Cooperative Grants – Due March 19th
Posted on | February 18, 2010 | No Comments
2010 Initial and Advanced Assistance Grants Applications are now available! The UNL-Nebraska Cooperative Development Center (NCDC)is providing mini funding grants to new and existing cooperatively owned businesses to complete the critical stages in business development and expansion. It is often critical to have professional services when beginning or expanding a business venture and the NCDC is equipped to provide grants to cooperatives and groups who are in need of assistance in obtaining legal services, accounting, consulting, and other development services.
Two Types of Grants Available
Initial Assistance Grants are available to unincorporated cooperative groups or steering committees and can be awarded for amounts up to $2,000. The grant is designed for groups or steering committees, and others who are exploring a business idea and will conduct exploratory research.
Advanced Development Grants are available to incorporated cooperatively owned businesses (LLCs, Cooperatives, etc.) and can be awarded for amounts up to $3,500. The grant is designed for groups who are ready to hire professional services (i.e. legal/ financial) or develop marketing materials.
2010 Timeline
- Call for Proposals: February 5, 2010
- Applications Due: March 19, 2010 by 4:00pm Central Time
- Expected Awards Made: April 9, 2010
- Grant Activities Completed no later than September 30, 2010
- Final Reports submitted to NCDC by October 29, 2010
- Approximately six months to complete grant.
NO EXTENSIONS
These are competitive grants. Funding is limited so not all grants will be funded. Grant applications will be reviewed by Nebraska Cooperative Development Advisory Board members.
For an application, visit the NCDC website. Questions can be addressed to Jim Crandall, jcrandall3@unl.edu and Elaine Cranford, ecranford2@unl.edu
“RURAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES” PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE YOUTH FOR 21ST CENTURY
Posted on | February 16, 2010 | No Comments
Kearney, Neb., February 12, 2010-USDA Rural Development, USDA Farm Service Agency and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) will present “Rural Funding Opportunities” on Tuesday, February 23rd at the Ramada Convention Center in Kearney, Nebraska from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. This MarketPlace pre-session will focus on programs currently underway through NCTA in Curtis, Nebraska that help prepare students for the demands of the 21st Century. Rural Development and Farm Service Agency provided financial assistance and partnership support towards this effort.
The 100-Beef Cow Ownership Advantage Program offers students a chance to start building cash flow and collateral. Students are prepared to be farm and ranch owners instead of perpetual hired hands as they are helped to graduate with a 100-cow herd of their own. The same approach, building net worth and business knowledge, is applied to crop production through the 100-Acre Program. The Business Builder Program advocates small town business ownership as it brings students together with small businesses in need of successors.
Information on other Rural Development and Farm Service Agency programs will be available. A full MarketPlace agenda is located at http://www.cfra.org/marketplace/agenda-nebraska . Registration information can be found at http://www.cfra.org/marketplace/registration . The Fourth Annual Nebraska MarketPlace is your opportunity to learn new skills, network with service providers and other entrepreneurs and discover what works for your small business and community.
Contact Deborah Drbal (402) 437-5558, Deborah.drbal@ne.usda.gov for further information.
Heritage Nebraska Unveils New Website for Main Street and Preservation
Posted on | January 27, 2010 | No Comments
Heritage Nebraska unveiled its new website combining information about the Nebraska Main Street Program and the Nebraska statewide preservation organization. The website, created by Idea Bank Marketing of Hastings, is accessible through two addresses: www.nebraskamainstreet.org or www.heritagenebraska.org
USDA Rural Development Awards Funding For Business Development
Posted on | January 25, 2010 | No Comments
Lincoln, NE., January 22, 2010 – The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced the awarding of in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dollars of $125,000 to the Greater Wahoo Development Foundation and $200,000 to the Nebraska Venture Capital Forum dba Invest Nebraska Corporation that will promote business development.
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars will impact the rural economy of Nebraska through the creation and expansion of businesses. More jobs created and saved is great news for Nebraska,” said Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul, USDA Rural Development.
