When Niobrara Valley Vineyards built a new facility near Nenzel, Nebraska, co-owner Greg Nollette realized they needed new skills to support their growing business. “We created a destination for people in the country,” he said, “and with that came a whole host of new skills we needed to be successful.” To navigate the expansion, Nollette turned to Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s entrepreneurship coaching program.
The Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s entrepreneurship coaching program, active in twenty-two counties, connects rural businesses with resources and support to thrive. With the assistance of an eCoach, Nollette gained insight into marketing, financial planning, and business operations.
Originally a grape supplier, the vineyard began making wine a decade ago and recently added food service, an event center, tasting room, and RV park. With backgrounds in agriculture education, Nollette and his brother sought business guidance to manage the growth. “We probably didn’t have the business skills necessary to tackle the expansion we made,” Nollette said.
An eCoach helped them conduct a detailed financial analysis to identify their most profitable areas and streamline operations. “Whatever problem we had, they were more than willing to help us find an answer,” Nollette said.
Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s coaching focuses on realistic goal-setting and building sustainable business strategies. “If this was available to me when I was starting my business, it would have been a game changer,” Barker said.
Extension educator Shawn Kaskie emphasized that supporting rural businesses strengthens entire communities. “If the businesses are successful, the communities are successful,” he said. “Our mission is education — and long-term sustainability.”
Additional information:
Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s entrepreneurship coaching program/eCoach
University of Nebraska Extension