About

Filed Under: on June 4, 2008

GROW Nebraska™ is a non-profit organization, whose mission is focused on maximizing Nebraska’s entrepreneurial spirit and focused on building Nebraska businesses globally by providing sustainable business environments through marketing, education, business building services and access to markets.

Our History

In 1998, Central Plains Foundation developed their state wide out reach program, GROW Nebraska™. GROW Nebraska is a 501(c) 3 non-profit Entrepreneurial Service Organization* for Nebraska entrepreneurial businesses. GROW Nebraska™ is headquartered in the Central Plains Development Center in Holbrook, Nebraska. The statewide program focuses on building successful Nebraska businesses one at a time. In 1995, Central Plains Foundation, Inc. received a USDA Rural Development Grant to create a business plan and solidify objectives. After significant research into similar state based programs, and hosting a showcase event in November 1996, the GROW Nebraska™ Program officially began accepting members in 1998 and created the first annual GROW Nebraska™ Market. The initial membership was 61 and 5 services. In 2007, GROW Nebraska™ had 252 members and offered 20 business building services.

GROW Nebraska™ has received support from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to expand its services aimed at helping entrepreneurs boost their profits. A statewide board to govern the program was also created in 2003. Today GROW represents over 200 businesses. Entrepreneur business member’s gross sales total over 9 million. It is our goal to bring Nebraska products and services to the global marketplace.

Central Plains Business Development Center

Central Plains Business Development Center is located in the former public school building in Holbrook, Nebraska. In 1992 when the Holbrook Public School closed, the building was purchased by the local telephone company and in turn, a non-profit corporation Central Plains Foundation was established to administer the building. The building was completely renovated and redecorated. It is totally handicapped accessible and includes amenities such as a state of the art elevator, kitchen and training/conference room. Rent includes utilities and the building rents at .50 a square foot. Welcome to a building with small town savings and big town appeal and luxury.

Holbrook is a small town which is located centrally in Furnas County, Nebraska. Based on the 2000 Census the population of Furnas Country was 5,324. There are two wonderful school systems located within an eight mile radius. All communities in Furnas County are located within a radius of 15 miles or less of Central Plains Business Development Center.  This would mean that employees could be drawn from the entire area with very little commuting time. The building has DSL, wireless capabilities and unlimited phone access.