In a business world largely steered by men, GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center (GNWBC) is driving female entrepreneurs to equal success. Since 2021, the center has been empowering Nebraska’s women in business with real-time resources, technical training, and a strong network to help them build sustainable businesses in a competitive market.
“We’re here to be the bridge between the entrepreneur and their goals in business,” Eden Butler, executive director of the GNWBC, explained. “We connect you with resources that not only help your business grow, but also create sustainability, all while contributing to the overall economic development of Nebraska.”
Female entrepreneurs face heightened challenges, such as limited access to funding, training, and scaling opportunities. By bridging these gaps, the GNWBC—as a subsidiary of its parent organization, the GROW Nebraska Foundation—creates a space where all business owners can thrive.
One of the most common hurdles for budding businesses is the financial aspect, explained Nekola Distefano, business development specialist at GNWBC. “I’ve seen many people with great business ideas that will fill a need within the community, but they are unsure of how to begin,” Distefano said. “Structuring their businesses so that they can be sustainable beyond being a hobby is how they can make a true impact.”
While GROW Nebraska has long focused on marketing and e-commerce sales for small businesses, the need for a dedicated women’s business center to tackle specific inequities in the entrepreneurial space was clear. The GNWBC currently supports nearly 500 clients at any given time, spanning various industries and business stages, from startups to more established ventures.
“How do people find your business today if no one uses a phone book?” asked Janell Anderson Erhke, founder and CEO for the GROW Nebraska Foundation. “Helping new and existing business owners become easily discoverable to potential customers is critical.”
GROW Nebraska is well-known for promoting Nebraska-made products, including its standout role as the nation’s top distributor of Dorothy Lynch salad dressing through its online platform, buynebraska.com. Butler emphasized their strategic partnerships with platforms like Google, Amazon, Shopify, and TikTok Shop, which help connect local businesses to broader opportunities.
The GNWBC is an initiative through the Small Business Association. Their services, provided for no cost, include in-person consultations, online training—such as Office 365 guidance and franchising tips—personalized technical support, and regular events focused on business growth.
Building Success Through Support Programs
One of GNWBC’s flagship programs is Snap and Boost, a training course that breaks down the elements of small business success into actionable steps. “We take the business plan, split it into six sections, and focus on a new key item each week,” Butler shared.
Each weekly lesson focuses on critical topics, such as determining a mission statement, pricing structures, marketing, and financial projections. By the end of the course, participants graduate with a stronger grasp of their business plans and the confidence to seek funding or partnerships.
Financial literacy is essential to the program. In week six, bankers, CPAs, and financial experts guide participants on profit projections, helping them understand their financial health—a crucial step for long-term success. Beyond the program, personalized one-on-one counseling sessions address all business-specific challenges.
The GNWBC also values networking and community building. “We stress the idea of ‘look to your left, look to your right,’” Butler said. “There’s always someone in the room with similar goals. What’s stopping you from working together?”
Another essential resource from the GNWBC is the BAIL (Banker, Accountant, Insurance, and Legal) Office Hours program. Every Wednesday at the Commonwealth building, entrepreneurs can ask questions of 18 service providers—completely free and with no appointment needed.
“I have personally watched as new business owners come into the space and leave with real-life solutions and decisions for the growth of their organizations,” Distefano added. The beauty of BAIL Office Hours is the convenience and accessibility it offers to business owners who might otherwise struggle to find these experts.
“As a small business, where else can you go on a weekly basis and walk out with all of your questions answered?” Butler asked. With expert guidance on topics from government contracting to legal consultations, BAIL Office Hours has become an indispensable resource for entrepreneurs.
Empowering Communities, One Entrepreneur at a Time
The GNWBC’s primary mission is to empower female entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities. “While we focus on women of color in North Omaha, we recognize that supporting everyone is essential for a strong community,” Butler said.
For that reason, the GNWBC doesn’t limit its services to women alone.
“The more we expand our programming, the more men have started knocking on our doors,” Butler noted. Other underserved groups—such as veterans, minorities, and refugees—are another service priority for the center, strengthened through collaborations with organizations such as the Refugee Empowerment Center (now the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement).
“It’s going to take all of us to build a better, brighter Nebraska,” Butler said.
The GNWBC’s impact shines through the success stories of the women it empowers. A standout is Quality Beginnings, founded by nurses Kashika Whitelaw and Denesha McGhee, who graduated from the Snap and Boost program. They recognized the need for in-home health care for the elderly and disabled, and turned to the GNWBC for help solidifying their business plan and securing funding.
With the center’s support, Quality Beginnings has continued to build its reputation and connections while successfully delivering vital in-home care to those in need.
Breaking Barriers and Building Futures
The GNWBC focuses on making its resources accessible to all by removing language and cultural barriers. Recent efforts, like offering Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act grant information in both English and Spanish, highlight their commitment to inclusivity.
“We’re just getting started, and while the impact so far has been great, we know there’s so much more we can do,” Erhke said. “I’ve challenged the GNWBC team with an ambitious goal: to become the top women’s business center in the country.”
The center is gearing up to host more networking and technical assistance events, expanding its reach and support for business owners across Nebraska. With a growing roster of programs and partnerships, the GNWBC is committed to shaping the future of entrepreneurship throughout the state.
As Butler noted, the center’s work wouldn’t be possible without the support of its many partners across Nebraska. “GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center doesn’t stand alone,” she noted. “We’re backed by a network that’s equally committed to helping women succeed in their business ventures. It’s truly a team effort.”
Butler’s message to aspiring female entrepreneurs resonates deeply: “As women, we juggle numerous responsibilities while trying to achieve our business goals, which can make it easy to lose perspective. If you have a passion, we’re here to help you navigate that journey—no matter where you’re starting from.
“Don’t wait for permission to pursue your passion. The time is now.”
For more information, visit gnwbc.org.
This article originally appeared in the December 2024/January 2025 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