Greater Wahoo Development Foundation of Wahoo, Neb. will use the ARRA grant joined by $127,400 from other sources to establish a revolving loan fund that potentially will create or save 14 jobs. Businesses wishing to locate or expand in a five mile area of Wahoo would be eligible for funding. The purpose of the revolving loan fund is to give financial assistance to new and expanding businesses within the community and area. Assistance would be in the form of low-interest loans to those businesses deemed important to the economic growth of the city. In all cases, the criteria for any loans would be job creation or saved jobs as a result of the project. Benefits of the grant funds include increased employment, improved community services and economic growth.
Nebraska Venture Capital Forum dba Invest Nebraska Corporation of Lincoln, Neb. will utilize the ARRA grant leveraged with their own funds of $50,001 to establish a revolving loan fund to assist businesses in 35 counties of Nebraska that are established through the business plan competitions held by Invest Nebraska. This project has the potential to create 20 jobs. Through the creation of a revolving loan fund, Invest Nebraska is seeking to improve the quality of life in rural areas by helping new start-up projects that create job opportunities for rural residents; that import new dollars into the local community; that further the use of advanced telecommunications services and computer networks to export products outside the local community; and that improve the economic development potential of rural areas.
For further information, contact Deborah Drbal at (402) 437-5558 or Deborah.drbal@ne.usda.gov. Visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ne/.
SBA Nebraska Loan Dollars Up For First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2010
Posted on | January 12, 2010 | No Comments
News Release: U.S. Small Business Administration Contact: Michael Foutch (402) 221-7211
(OMAHA) – In the wake of a slowly recovering national economy and tight business credit, small businesses in Nebraska can still find funding when it comes to government-backed loans through lending institutions.
The Nebraska District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) experienced a significant increase in its guaranteed loan dollar activity through the first quarter of its 2010 fiscal year. As of December 31, 2009, loan dollar amounts in Nebraska shot up 97 percent over the same time last year to slightly more than $47 million for SBA-backed loans. The overall number of loans in the state saw a 41 percent increase; in Congressional District I alone, the number of loans increased 177 percent during SBA’s first quarter. The average dollar amount per loan in Nebraska rose nearly 40 percent. By comparison, nationwide, average dollar amount per SBA-backed loan increased 13 percent.
Seventy percent of SBA loans in Nebraska during the first quarter went to existing small businesses.
More importantly, as a direct result of SBA guaranteed small business financing throughout the state, 496 jobs are being created in the state for the first quarter.
“Nebraska small businesses continue to see opportunity and to invest for the future. The size of the loans and consistent volume indicate the overall strength of the state’s economy, and that small businesses that need financing are getting it,” said Leon Milobar, District Director of SBA’s Nebraska District Office.
In economic downturns, SBA guaranteed loans typically become more attractive because the SBA provides lenders with some cushion for their risks. Lenders can provide SBA guaranteed loans for all business needs but typically turn to SBA for new businesses or businesses with less than adequate collateral, lower credit scores and smaller equity injections typically required for conventional loans.
For more information about SBA’s loan programs and services, please call 402-221-4691 or visit our website at www.sba.gov/ne
New wind turbine blade plant could be coming to Grand Island
Posted on | January 12, 2010 | No Comments
By ALGIS J. LAUKAITIS / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Friday, January 8, 2010 6:45 pm
Grand Island could gain more than 200 jobs if TPI Composites Inc. goes ahead with plans to build a plant that would produce wind turbine blades.
On Friday, TPI received $5.1 million in federal tax credits to build the Grand Island plant and $3.9 million in similar tax credits to expand its existing plant in Newton, Iowa, according to a news release from the White House.The Grand Island plant would create more than 200 new jobs and produce lighter and stronger wind turbine blades using composite materials such as glass, carbon, resin, foam and balsa wood.
TPI Composites has not picked a spot in Grand Island for the plant, Marlan Ferguson, president of the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corp., said Friday.
