PRN Technical Assistance

Members of the Partnership for Rural Nebraska offer a wide variety of services that will assist in community development. Click on any of the following links to explore how the PRN can help you.

Department of Economic Development

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) is the official lead economic development agency for Nebraska.  Created by the Legislature in 1967, DED’s emphasis is growing and diversifying the state’s “economic base,” bringing new dollars into the state. The DED strives to provide quality leadership and services that enable Nebraska communities, businesses, and people to succeed in a global economy.

Department of Environmental Quality

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality was created pursuant to passage of the Nebraska Environmental Protection Act in 1971. Although the Department has grown and been given additional responsibilities over the years, its ongoing mission has remained the same—the protection of Nebraska’s air, land and water resources. Presently, the Agency is authorized a staffing level of 217 full-time employees.

Department of Labor

Nebraska Workforce Development provides the framework for a system that focuses on meeting the needs of businesses for skilled workers; and the training, education and employment needs of Nebraska's citizens.

NMPP Energy/MEAN

NMPP Energy is a nonprofit, member-owned organization providing electricity, natural gas and utility related services to nearly 200 member communities across seven Midwestern and mountain states. NMPP Energy promotes the benefits of joint action and local utility control among its member communities.

NPPD

Nebraska Public Power District is Nebraska's largest electric utility, with a chartered territory including all or parts of 91 of Nebraska's 93 counties. NPPD is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Nebraskans through their people and other public power assets.

Resource Conservation and Development

The Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) acts as a catalyst to help local people protect their natural resources, expands markets for local products, promotes tourism, provides community facilities and service and generally makes their communities better places to work and live. For additional information, view the Natural Resources Conservation Service RC&D site by clicking here.

Rural Development Commission

As a commission within the Department of Economic Development, the Rural Development Commission advocates for effective development in rural Nebraska.

Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses.

University of Nebraska Rural Initiative

The mission of the University of Nebraska Rural Initiative is to focus the knowledge, skills and creativity of the four campuses—Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha and the Medical Center—on stabilizing and enhancing the economy and quality of life in nonmetropolitan Nebraska.

UNL Center for Applied Rural Innovation

The Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI), an interdisciplinary research and extension center, uses a holistic approach to development that focuses on the economic and social interdependence of agriculture, communities and families. Made up of a team of professionals dedicated to collaborative efforts, CARI has developed some of the most community-driven and impact-oriented programs focusing on rural viability.

USDA Rural Development

The Nebraska staff of USDA Rural Development is committed to assisting Nebraskans in accessing USDA financing programs that are designed to offer affordable home ownership and repair opportunities; safe, modern rental housing facilities; essential public facilities and services; business opportunities to build and sustain healthy economies; and financial and technical assistance to cooperative and value-added efforts across Nebraska.