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May 7th deadline for Regional Groups to apply for the 2015-2016 Stronger Economies Together Program.

Name
Vicki Schurman
Email
vicki.schurman@ne.usda.gov
Phone
(402) 437-5563
City
Lincoln
Release Date

The Nebraska Stronger Economies Together (SET) team is now accepting applications from community/county representatives and economic developers to participate in the 2015-2016 SET program.  As an approved state, Nebraska SET can offer two multi-county regions step-by-step assistance to organize and develop an economic development blueprint for their region. 

Launched in 2010, SET is now offered in 50 regions in 28 states, including Nebraska.  The SET program offers in-depth analysis tailored to the region that uncovers local assets, resources and emerging strengths.  Throughout the five planning sessions, participating regions explore underlying economic structures, identify opportunities and develop a plan of action to further strengthen connections and advantages across the region.  Assistance is then provided to assist regions for putting the economic development plan into action.  Together, the SET program is approximately an 18-month opportunity for regional collaboration and growth.

To be eligible, a region must consist of at least three contiguous counties and have 51% or more of the region’s population living in rural areas, or have 75% of the region’s land located in rural areas.  Selection of regions will be dependent upon the region’s application and site visit from the Nebraska SET team.   Costs for the regions will be minimal and may only include participants (staff/volunteers) time and travel to and from the regional SET meeting locations.

Applications and additional information on SET are available at http://eship.unl.edu/SET.   A recorded webinar is available to further explain the program at https://connect.unl.edu/p8dasqeof2i/.

Help is available.

A team is ready to help you with your application.  Contact Marilyn Schlake, mschlake1@unl.edu or 402.472.4138; Carroll Welte, cwelte1@unl.edu or 402.374.2954.

 The SET program is a collaborative project between Nebraska Extension’s Community Vitality Initiative, Nebraska USDA Rural Development, Southern Rural Development Center and Purdue University’s Center for Regional Development.