“We have no confirmation that the company is going to come to Grand Island,” he said. “It’s hopeful, I guess.”
U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson was more certain. He sent out a news release welcoming TPI’s decision to build in Nebraska and stating categorically its plans to do so.
“TPI says the facility will create over 200 new jobs and will have a capacity equivalent to supplying 265 turbines rated at 2.5 (megawatts) for a total electrical output of 663 (megawatts),” his statement said. “The stimulus bill is about creating jobs and today’s announcement that over 200 new jobs are coming to Nebraska is welcome news in these tough economic times.”
Ferguson said he believes TPI Composite officials were taken aback by the White House announcement and were not prepared to answer questions about their plans in Nebraska.
Greg Sexton, a spokesman for The Lavidge Co., the Arizona public relations firm representing TPI Composites, said the company is not ready to announce it is building in Grand Island.
“The tax credit award will help the company advance its plans to expand operations and create additional manufacturing jobs in the U.S.,” TPI said in a prepared statement. “The company looks forward to announcing specific project plans in the future.”
Sexton said he wasn’t sure if TPI was looking outside of Nebraska to locate a plant.
Richard Baier, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, acknowledged TPI Composites has looked at locations in Nebraska.
“Outside of that we had heard that they were applying for these credits,” Baier said. “But clearly, they are a long way from making any final decisions in terms of groundbreaking and construction.”
He said the department had some early interaction with TPI Composites.
“From our end, they obviously have been in our state and being the wind corridor, we’re attracting a lot of attention from wind energy manufacturers. … I’ve not see this application and have not talked to TPI about their decision,” Baier said.
Grand Island, like many cities, has been hit hard by the recession and could use the new jobs. Although the city gained some jobs last year, Ferguson estimated a net loss of 200.
The tax credits received by TPI are part of $2.3 billion in credits announced by President Barack Obama for clean energy manufacturing projects across the U.S.
Novozymes will get $28.4 million in tax credits to install equipment at a new manufacturing plant in Blair built to produce enzymes used in manufacturing cellulosic ethanol from corn stover, the leaves and stalks of the corn.
Novozymes’ plans for that plant had been announced, but construction has been delayed.
One hundred eighty three projects in 43 states will create tens of thousands of high-quality, clean-energy jobs, according to the White House.
While projects selected for the tax credits generally must be in service by 2014, about 30 percent of them will be finished this year.
Reach Algis J. Laukaitis at 473-7243 or alaukaitis@journalstar.com.
East 2 West:The Nebraska New Venture Competition
Posted on | December 8, 2009 | No Comments
Invest Nebraska Corporation has announced the seven finalists of the 2009 East-2-West New Venture Competition. The competition is free and open to the public. It will take place Friday, December 11th at the Del Ray Ballroom in Lincoln’s Haymarket.
Competition Finalists & Schedule
1:00 – Milestone Local Surfaces – Josh Shear, Jen Carlson, and Brendan Wamstad-Evans – Lincoln
1:30 – Leyef, LLC – Luke Alexander and Andrew Curran – Lincoln
2:00 – Hemprev – Mark Pluta, John Lupien – Omaha
2:30 – RockDex – Jimmy Winter – Omaha
3:00 – Invoice + – Brad Coughlin – Lincoln
3:30 – Giftance.com – Rory Berry – Los Angeles, CA
4:00 – Dally Up – Kenis & Carrie Byam – Rural Deuel County
5:00 – Reception
5:30 – Winner Announcement
Judges
Matt McNair – Board Chair of Invest Nebraska and Vice President of the University of Nebraska Foundation; Lincoln
Paul Eurek – CEO of Xpanxion; Loup City, NE
Richard Baier – Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development; Lincoln
Charles Hull – Co-founder and President of Archrival; Lincoln
Bradley Walker – President and CEO of Nanonation; Lincoln
Cheryl Beamer – Educator and Professional Coach, member of the Nebraska Angels; Omaha
Gordon Whitten – Founder and CEO of Sojern and former founder and CEO of It’s Deductible which was sold to Intuit in 2003; Omaha
Ventilate and Take Other Safety Precautions to Prevent Manure Pit Explosions
Posted on | December 7, 2009 | No Comments
LINCOLN, Neb. — Recent explosions and flash fires that occurred in livestock buildings with manure pits in Iowa and Minnesota have a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension engineer and others offering advice on how to avoid these potentially dangerous situations.
