Fairbury enacting program set to boost funding of new and small businesses

FAIRBURY, Neb. -- Fairbury has seen a large number of businesses come and go, but this new program could help them stay for good. 

The Elevate Fairbury program was created after the city received a $125,000 grant from the state.

Its purpose is to help businesses in the Qualified Census Tract District (QCT), south of 9th Street and east of K Street. 

“We wrote Elevate Fairbury to help small businesses and new businesses that need a little bit of a boost in that district,” said Laura Bedlan, Development Services Director.

The program has been a year in the making, after the city received the grant and has been trying to get it ready to be used.

“We received the grant and we have been working since then to develop the incubator and get the elevate program written locally,” said Bedlan.

The grant mainly serves to help business who need equipment, training and more. 

“We want to create new business in Fairbury. We want to expand your small business in Fairbury,” said Bedlan.

The goal…to keep businesses in the town. 

“We want your business here,” said Bedlan. “We want you to keep it here and we want it to work here.”

The program is expected to give a qualifying business up to $15,000.

Bedlan said the city wants to give out all of the money, with nothing left to spare.

“We’re really trying to take that whole $125,000 and get it out to the small businesses and new businesses,” said Bedlan.

Bedlan recommends businesses give her a call if unsure about its status with the program at (402)-729-5261.