Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference Supports Rural Entrepreneurs in Nebraska

Event focuses on helping communities grow through local business

TEKAMAH, NEB.(RFD News) — Small businesses play a major role in keeping rural communities strong, and one upcoming conference is focused on helping them grow.

The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference brings together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and economic development partners to share ideas and strategies for building locally driven economies.

Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educator Hailey Meis joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the event and highlight how the conference gives communities a chance to learn from each other and take ideas back home.

In her conversation with RFD NEWS, Meis explains how the conference also offers a hands-on experience, with workshops highlighting successful local businesses and tools communities can use to support them.

“The CEC conference helps communities get together, share ideas, and take away those actionable strategies that they can utilize and put into action in their communities,” Meis says. “Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools that rural communities can utilize to grow and help their community prosper. By supporting local businesses, we’re not just creating jobs, but we’re also keeping money local, building leaders, and supporting the long-term growth of our communities.”

This year’s conference is set for April 29–30, with more information available on the event’s website.

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Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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