So far, the explosions have resulted in building damage with few animal losses and no personal injuries or fatalities, said Rick Stowell, extension engineer in the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Few, if any, explosions have been reported in Nebraska. However, the much-delayed harvest most likely has kept many farmers from agitating pits and moving manure to their fields yet this fall, Stowell said.
As farmers hustle to apply manure yet this fall, they need to be aware of potential safety concerns and take reasonable precautions, he said.
A team of agricultural engineers, animal scientists and an industry consultant recently developed recommendations to help producers deal with the potential for danger.
When liquid manure is agitated to suspend the settled solids and create pumpable slurry, numerous gases are released into the air, Stowell said.
At elevated concentrations, some of these gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, are hazardous to those inside the building — people and animals. However, methane, which is very flammable, also is released. If the methane concentration within the barn reaches its explosion threshold of 40,000 to 50,000 parts per million and there is an ignition source, such as a pilot light on a heater, an explosion likely will occur.
Stowell and this team of experts offer these suggestions:
Producers should provide continuous ventilation to prevent a gas build-up and increased ventilation during agitation to quickly dissipate released gases. Sufficient ventilation or exchange of air in the barn is also essential to keep the concentration of methane below its explosive threshold. While agitating and pumping a manure pit, producers should provide at least two to three times the minimum ventilation rate (or around 10 air changes per hour) for the barn. If the pit is full or nearly full, producers should not rely only on pit fans to supply this airflow rate, since these fans may be severely restricted. It may be better to use only wall fans to supply this air exchange while agitating/pumping the barn’s manure pit since methane gas is lighter than air. Also, producers need to make sure the normal ventilation inlets are open and operating properly to ensure good air distribution in the barn. This is also important in preventing animal deaths if animals must be present in barns during agitation and pumping of the manure pit.
To prevent igniting an explosive concentration of methane, producers should turn off heater pilot lights and other non-ventilation electrical systems, such as the feeding system, that might produce an ignition spark. Without supplemental heat, producers may be restricted to pumping manure from a barn on warmer days or a warmer part of the day.
When pumping pits that are nearly full, producers should pump without agitation until manure is about 2 feet below the slats. This will allow pit fans (if available and used) to perform properly during agitation and provide more dilution space for methane and other gases that are released.
Foaming of manure pits is a growing and significant concern that might be related to explosion incidents. Some recent cases have seen foaming or extensive bubbling on the manure surface before the explosions. There are reports of several feet of foam developing in a matter of days in a building. Experts aren’t certain what contributes to extensive foaming or how best to control it; they’re studying it further.
Additional information on this issue can be found at the following Web sites:
University of Minnesota Extension’s swine Web site: http://www.extension.umn.edu/swine/porkcast/barnventilation.html
Minnesota Pork Board Web site: http://www.mnpork.com/producers/index.php.
11/17/09-SK Source: Rick Stowell, Ph.D., associate professor, biological systems engineering and animal science, (402) 472-3912, rstowell2@unl.edu; this information was adapted with permission from Larry Jacobson, University of Minnesota Extension manure.17 Editor: Sandi Alswager Karstens, IANR News Service, (402) 472-3030, salswager2@unl.edu
Don’t Let 2009 Tax Planning Go By the Wayside
Posted on | December 7, 2009 | No Comments
LINCOLN, Neb. — While many Nebraska farmers are still trying to finish up with harvest, now also is the time to start thinking about year-end tax planning, says the Nebraska Farm Business Association director.While there isn’t a whole lot new to do, it is still important for farmers and ranchers to pay close attention to the usual deductions, said Tina Barrett, director, Nebraska Farm Business Association.
