Opportunity for Entrepreneurs in Nebraska • Nebraska Examiner

Paul Harvey, a beloved radio commentator, captured the hearts of older Nebraskans with his iconic segment, “The Rest of the Story.” Known for his captivating storytelling style, Harvey would share intriguing tales about someone or something, leaving his audience guessing until after a commercial break when he would reveal the surprising conclusion. His ability to engage listeners and keep them eagerly awaiting the rest of the story made him a household name and a cherished memory for many.

Entrepreneurship, the driving force behind America’s success, has faced challenges in recent years. Before the pandemic, research indicated a decline in the country’s entrepreneurial culture, prompting calls for a revival of America’s spirit of innovation and business creation. However, the dark days of the pandemic brought about unexpected changes that planted the seeds for a new wave of entrepreneurship.

As the world grappled with the unprecedented health crisis of COVID-19, over 100 million Americans fell ill and more than 1.2 million lost their lives. Economic shutdowns, job losses, and failed businesses became commonplace, forcing many to reevaluate their career paths and lifestyles. The shift to remote work during the pandemic led to a reexamination of traditional employment structures, inspiring hundreds of thousands of individuals to pursue entrepreneurship as a means of taking control of their futures.

In a 2024 article in The New York Times titled “Pandemic Start-Ups Are Thriving, and Helping Fuel the Economy,” authors Ben Casselman and Sydney Ember highlighted the surge in new business formations and the positive impact these ventures were having on the economy. This trend signaled a significant opportunity for America to embrace and support the growing wave of entrepreneurship, which was driving innovation, revitalizing communities, and energizing the economy.

The cyclical nature of entrepreneurship in America is not a new phenomenon. Drawing from personal experience, the author reflects on their father’s journey from a laborer to a small business owner in the post-World War II era. With a booming economy and a desire for a better life, many Americans like the author’s father seized the opportunity to start their own businesses, contributing to the growth and prosperity of their families and communities.

In Nebraska, the passage of the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act in 2022 provided a significant boost to aspiring entrepreneurs. The act offered funding and support to startup and existing small businesses, leading to a surge in interest and inquiries from individuals looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The overwhelming response to the act underscored the strong desire for independence and self-employment among Nebraskans, mirroring the author’s father’s aspirations for a better life.

Looking ahead, Nebraska faces a critical choice in how it allocates resources for economic development. By shifting focus towards supporting entrepreneurship, the state has the opportunity to cultivate a more diverse, equitable, and resilient economy, one entrepreneur at a time. Investing in entrepreneurship not only fosters economic growth but also strengthens families, communities, and the overall state economy.

As the rest of the story unfolds, the potential for Nebraska to embrace and nurture its entrepreneurial spirit holds promise for a brighter and more prosperous future. By empowering individuals to pursue their dreams of business ownership, the state can build a foundation for long-term success and sustainability. Just as Paul Harvey kept his audience captivated with the promise of the rest of the story, the journey of entrepreneurship in Nebraska continues to unfold, offering hope and opportunity for all who dare to dream.