Center for Rural Affairs Business Update

M i c r o B u s i n e s s S u p p o r t & I n f o r m at i o n E x c h a n g e | V o l . 2 5 , N o . 2 | w w w. C F R A . o r g / R E A P

C e n t e r f o r R u r a l A f f a i r s | Ly o n s , N E | P o p u l at i o n 8 5 1 | s p r i n g 2 0 1 6

dream comes true at the enchanted bakeryB y g r i s e l d a r e n d o n , l at i n o l o a n s p e c i a l i s t, g r i s e l d a r @ c f r a . o r g

Thirteen years ago, Ana Gonzalez wanted to start her own bakery. She had been working from home making cakes for friends and family, but always wanted to have a set location for a shop.

In 2008, Ana decided to open up cake sales to the public. She started “Pasteleria Crystal,” baking

cakes out of the basement of her home in Hastings, Nebr. Ana and her sister Veronica delivered the cakes, and customers also dropped by to pick up their order.

The cakes were custom made for weddings, Quinceaneras, birthdays, or just because. Besides doing the baking and delivery, Ana and Veronica both held part-time jobs outside their home.

“I always wanted to have my own place, my own bakery. More than once customers asked when I was going to open my bakery,” said Ana.

REAP services have been essential to realizing that goal. Ana qualified for two REAP loans: one for the purchase of a van to transport the cakes and the other for remodeling a site for the new bakery.

As REAP’s Latino Business Specialist in southeast

Nebraska, I was able provide technical assistance on the business plan and to assist with required permits and services from the electrician, plumber, accountant and even her attorney.

In 2015, Ana and Veronica finally accomplished their dream. They opened “The Enchanted Bakery” at 418 N. Eddy Street in Grand Island. Ana and Veronica now serve 12 menu items, which include Blueberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Cappuccino, Carrot, and 3 Leches with Peach among others. The bakery is open all week from Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ana gives this advice to entrepreneurs who have the desire to start on their own: “Don’t give up on your dream. Find the resources, ask the questions, and be persistent.”

Ana Gonzalez and her sister Veronica serve cakes at The Enchanted Bakery, at 418 N. Eddy in Grand Island. REAP services were essential to the sisters reaching their goal.

T h e E n c h a n t e d B a k e r y418 N. EddyGrand Island, NE 68801308-383-2255Open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.facebook.com/Theenchantedbakery308/?fref=ts

2 •REAP Business Update • Spring 2016

The REAP Women’s Business Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the US Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

REAP and the Women’s Business Center and the Hispanic Business Center are programs of the Center for Rural Affairs. The Cen-ter for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization.

All SBA funded programs and services are ex-tended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with dis-abilities and/or persons with limited English profi-ciency (LEP) will be made if requested in advance.

Top 10 Cybersecurity tips from the small business administrationB y M o n i c a B r a u n , W o m e n ’ s B u s i n e s s C e n t e r D i r e c t o r , m o n i c a b @ c f r a . o r g

Security is important to all of us, personally and as business owners. With critical information provided by customers, it is essential that proper

steps are taken to ensure your records and their information are adequately secure. Here are some tips on Cybersecurity from the Small Business Administration.

1. Protect against viruses, spyware, and other malicious code

Make sure each of your business’s computers are equipped with antivirus software and antispyware and update regularly. Configure all software to install updates automatically.

2. Secure your networksSafeguard your Internet

connection by using a firewall and encrypting information. If you have a Wi-Fi network, make sure it is secure and hidden. Password protect access to the router.

3. Establish security practices and policies to protect sensitive information

Establish policies on how employees should handle and protect personally identifiable information and other sensitive data. Outline the consequences of violating these policies.

4. Educate employees about cyberthreats and hold them accountable

Educate your employees about online threats and how to protect your business’s data, including safe use of social networking sites.

5. Require employees to use strong passwords and to change them often

Consider adding multifactor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. Check with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer this.

6. Employ best practices on payment cards

Work with your banks or card processors to ensure the most trusted and validated tools and anti-fraud services are being used. Isolate payment systems from other, less secure programs. Do not use the same computer to process payments and surf the Internet.

7. Make backup copies of important business data and information

Regularly backup the data on all computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible, or at least weekly, and store the copies either offsite or on the cloud.

8. Control physical access to computers and network components

Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft or can be lost, so lock them up when unattended. Make sure a separate user account is created for each employee and require strong passwords.

9. Create a mobile device action plan

Mobile devices can create significant security and management challenges. Require users to password protect their devices, encrypt their data, and install security apps to prevent stolen information while on public networks. Set up reporting procedures for lost or stolen equipment.

10. Protect all pages on your public-facing websites

This applies to the complete site, not just the checkout and sign-up pages.

Source: www.sba.gov/managing-business/cybersecurity/top-ten-cybersecurity-tips

Spring 2016 • REAP Business Update • 3

global affair, continued from page 4.

