At the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development, we are passionate about cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial spirit across our region. We aim to empower students, innovators, and rural communities by providing them with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to turn ideas into impactful ventures. Your support - whether through sharing your entrepreneurial expertise, mentoring our students, or making a financial contribution - helps us fuel innovation, strengthen local economies, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Share your entrepreneurial journey and make a lasting impact by engaging with the next generation of business leaders at UNK. When you speak to classes or mentor students, you provide valuable real-world insights that bring classroom lessons to life. Your experiences—both successes and setbacks—offer students inspiration, practical knowledge, and a clearer understanding of what it takes to start and grow a business. By giving your time and guidance, you help shape future innovators, strengthen Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and leave a meaningful mark on the future of business.
Here a just a few of the ways to get involved:
Contact Sara Bennett at 308-865-8199 or bennettsa2@unk.edu to learn more about these engagement opportunities and how to connect with future entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Programming at CERD is made possible through generous donations and sponsorships. Your financial support can be the spark that ignites the next generation of innovators and business leaders at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development (CERD) at UNK. Our programs are designed to empower students through hands-on learning, real-world experiences, and connections with successful entrepreneurs, none of which would be possible without the generosity of donors like you.
By investing in CERD, you’re not just funding events or resources, you’re helping students turn ideas into action. Your gift directly supports transformative programs like Big Idea UNK, a live pitch competition that gives students a platform to present their business concepts and earn scholarships and cash prizes, and Startup Studio, an immersive experience where students work side-by-side with entrepreneurs, attend conferences, and take steps toward launching their own ventures.
These programs rely heavily on donor contributions:
Your support helps us grow these opportunities and reach even more aspiring entrepreneurs. Together, we can inspire innovation, strengthen rural communities, and build a vibrant future for Nebraska and beyond. Every dollar makes a difference, join us in shaping what's next.
Contact Sara Bennett at 308-865-8199 or bennettsa2@unk.edu to discuss how your gift can have a lasting impact.
