National Entrepreneurship Week Celebrates Growing Businesses in York County, Nebraska

From 2022 to 2023, 8,141 new businesses opened in Nebraska. These businesses grew job opportunities in the state by 21,077 workers, with small businesses accounting for the majority of jobs created.

York County contributed to this growth. Since 2020, York has represented around 2.35% of entrepreneurial activity in Nebraska. Considering Nebraska has 93 counties, this percentage is more than double what York’s expected share would be. York holding its own when it comes to entrepreneurial development is even more impressive when you consider how it keeps up with Douglas County and Lancaster County (home of Omaha and Lincoln respectively).

The entrepreneurial environment in York County is made possible by its incredibly supportive community, where friends and neighbors strive to see each other succeed. However, resources are also available to help new founders grow their companies. During National Entrepreneurship Week, learn more about the tools and resources offered by the York County Development Corporation (YCDC) and how they can help business owners of all shapes and sizes.  

Gain Invaluable Insights Through SizeUp

The first stop for any entrepreneur in York County (or any business leader for that matter) is the SizeUp tool. SizeUp for York County provides small business insights that can help you find your ideal product-market fit and develop a business plan that reaches your ideal audiences. If you need assistance with the tool, YCDC staff can provide that, or you can select some office hours to join online with the SizeUp team off of the YCDC website.

“We wanted to provide a free tool to York County entrepreneurs that easily gives them insight into the market,” says Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of YCDC. “With SizeUp, they don’t have to make decisions based on assumptions or gut instinct. They also don’t have to pay for valuable data.”

Sharing your business type with SizeUp also helps YCDC develop resources and events that are relevant to your needs. It provides a clear view of what industries are operating in York County. Staff are able to see analytics for the type of businesses being explored.  

Receive Personalized Technical Assistance

Economic development partners like YCDC are deeply involved in the support of entrepreneurs. Whenever you experience a pain point in business growth or are unsure how to solve a problem, reach out for technical assistance. YCDC can either help directly or connect you with resource partners who can provide the support you need.

Here are a few examples of the types of business assistance YCDC provides:

• Researching loans, grants, and other funding options. 
• Marketing your business on a local, regional, and national scale.
• Following laws and regulations.
• Building assistance and site selection guidance. 
• Job posting and promotion. 
• Educational opportunities.

“We encourage businesses to look at the year ahead and consider how YCDC can help them reach their goals,” says Hurley. “Whether you want to hire more people or open a new location, our team can help.”  

Attend Learning Sessions and Make Connections

One of YCDC's core values is that we are stronger together, which means collaboration is essential for growing York County. When you become a stakeholder of YCDC, you can join a larger community of business owners who want to grow the customers and opportunities in the region. Consider attending networking events where you can make connections in the area and participate in education sessions, whether you are learning or leading one.

Are you in need of some start-up funds? Consider participating in the SPARK Pitch Contest, and receive the benefits of connections, assistance, and potentially winning seed funds. Consider participating in 17-County Leadership in the fall, and watch for other communication and leadership training opportunities. You will get from YCDC what you put into it, and you might be surprised how you grow.

YCDC is designed to be affordable to all business leaders. Stakeholder Investor levels start at $100 per year for start-ups and in-home businesses. 

Entrepreneurs Have a Support System in York County

National Entrepreneurship Week is a great opportunity to recognize the new business owners in our area and identify ways to support them. When entrepreneurs succeed, there are more opportunities for employees, customers, and vendors in York County. Established owners can expand into new horizons when they form partnerships with new businesses.

Congratulations to anyone who started a business last year or in recent years. YCDC is cheering you on and is excited to offer resources to help you grow.