Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s Small Business Program, in collaboration with Heartland United Way, joins Grand Island’s Welcoming Week this year, leading two walking tours of local businesses that have been aided by Extension Educator Sandra Barrera, who runs the Small Business Program.
Barrera will lead the approximately-one-mile tours, not only taking participants to the business locations, but offering insight into the entrepreneurial development process, from planning to ribbon cutting. Those on the tour will also be able to speak with the business owners, hearing firsthand accounts of the struggles and successes of being an entrepreneur in Nebraska.
“If you’re interested in starting your own business, this tour is for you,” said Barrera. “If you’re interested in the culture of Grand Island, this tour is for you. If you’re a Nebraskan, this tour is for you. As local business grow and strengthen and make a greater impact in our communities, we all benefit.”
The Small Business Program helps Nebraska entrepreneurs start their businesses through one-on-one coaching. Barrera offers education, practical advice, and connections to local and state-wide contacts throughout the business development process, from ideation to the grand opening to further expansion.
Since the Small Business Program began in 2015, nearly 1,000 business have opened in more than 30 communities across Nebraska with Barrera’s help — 150 alone in 2024. With her help, 85 businesses were also awarded Nebraska’s GROW grant in 2024.
Welcoming Week is Grand Island’s participation in the nationwide Welcoming Week that runs Sept. 12-21, 2025. This year’s theme, “Stories We Share,” focuses on showcasing how connected Grand Islanders are through food, art, music, community service and local businesses.
“Our stories are what connect us, no matter where we’re from or where we’re going,” said Barrera. “On these tours, we get to hear the stories of people who help create our town culture and make our community so unique.”
Events for welcoming week are open to the public and include food fairs, story time, photo exhibits, movie screenings, and business tours.
Details for the two Small Business Program tours are:
Monday, Sept. 15
10 am – 12 pm
Starting location: La Milagrosa Supermarket, 102 W 4th St
Ending location: Robins Market, 714 W 4th St
Total business visited: 11
Wednesday, Sept. 17
5 pm – 7 pm
Starting location: Azetca Market, 103 W 3rd St
Ending location: El Pueblito Restaurant, 523 w 4th St
Total businesses visited: 12
The walk is not considered strenuous, but participants are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
For more information about the tours and the Small Business Program, contact Sandra Barrera at sandra.barrera@unl.edu.
For more information about Grand Island’s Welcoming Week, visit giwelcoming.com
