GRAND ISLAND — The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate National Small Business Week from April 28 to May 4.
The chamber is using the event to remind area residents of the important role small businesses play in the state's economy. The following numbers were reported by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
– As of 2023, Nebraska has 181,742 small businesses, representing 99% of the state’s businesses.
– Small businesses account for about half of Nebraska's jobs.
To encourage small business growth, the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and Central Community College (CCC) Entrepreneurship Center have published a 10-step checklist for starting a small business.
The CCC Entrepreneurship Center offers a variety of services and resources, including business planning and coaching, to provide you with practical guidance for your small business. For more information, call 308-398-7520.
The chamber also promotes several other small business resource partners, including the Nebraska Business Development Center.
Meanwhile, the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has compiled a list of business incentives available to Grand Island businesses. This list is available to Chamber members upon request.
Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce's “Look Local, Grow Local” initiative encourages residents to do business locally. Area establishments wishing to receive “Look Local, Grow Local” window decals can obtain them at the Chamber of Commerce, 309 W 2nd Street in Grand Island.