The Nebraska Small Business Conference returns for its fifth year this August, taking place in Grand Island, Omaha and Lexington. Held in English and Spanish, this year’s conference focuses on how technology and artificial intelligence are shaping the future of small businesses in Nebraska.
Centered on the theme “Small Business, Smart Future,” attendees will hear from experts and successful entrepreneurs to gain practical tools and learn strategies on how to start up or grow their own businesses in today’s digital-centric world. Topics include marketing, social media trends, technology and access to funding.
Participants will also have opportunities to network with local entrepreneurs and visit exhibits specializing in resources for small businesses.
“Technology might change how small businesses function, but the heart of entrepreneurship is still the same,” Sandra Barrera, the Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator coordinating the conference, said. “This conference is about helping Nebraska entrepreneurs discover new resources, like artificial intelligence, with confidence while still staying connected to the creativity and people that make their businesses successful.”
Between sessions, attendees can visit an exhibitor hall and explore products and services from local businesses and organizations that cater to entrepreneurs.
Conference sessions will take place in the following locations, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Aug. 1, Grand Island
Hall County Extension Office, 3180 U.S. Highway 34 - Aug. 15, Omaha
The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2825 Y St. - Aug. 22, Lexington
Kirk’s Nebraskaland Restaurant, 3002 Plum Creek Pkwy.
In collaboration with SCORE, the conference is organized through Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s Small Business Program, which provides business development guidance to immigrant entrepreneurs interested in creating their own businesses in Nebraska. Through educational courses and trainings, the program equips entrepreneurs and business owners with knowledge for each step of the business-creation process.
Registration is available on the Rural Prosperity Nebraska website.
For more information on the conference and the Nebraska Small Business Program, contract Sandra Barrera at sandra.barrera@unl.edu.
