FEATURED NEWS
KC Launch 2020 winner MaKenzi Spurgin.
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Spurgin wins KC Launch Business Competition
A Paxton woman is the winner of Keith County’s first KC Launch Business Competition. MaKenzi Spurgin won $10,000 to assist her in starting MAK’s Party Express, a party bus that will provide transportation for groups, businesses and civic and sports organizations. “I am an avid ‘Shark Tank’ viewer and was so excited for the opportunity that KC Launch provided,” Spurgin said. “I am over the moon excited that I won because all of the ideas were amazing. I am thrilled to bring the idea of MAK’s Party Express to life for Ogallala, Keith County and the surrounding area.” Read More... |
Driftwood in downtown Ogallala
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New Entertainment Venue Draws Tourists to Downtown Ogallala
CDBG funding helps local business owners attract new visitors to Ogallala (population 4,573). Nebraskans flock to Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area to enjoy boating, fishing, camping, hunting and water sports. Only a stone’s throw away, the city of Ogallala is the perfect spot to unwind after a day at the beach. Now, thanks to a group of local business owners — and support from the CDBG program — visitors to “The Mac” have a new reason to abandon their sunscreen and head into town. The 99-year-old True Value Hardware building in downtown Ogallala had been vacant since 2015. But one day, local business owners Jeremy Smith and TJ McMillan had a fateful discussion with Keith County Area Development (KCAD) Director Mary Wilson. Read More... |
2019 Innovation Business of the Year: Monarch Flyway
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2019 Innovation Business of the Year: Monarch Flyway
Monarch butterfly habitats and the market for milkweed fiber and other by products are growing as a result of participation in the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) intensive business development project in Ogallala. In September 2018, NBDC consultants spent five days evaluating participating businesses in depth, which culminated in confidential reports to the owners detailing where they could improve their companies to full potential. The project was funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in partnership with Keith County Area Development (KCAD) and was offered at no cost to participating businesses, which included Natural Fibers Corporation of Ogallala. Read More... |
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Exploring Career Education Locally (EXCEL) tours launched in the spring of 2017 as a way to connect local high school students with businesses in Keith County. Jr. EXCEL tours were added in 2019 to expand the program to middle school students. This career exposure will assist students in choosing a post-secondary education path and increase the likelihood of them returning to Keith County. The Tuition Reimbursement Program was created in 2016 as a way to assist local employers in recruiting quality workforce to the area. KCAD has established TRP Contracts, and works closely with local businesses to recruit quality employees to Keith County. |
BUSINESS SUPPORT
The KCAD Revolving Loan Fund was established in 2017 to provide financial assistance to small & emerging private businesses in Keith County. More than $100,000 has been allocated to assist small businesses. KCAD has assisted with one business transitions, two business expansion, and three new business start-ups through use of Revolving Loan Funds. |
BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION
Business Retention & Expansion - KCAD continues to exceed the annual number of BRE visits required by DED. Meeting regularly with local businesses in order to stay connected and build strong and lasting partnerships. To date, KCAD has assisted with the following projects:
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