Lincoln – Nebraska state officials and business groups on last Wednesday asked companies and nonprofits to outline what can be done to help them recover financially after the coronavirus pandemic subsides.

The survey by the Department of Economic Development, the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry asks business owners and nonprofits if they plan to cut staff, to identify their top concerns and if they plan to seek federal assistance, among other questions.

“This is an opportunity for Nebraska businesses to have their voices heard and to be able to share with us what’s going on as we think about how we plan for future growth,” Gov. Pete Ricketts said at a news conference.

University of Nebraska President Ted Carter said the university will start compiling the answers as soon as they’re received.

“We’re very hopeful that people will start filling out those surveys to help bring businesses back to life,” Carter said.

Complete the survey at bit.ly/nebcovidbizsurvey.

The University of Nebraska is also ready to support businesses.

Carter said consultants from the Nebraska Business Development Center are ready to work directly with business owners to evaluate best practices for growth as the economy is reopened.

Nebraska Extension specialists will work to rebuild businesses, and the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership, housed in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, plans to offer training to support small- to medium-sized manufacturers.

Businesses, entrepreneurs and others are encouraged to visit the university’s SourceLink platform to make connections. Find more at nebraska.edu/sourcelink.

The Daily Record's Scott Stewart contributed to this report.