Center for Rural Affairs
About
HISTORY, MISSION & VALUES
We breathed fire and ran on unrefined youthful energy. It was 1973.
We knew that if we wanted federal policy to work for rural Americans, we had to raise our voice. So we opened shop in an old storefront in rural Nebraska and put nose-to-grindstone. We grew a rural grassroots community. We spoke up about corporate wrongs against family farmers. We took rural voices to Washington.
We believed we would succeed. It was hard work, but our passion kept us standing strong for rural Americans. And now, we’re more than 25,000 and growing across the nation. We’re proud of our track record of successes.
Mission
Establish strong rural communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, and genuine opportunity for all while engaging people in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities.
Values
RESPONSIBILITY placed upon each of us to contribute to our community and society.
CONSCIENCE that balances self-interest with an obligation to the common good and future generations.
PROGRESS that strengthens rural communities, small businesses, and family farms and ranches.
Genuine OPPORTUNITY for all to earn a living, raise a family, and prosper in a rural place.
Citizen INVOLVEMENT and ACTION to shape the future.
Widespread OWNERSHIP and CONTROL of small businesses, farms, and ranches by those who work them.
FAIRNESS that allows all who contribute to the nation’s prosperity to share in it.
STEWARDSHIP of the natural environment upon which all of us – current and future generations – rely.
We live in an era of profound change – when institutions, policy, and life are being fundamentally reshaped. It is a critical time for people of conscience to work together in guiding change to reflect our highest values. To that we commit the Center for Rural Affairs.
Values. Worth. Action.
Services Provided
Public Policy and Government Relations
- Latino Business
- Small Business Policy
- Women’s Business Issues
- Nebraska Business Issues
- Native-American Business
Business Planning
- Forming a Business
- Market Plan Development
- Market Research
- Business Plan Consulting, Development and Review
Management Issues
- Professional / Leadership Development
Financial Resources and Assistance
- Tax Credits
- Obtaining Debt Funding
- Obtaining Equity Funding
- Bookkeeping/Accounting Software Training
- Loan Providers
- Budget, Financial Statement and Cash Flow Training
Marketing/Sales
- Market Plan Development and Training
- Market Research
- E-Commerce/Internet Marketing
Technical Assistance
- Bookkeeping/Accounting Software Training
Training
- E-Commerce/Internet Marketing
- Business Management Training
- Health and Safety Training
- Marketing Plan Development and Training
- Startup Classes
- Bookkeeping/Accounting Software Training
- Business Plan Training and Assistance
- Budget, Financial Statements and Cash Flow Training
Human Resources
- Employee Development, Hiring and Policies
Starting a Business
- Business Research Resources
- Forming a Business
- Startup Business Counseling
- Startup Classes
Mentoring
- One-on-One Counseling
Center for Rural Affairs Information
145 Main Street
PO Box 136
Lyons, NE 68038
(402) 687-2100