Business projects win funding

LINCOLN -- Gov. Dave Heineman, along with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Nebraska Rural Development Commission, has awarded $224,942 to 10 partnerships through the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act.

They include two local projects.

This is the final of three application cycles awarding a total of $500,000 BECA funding for FY 2006-2007. BECA is part of the Nebraska Advantage package.

"I'm pleased that in addition to helping provide funding for economic development projects, this program is helping local communities expand and strengthen their entrepreneurial partnerships," Gov. Heineman said. "This program has been successful in helping revitalize Nebraska's rural communities because it encourages local leaders to be involved in the entrepreneurial process. I congratulate each of the partnerships receiving funding and hope that these grants are just the start of a long and successful journey for these new business ventures in Nebraska's rural areas."

The BECA grants encourage regional projects, and all 10 projects that applied this cycle received funding. Projects must provide 100 percent cash match.

The local projects include:

* Chase and Perkins counties received $8,115 to provide educational and technical assistance that targets rural sustainability to existing business owners and entrepreneurs. The Chase-Perkins County Hometown Competitiveness Steering Committee is partnering with the Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation, local governments, and chambers of commerce to provide the services. The cities of Grant and Imperial will match the funding with LB 840 Economic Development Funds.

* Cambridge-McCook Vision 2010 Initiative, a partnership among the cities of Cambridge and McCook, received $60,000 to produce a regional strategy for developing business and engaging youth and young adults in entrepreneurship and community leadership. The Cambridge Economic Development Board, McCook Economic Development Corporation and Hormel Family Foundation will provide the match.