York County Celebrates Small Business Week and Economic Development Week in May With Several Events

May is a wonderful time to celebrate small and large businesses in York County, Nebraska. National Small Business Week runs from May 4-10, while International Economic Development Week runs from May 11-17. The York County Development Corporation (YCDC) has partnered with several local organizations, including the York Chamber of Commerce, to celebrate both of these weeks through events designed to bring the business community together.  

“Business leaders and investors in York County work tirelessly throughout the year to make this community better, but the first two weeks in May are a time to celebrate,” says Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of YCDC. “These events are designed to foster networking opportunities and social outings with people who are passionate about watching the region grow.”

Mark your calendars for the upcoming events designed to showcase businesses of all sizes. Whether you are a solopreneur just starting out or an enterprise executive, you deserve to have a voice in the future of York County.  

May 6: State of York County Panel

Join the York Young Professionals (YYP) for a free roundtable on the State of York County. Discuss what is going well in local communities and potential growth opportunities. Doors open at 5:00 PM, and the panel discussion runs from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the York Country Club. Each attendee will receive one complimentary drink ticket.

“This panel discussion is designed to be a networking event along with an honest look at York County,” says Hurley. “We’re excited to let YYP lead this event and bring the community together during Small Business Week.”

This event is a good opportunity to meet other business leaders along with York County government officials. Anyone interested in seeing York County grow is welcome to attend. 

May 13: Mastering Mindset Lunch and Learn

Gather with other business leaders of York County for a lunch and learn with Dr. Kristin Malek from the University of Nebraska on Tuesday, May 13, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Holthus Convention Center. Dr. Malek is an associate professor of nutrition and health sciences and has nearly two decades of hospitality and event management experience.  

The event costs $15 for Chamber partners and YCDC stakeholders and $20 for non-members. A taco bar will be included. RSVP by May 9 to secure your spot. 

May 15: Pump & Pantry Ribbon Cutting

Celebrate one of the newest businesses in York County with the Pump & Pantry ribbon cutting. The Grand Opening will be held at 4:00 PM with various festivities to enjoy. The Pump & Pantry is located at 3901 S Lincoln Avenue and is eager to welcome new customers. 

May 5-17: Downtown Revitalization Scavenger Hunt 

York continues to improve its downtown to support local businesses and improve residents' quality of life. Explore the various downtown revitalization projects through an interactive walking tour and scavenger hunt that runs through both Small Business Week and Economic Development Week.

“These revitalization efforts have micro and macro efforts in York County,” says Hurley. “In the short run, businesses grow because residents see their signage clearly and feel drawn to their storefronts. In the long run, York becomes a more desirable place to move to.”

This scavenger hunt is also an opportunity to showcase the newest app by the York County Visitors Bureau. Experience York County and fall back in love with your hometown. 

See While Businesses Choose York County

York County continues to grow through community efforts like the ones held during Small Business Week and Economic Development Week. Multiple organizations, businesses, and leaders offer their support and insight to bring York County into a brighter future. Participate in the events above and keep up with YCDC for upcoming networking and learning opportunities. You can even sign up for emails including the Why York County Newsletter! You might be surprised how much you benefit by investing in your community. 

YCDC Provides Business Analytics through SizeUp|York County

YCDC continues to empower our local aspiring entrepreneurs through an innovative online service called SizeUp|York County NE. The service is free for all local entrepreneurs and provides powerful market research and business intelligence that is industry-specific and hyperlocal. It includes the same and similar data used by large corporations, which has been historically inaccessible to small businesses because of the cost and expertise required to analyze data. SizeUp|York County NE helps to level the business playing field by empowering our local entrepreneurs and small businesses with these data insights, at no cost so that they can make data-driven decisions.