The University of Nebraska recently released an episode of its “Leading Nebraska” podcast series, featuring the UNO-based Nebraska Business Development Center’s work in supporting business growth and economic development across the state.

Based in the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Business Administration, NBDC also has offices in Chadron, Grand Island, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, McCook, Scottsbluff and Wayne. The center offers affordable advising, professional development and other specialized resources to help Nebraska businesses grow.

“A small business wears many hats. They work 14-hour days or more; they’re running 100 miles an hour,” said Harold Sargus, manager of professional and organizational development at NBDC, in the podcast. “They don’t necessarily have time to do the research to figure out what it is they need to do, let alone what resources exist that could help them.

“We bring that all together. We work with farmers, retail outfits, manufacturers, professionals, the whole gamut. And if one business can start in Valentine and hire two people, maybe a year from now it’s six people. It’s about a strong economy and prosperous communities.”

Leveraging the expertise of faculty at UNO across the University of Nebraska system and at other public higher education partner institutions, the Nebraska Business Development Center offers small and large businesses services like leadership training, business planning, technology transfer support, market research, succession planning, assistance with government contract applications and more.

In 2018, the center served nearly 2,300 clients, creating a total economic impact on the state of $439 million.

“Our vision is strengthening Nebraska businesses for a strong economy and prosperous communities,” Sargus said. “Our goal is to help companies start, to help companies grow, so that jobs are created and people and communities thrive.”

The university launched the “Leading Nebraska” podcast last fall to share stories of researchers, students and educators across the four campuses who are growing the state’s workforce and quality of life.

Topics for the show include nursing, agricultural education, counterterrorism, healthcare, K-12 education, workforce development and cybersecurity.

Listen or follow the podcast at soundcloud.com/leading-nebraska.