R E A P W o m e n ’ s B u s i n e s s C e n t e r

‘Eye-Opening Training’ helps entrepreneurs with their businessesB y M o n i c a B r a u n , W o m e n ’ s B u s i n e s s C e n t e r D i r e c t o r , m o n i c a b @ c f r a . o r g

The REAP Women’s Business Center co-sponsored two Business Plan Basics sessions in February and March. We partnered with the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce, Custer County Economic Development, Sargent Area Economic

Development, Callaway Chamber of Commerce, and Arnold Economic Development Corporation to hold a session in Broken Bow.

We partnered with NGage (Gage Area Growth Enterprise), Main Street Beatrice, and Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce to hold one in Beatrice. For spring, we are partnering with Mid-Plains Center for Enterprise to hold the Business Plan Basics sessions in North Platte in April and May. One is also in the planning stage for Northeast Nebraska.

Comments from participants included:

“Lots of information. The budgeting and start up costs were an eye-opener.”

“It made me think about things I hadn’t.”

“I learned answers to questions I had about starting a business.”

“It gave me a lot more direction in the planning for starting my business. I learned so much about starting a business that I had no clue about.”

We have also been offering Online Marketing Strategies sessions in communities across the state. If you are looking for information on building your online relationships using websites, email marketing, and social media venues, be sure to watch for this session in your area.

Feel free to contact me, Monica Braun, to discuss upcoming events or to request a session in your area. Email monicab@cfra.org or call 402.643.2673.

societies,” said Contreras-Sweet. “If you can’t get a job, entrepreneurship allows you to create your own. And small businesses not only create most of the jobs in our global economy, they also create a sense of pride in local neighborhoods and contribute tax revenues that can help fund better services and better schools.”

Contreras-Sweet was in Bogota to announce the Colombian government will adopt the SBA’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) model. In the U.S. the model is comprised of 1,100 federally funded counseling centers staffed with experts providing ongoing business and technical support for aspiring entrepreneurs.

It is in this type of event when you realize just how important the work we do is in our many rural communities across the country. From July 1 to Dec. 31, 2015, REAP’s Latino Business Center staff trained 266 Small Latino Microentrepreneurs, counseled 126, and provided 22 loans totaling $373,100. At the end it is not a small business.

The Center for Rural Affairs REAP Women’s Business Center partnered with NGage, Main Street Beatrice and Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce to hold a Business Plan Basics session in Beatrice. A session is planned for North Platte in April and May.

A Business Plan Basics workshop was held in Broken Bow earlier this year, partnering with the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce, Custer County Economic Development, Sargent Area Economic Development, Callaway Chamber of Commerce, and Arnold Economic Development Corporation. Online Marketing Strategies sessions have also been offered in communities throughout the state.

Questions?

Strengthening rural communit ies through small , self-employed bus iness development.

Center for Rural Affairs

Contact one of our helpful staff below!

R u r a l E n t e r p r i s e A s s i s ta n c e P r o j e c t1 4 5 M a i n S t r e e t, P O B o x 1 3 6 | Ly o n s , N E 6 8 0 3 8 - 0 1 3 6

c f r a . o r g | i n f o @ c f r a . o r g

Address Service Requested Spring 2016

Jeff Reynolds, REAP Program Director,jeffr@cfra.org.

Monica Braun, Women’s Business Center Director, monicab@cfra.org.

Juan Sandoval, Latino Business Center Director, juans@cfra.org.

Dena Beck, Senior Project Leader & South Central Loan Specialist, denab@cfra.org.

Gene Rahn, North Central Senior Loan Specialist, gener@cfra.org.

Jerry Terwilliger, Panhandle Loan Specialist, jerryt@cfra.org.

Janelle Moran, Southeast Loan Specialist, janellem@cfra.org.

Nancy Flock, Southwest Loan Specialist, nancyf@cfra.org.

Griselda Rendon, Latino Loan Specialist, griseldar@cfra.org.

Kim Preston, REAP Administrative Assistant,kimp@cfra.org.

R E A P L at i n o B u s i n e s s C e n t e r

Building Small Business IS a global affairB y J u a n S a n d o va l , L at i n o B u s i n e s s C e n t e r D i r e c t o r , j u a n s @ c f r a . o r g

You know you are passionate about work when someone invites you to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Medellin,

Colombia, while on vacation, and you still think about attending.

That is exactly what happened while I was visiting relatives on my trip to South America in March. The event that grouped 15 nations and several international organizations facilitated discussion on four key pillars: creating jobs, building international collaboration, facilitating trade, and promoting gender equity.

It was even more appealing after I realized Maria Contreras-Sweet, the head of the

U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) was part of this selective group.

“We all understand the important role of e ntrepreneurship in creating the dynamic social fabric of our

—See global affair on page 3.

S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 R E A P B u s i n e s s U p d at e A w a r d s I n s e r t

Center for Rural Affairs2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Greg and Kristy Parr of Norfolk, Nebr., have been chosen as our Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipients. The award is presented annu-ally to those who best exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that defines and is so crucial to the future prosperity of Nebraska’s rural communities.