“2009 has provided opportunities for higher than average profitability,” Barrett said. “While not as high as in 2008 or 2007, these higher incomes may be harder to manage due to carryover of income from 2007 and 2008.”
Farmers and ranchers still can take advantage of the Section 179 Expense Election. This election allows the write-off of the first $250,000 in depreciation of assets that were bought in 2009. This means purchases like tractors, combines and most farm equipment and breeding livestock can be written off in the year of purchase.
“Some assets that don’t qualify include machine sheds and purchases from related parties, such as buying a tractor from Dad,” Barrett said.
The bonus election, which was reinstated with the 2008 Economic Stimulus Package, also still exists.
Any brand new assets or breeding livestock not used in someone else’s herd counts for a 50 percent write-off, she said.
The bonus can be used with the 179 Expense Election, but the 179 election has to be used first.
The bonus election can apply only to brand new assets, while the 179 election can be applied to used equipment. The bonus also can be used to accelerate the depreciation of a machine shed, but it must be put up and in use in 2009 for it to qualify.
“Be sure to work with a farm tax adviser before the end of the year to make sure all advantages are received,” Barrett said.
Farmers and ranchers can also, as always, pre-pay major inputs, such as seed and chemical, but remember, it will result in fewer deductions for next year.
“Many times we defer or pre-pay something one year thinking the next year may be a bad one,” she said. “When we have a few good years in a row, it can start a snowball effect of always needing to find bigger pre-paids or deferring even more income to next year.”
11/17/09-SK Source: Tina Barrett, director, Nebraska Farm Business Association, (402) 464-6324
09taxes.17 Writer: Sandi Alswager Karstens, IANR News Service, (402) 472-3030, salswager2@unl.edu
Embrace the Nebraska Outdoors
Posted on | December 7, 2009 | No Comments
Embrace the Nebraska Outdoors
2010 Agri/Eco-Tourism Workshop offers education, networking opportunities
LINCOLN, NEB. (Dec. 4, 2009)—The 2010 Governor’s Agri/Eco-Tourism Workshop will offer the Nebraska tourism industry a fun way to network, learn and cross-promote business. This year’s workshop will take place Feb. 3 and 4 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Kearney. It is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Travel and Tourism Division along with co-sponsors the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Nebraska Department of Agriculture.Keynote speaker Ted Eubanks will talk about “The Spaces in Between.” Going green and exploring agritourism are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to modern travel for Eubanks, and he will delve into the undiscovered and underappreciated realm of experiential travel opportunities.
Presenter Dave Buchholz, who will speak about marketing agritourism businesses, is offering a free one-page marketing material critique to the first ten businesses that register for the conference and attend his session. Registration and marketing materials for this special offer must be received before Jan. 1. Buchholz will personally contact the winners of the contest.
Bruce Switzer and Sarah Sortum, owners of Calamus Outfitters and the Switzer Ranch, will give a special presentation about the story of their business and how it led them to travel to to Namibia.
Other sessions during the two-day conference include business start-up basics, social networking, a meet the media panel, nature and wildlife viewing and group tour basics.
On Wednesday evening, “A Taste of Nebraska Agri-Tourism,” a social event featuring samples of Nebraska wines, beers and an array of homegrown and homemade foods is planned.
If you would like to have an exhibit booth at either the conference or just Wednesday night’s special event, where you can showcase your food or beverages, please contact Karen Kollars at karen.kollars@nebraska.gov. For more information on the 2010 Governor’s Agri/Eco-Tourism Workshop, please visit www.VisitNebraska.gov/industry. There you can download the program, view speaker bios and register online. For more information on Nebraska Tourism, visit www.VisitNebraska.gov.
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Tom Tabor at 800-228-4307, 402-471-7755, or email: tom.tabor@nebraska.gov
Karen Kollars at 800-228-4307, 308-249-3220, or email:karen.kollars@nebraska.gov