How BCDA’s $5,000 New Business Grant Can Kickstart Your Business
Are you finally starting that business this year that you have been thinking about for a while? Great! One of the most commonly asked questions our office gets is if we know of any grants for small businesses. Grants can be quite specific and not always available when you need them. That is why BCDA […]
2023 BCDA Accomplishments
As 2023 comes to a close, we wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on some of the milestones that occurred at BCDA, Inc this year. The wheels of economic development turn slowly so it is always refreshing to look back and see our daily efforts towards growth have, in fact, created some big changes […]
BCDA Launches Marketing Program to Support Local Businesses
Boone County Development Agency (BCDA) now offers a tiered marketing program to empower local businesses to begin or elevate their current marketing and advertising efforts. The program is designed as optional packages to help support business leaders where they need it most. By participating in the program, business leaders will also learn how to maximize […]
BCDA Receives $8,000 Youth Engagement Grant to Support Business & Industry Day
BCDA has received a Youth Engagement Grant totaling $8,000 to support the organization’s Business & Industry Day scheduled for October 26 at the Boone County Fairgrounds. What is the Youth Engagement Grant? As a matching program, the Youth Engagement Grant brings together funding support from the Boone County Foundation Fund (BCFF) and a Nebraska Community […]
Content Marketing for Rural Businesses
Owning a small business in a rural community presents its own set of challenges that are unique to less populated regions. For example, foot traffic is lower in storefronts and buyers are less consistent. This is why small, rural businesses need to implement an effective content marketing strategy that considers these challenges. Content marketing allows […]
How A Mentor Can Help You Start And Grow Your Business
As an entrepreneur, you are tasked with endless responsibilities that pull you, mentally and physically, in every direction. It is easy to get lost in your to-do list rather than staying focused on the bigger picture. Having someone who has been in your shoes before and is willing to guide you through the ups and […]
Boone County Development Agency Welcomes New Office Administrator
On June 6th, Jackie Valasek of Albion joined the Boone County Development Agency as Office Administrator. In this role, she will manage daily office needs, provide support for existing BCDA programs and connect community members and partners with the appropriate BCDA committee and contract staff members, Dani O’Brien and Tina Stokes. New office hours include […]
Boone County Emerging Leaders Hosts Session on Improving Public Speaking Skills
On May 25th, Boone County Emerging Leaders, a Boone County Development Agency (BCDA) program, offered the third of four sessions on improving communication. This session, Public Speaking 101 – I Can Do This, provided participants with knowledge and tools to speak with confidence both in the workplace and in their volunteer work. Public Speaking 101 […]
Boone County Emerging Leaders Hosts Second of Four Sessions on Improving Communication
Last week, Boone County Emerging Leaders offered the second of four sessions focused on improving communication among the young adults living or working in Boone County. The session, titled Difficult Conversations: How to Give Feedback with Candor and Kindness, explored strategies for approaching uncomfortable or challenging conversations with professionalism. Molly Brummond, assistant dean of student […]
Boone County’s Emerging Leaders Want to Teach You How the Best Leaders Communicate
As we navigate inflation, a workforce shortage and the everyday obstacles that come with being a leader, effective communication is more important than ever. To better serve your customers, employees, co-workers and everyone in between, it is essential to be able to articulate your vision and point of view, especially when others are dissatisfied. The […]