Custom Sports began in the small rural community of Neligh, Nebr., in 2004. The business provides custom T-shirt and other sports apparel and offers custom embroidery in addition to screen printing.

By 2011, business was booming. Greg and Kristy decided to relocate to Battle Creek, Nebr., where a larger building was available. REAP assisted with this relocation

through a loan.In less than a year, Custom

Sports had outgrown their new location. REAP was on hand again to help with a move to Norfolk, a shopping hub for northeast Nebraska. The new building was situated right next door to the USPS office and warehouse, which made it much easier to ship products.

In early 2014, the Parrs and Custom Sports were rewarded for their excellent work and quality products by a five-year contract extension from the Nebraska School Activities As-sociation. They also provide T-shirts and sports apparel for individual schools and other sporting events. Including family members, Custom Sports has nine employees.

Custom SportsGreg & Kristy Parr,Norfolk, Nebr.

REAP 2015 Friend of the Year AwardPat Coldiron, owner of

Liberty House Bed & Breakfast, Antiques and Gifts in Seward, is the former Seward Area Chamber of Commerce Director. In that position, Pat worked with REAP to sponsor and promote business training opportunities and meetings for the community and the region. She was a steady source of referrals.

As a person passionate about small business, Pat continues to promote REAP Women’s Business Center training opportunities through her retail establishment and her net-works. Pat is an excellent men-tor to new businesses.

Pat coldironLiberty House Bed & BreakfastSeward, Nebr.

REAP 2015 Women’s Business Center Entrepreneur of the Year Award

If little Brock Adams hadn’t spit his pacifier into the dirt at the Nebraska State Fair three years ago, Larry and Colleen Rickard might not have become entrepreneurs. Poor little Brock wailed, but the pacifier was too dirty to give back to him.

Colleen developed the C-Pap Easy Clean, LLC, which also can be used for pacifiers, breast pumps, and any clear and frosted plastic items (such as water bottles). The UVC Light kills up to 99.9 percent of germs, viruses and other micro-organisms on solid, non-porous surfaces. And she did it from Axtell, Nebr.

After consulting with a patent attorney professor, Colleen chose to pursue C-Pap equipment and other kinds of medical

—See Women’s Business Center on next page.

R E A P A w a r d s I n s e r t | S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 R E A P B u s i n e s s U p d at e

REAP 2015 Extra Mile AwardThe folks at the First Central

Bank Loan Production Office in Curtis are great partners of REAP in Southwest Nebraska. Gilbert Larson, Peggy Fritsche and Byron Brown have worked with us over the years to meet the needs of the community.

Gilbert and crew go above and beyond to make deals happen to sustain and grow their community. They put deals together with entrepreneurs, the local revolving loan, and SBA loan guaranty. The foundation of First Central Bank formed in the early 1900s. It continues a proud tradition serving rural entrepreneurs.

First Central Bank Loan Production OfficeCurtis, Nebr.

Colleen rickardC-Pap Easy Clean, LLC | Axtell, Nebr.

Women’s Business Center, continued from previous page.

devices patients need to have sterilized. The device won second place in the UNK Business Invention Competition, and every penny was poured back into the business.

Colleen participated in numerous training sessions offered by the REAP Women’s Business Center. She also attended the Women Entrepreneurs Conference and participated in the InnovateHER Challenge this year.

With numerous hours of pre- and post-REAP loan technical assistance and a Quick GROW Loan serviced by REAP, Col-leen was on her way. Just over a year ago, the C-Pap Easy Clean, LLC, won approval from the Better Business Bureau and cur-rently enjoys an A+ rating.

REAP Latino Business Center 2015 Entrepreneurs of the yearArcadio and Ebodio Zepeda, owners of Tu Casa in

Norfolk, Nebr., have managed and owned a food truck since 2007. They provide the authentic Mexican cuisine they learned growing up in Jalisco, Mexico.

Tu Casa began eight years ago when the owners started making and selling food at the soccer fields in Norfolk. With the help of a small grill, a few ingredients,

and a canopy, the business was ready to go. It didn’t take long for Arcadio and Ebodio to purchase a food truck with the help of an SBA loan.

The brothers attended one of the first REAP Business Plan Basics Training in Spanish in 2005. Right after the class, they began to attend and support a local REAP Roundtables group.

The Zepedas continue operating out of Madison dur-ing the week and Norfolk on weekends. They now cover the Madison County Fair, Big Bang Boom (the Forth of July celebration in Norfolk), as well as other community events in the area.

Arcadio and Ebodio’s dream is to have their own res-taurant and expand their menu and offer new services. Since 2007, they have been writing their success page by page. With these entrepreneurs, we know there are more great things to come.

Arcadio & Ebodio Zepeda, Tu CasaNorfolk, Nebr.