In Grand Island, Nebraska, the Small Business Program has helped its 1,000th entrepreneur open a business. Joel Yera, a former sanitation worker, started Yera Transportation in September 2025. He received guidance from Sandra Barrera, a Rural Prosperity Nebraska extension educator. Yera thanked the program for its support and said mentorship was important in starting his business.
Sandra Barrera started the Small Business Program in 2015. She saw that many people wanted to start businesses but lacked information and resources. The program provides coaching, help with business plans, permits, translation, and finding locations. Barrera begins by asking participants about their interests, aiming to match their business ideas with their passions.
Yera used the program to get loans and buy trucks and trailers. He now transports goods across the Midwest. After one month, he is planning to expand his business with continued support from Barrera and her team. The program also helps existing businesses grow to meet demand…