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Text Box: follow up on any and all leads for new business and will assist the community in any way possible. If you know of an existing business interested expanding or a new business interested in relocating, please call the TCD office at (308) 632-2833 or email tcd@prairieweb.com!

Text Box: According to the Nebraska Development News, Governor Johanns recently awarded $72,950 in CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds to the city of Kimball to assist with start-up expenses of a business incubator. The west wing of the old Kimball High School building will be renovated into a business incubator that will also offer business training and technical assistance. The incubator will be managed by Kimball Chamber of Commerce staff, who will partner with area business owners and residents to provide tenants professional and mentoring services at reduced rates or no cost. The project is part of a program directed by the DED, who assists with development needs of businesses and communities throughout the state. Nebraska receives federal funds for this program from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s CDBG Program. As many as nine entrepreneurs and potential small business owners have inquired about the facility, and initial tenants will be selected from this pool. The incubator will provide physical services, such as space/location for business, copier, computer & Internet access, and a receptionist. Professional services, such as access to free or reduced rates on insurance, payroll & tax assistance, marketing & business analysis, and mentoring services will also be available. In return, tenants will be required to attend a minimum of four of the six business training sessions offered yearly and graduate from the incubator after three years.

Text Box: TCD has worked hard to visit existing businesses and discuss their needs, and at the same time continues to explore leads on potential new businesses. As 2003 unfolds, TCD plans to continue to visit existing businesses. A labor market study is also being planned. TCD will

Text Box: many local businesses would like to expand if incentives and/or more training for employees was made available. The survey also indicated that TCD should expand their focus to include expansion of these smaller businesses, rather than continuing to rely only on job creation by larger, outside companies.

Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 2

Twin Cities Development, the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce, the Cities of Gering and Scottsbluff, Western Nebraska Community College and Regional West Medical Center recently joined forces to produce two videos about our communities. The “Economic Development” video is designed to show why Western Nebraska is a good place to do business. It is an 8 minute, fast-paced look at many local establishments, featuring brief interviews with members of the business community. The “Quality of Life” video is also 8 minutes in length and showcases the natural beauty of Western Nebraska, along with glimpses into recreational and other community activities. These videos are being made into CD-ROMS that can be used as marketing and recruitment tools. If your business is recruiting employees, the CD-ROMS may be purchased at a cost of approximately $3.00 each and will be made available through the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce Office. For more information, please call the Chamber at 632-2133 or TCD at 632-2833.

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