings include:

The Columbus REAP Roundtable meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Location varies, often hosted by roundtable small business members.

The Merrick County REAP Roundtable meets bi-monthly at the Venture Center in Central City at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for August.

Contact Monica Braun, Women's Business Center Director for more information on REAP's roundtable groups or training: monicab@cfra.org or 402.643.2673.

Answers to Questions from Women in Business

Participants work on REAP Women's Business Center laptops during a training in Hebron, NE. Our QuickBooks sessions give business owners the ability to harness the powerful finance tool. Discover more about REAP training: contact Monica Braun, monicab@cfra.org or 402.643.2673.

Question: Are there grants to help fund a for-profit business?

Answer: Generally not. Several agencies including the Small Business Administration have low interest loan programs. The few grants available are for specific purposes, not for general business operating purposes. In general, your time will be better spent improving your business than applying, performing the work required, and reporting on grant funds.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is a federal grant program reserved for small companies doing research and development. It is not intended to fund company operations. Many states have programs to assist in applying for SBIR grants.

Question: Where can I get a loan to start or grow my small business?

Answer: REAP has loan funds from $1000-$50,000. Access the loan application and information here.

The Small Business Administration has a number of programs to financially and technically assist developing small businesses. Call them at 202.205.6600, or toll-free at 1.800.UASKSBA.

The Department of Commerce also has programs to assist small businesses. Contact them at 202.482.2000.

Helpful Links for Women in Business

WomensNet.net specializes in small grant awards to women business owners. Their Amber Grants for Women honor the memory of the founder's younger sister, Amber.

Start Up Nation - "A website for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs." The site features success stories, step-by=step advice, tips, newsletters, blogs, forums, etc.

Small Business and Self-Employed IRS Resource Website - Links to major business subjects, such as Business Expenses. Lists information by business topics, or by business type such as sole proprietor, corporation, etc.

HUD Small and Disadvantaged Business Resource Guide - Great Resource for Small Businesses - Links to agencies helpful to business development.

Doing Business with the Government - If you intend to buy from, sell to, or do business with the State of Nebraska you need to register with the State Procurement Office.

Register your business with the Nebraska Secretary of State. Download a packet of material for new Nebraska businesses at their site.

How to Protect your Idea - Contact the Patent & Trademark Office.

US Small Business Administration has loads of information to help you.

SBA's Women Business Offices is another great source of ideas and resources for women in business.

SBA Resource Library is where you'll find online training opportunities and more.

SCORE: Senior Corps of Retired Executives offers advice, training and mentoring.

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA's Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO) fosters participation of women entrepreneurs in the economy who have been historically under-served or excluded. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.