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(Walthill) - Micro programs are reaching increasing numbers of
businesses across Nebraska with loans, training, and technical assistance.
This work is detailed in the 2003 Report to the Legislature on the
Nebraska Microenterprise Development Act. This report, which details
a five year history of the growth of services to micro businesses,
was recently published by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development,
in cooperation with the Nebraska Microenterprise Partnership Fund
(NMPF) and can be found at http://assist.neded.org/ARP03final2-03.
NMPF, as part of its agreement with the state, leverages the state
funds with non-sate funds and administers the program. The state
of Nebraska supported this work in 2002 with $432,000 in grant funds.
These funds leveraged an additional $2,400,000 for services to micro
businesses (those with five or fewer employees).
Al Wenstrand, Director of the Department of Economic Development,
said, “Thirteen programs, funded by these dollars, delivered services
to businesses in 2002. They increased the number of new loans by
32% to 95 and the total loan volume of new loans by 87% to $835,838.
At the same time, defaults were at an historical low of 0.93%. These
programs can make a difference in the future of businesses.”
Even more impressive, the number of individuals receiving training
and/or technical assistance increased to 3,366. Rose Jaspersen,
Director of the Nebraska Microenterprise Partnership Fund, pointed
out, “A business is like an automobile. From time to time you need
to service the engine in order to travel the next distance. These
programs are helping businesses prepare for those next moves.”
In 2000, 85% of all businesses in Nebraska were micro businesses
with 0-4 employees (US Dept. Of Commerce). An investment in services
for this sector makes a difference in Nebraska’s economy.
Due to the budget deficit, the Legislature appropriated $250,000
for microenterprise services in 2003. Twelve programs across the
state were awarded funds. These programs and the services they provide
may be found at www.nebbiz.org/gsearch.php.
Individuals may reference this site for services in their county.
For more information on the Microenterprise Development Act call
Rose Jaspersen at (402)846-5757.
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