Across Central Nebraska, small businesses are launching in every corner—from rural towns to growing cities. But for many of these new ventures, visibility is one of the toughest early challenges.

To help bridge that gap, a monthly event based in Kearney is giving these startups a place to be seen, supported, and celebrated by their wider community.

It’s called the New Business Spotlight, and it’s offering a fresh approach to discovering local entrepreneurship in real-time.

A Platform for New Entrepreneurs

Held at Nest:Space in Downtown Kearney, the New Business Spotlight features one business each month that’s been operating for less than two years. It’s a chance for the founder to share their story, meet new people, and promote what they’re building—whether that’s a product, a service, or simply a fresh idea taking shape.

“Each event is designed to highlight one small business owner and allow them to tell their story, promote their brand, and engage with the community in a fun and casual environment,” said Nest:Space in a recent news article.

The event is completely free for both attendees and the featured entrepreneur, and participation isn’t limited to Kearney businesses—it’s open to entrepreneurs across Central Nebraska.

Why This Event Matters

When starting a business, early traction is difficult. Many entrepreneurs have limited marketing budgets and rely heavily on word-of-mouth. That’s where events like these play a crucial role—not just as networking opportunities, but as real chances to build connection and community support.

According to Nest:Space's Community Manager, the event series is designed to help “people discover and support local businesses in their earliest stages, when support and exposure is often most crucial”​.

This isn’t a sales pitch or an investor demo. It’s simply a welcoming space where people gather to hear what’s being built around them—often over food, music, and laid-back conversation.

What Attendees Can Expect

Each spotlight event typically takes place on a Friday evening and draws a casual, supportive crowd. Attendees can expect to:

• Hear directly from the featured business owner
• Learn the origin story behind the business
• Engage with interactive demos, free samples, or giveaways (depending on the business)
• Meet other community members who are interested in supporting local growth

Nest:Space promotes the event in advance through local email newsletters and social media, reaching over 1,000 locals and regularly drawing about 30 attendees. Want to stay notified on upcoming spotlight events? Subscribe Here! (takes 30 seconds)

Who can Be Spotlighted?

Any business owner in Central Nebraska whose venture is under two years old is eligible to apply. A Facebook page or some form of online presence is encouraged, simply to help with event promotion.

“We especially encourage applicants who are excited to connect with the community and who want to give attendees a taste of what they do—whether that’s through samples, small giveaways, or even just a fun setup,” Nest:Space noted in the news article​.

There’s no fee to be featured, and Nest:Space covers all the logistics—from the space to the promotion.

Building Stronger Communities

While the format is simple, the impact of the New Business Spotlight has ripple effects. The more people know about the businesses starting in their region, the more likely they are to support them—and keep those dollars circulating locally.

From solo-run service companies to storefront startups, every featured business offers a new perspective on what’s possible in Central Nebraska’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.

If you're curious about what’s being built in your backyard, this is a great place to start.

📝 Learn more or apply to be featured: https://nestspace.co/new-business-spotlight

At Nest:Space, we believe entrepreneurship should be accessible to everyone — regardless of where they're starting from. That's why we offer all of our events, workshops, and community sessions completely free to attendees.

Whether it's a business spotlight, a Lunch & Learn, or a conversation with local experts, we're committed to creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and connect. No paywalls. No exclusivity. Just an open door for anyone who's curious, ambitious, or building something of their own.

“Access shouldn’t be a barrier to growth. If you have the drive, we want to help open the door.”
— Chais Meyer (Co-Owner of Nest:Space™)

How We Make It Work

At Nest:Space, we believe everyone should have access to learning, connection, and the tools to grow — without cost being a barrier.

Thanks to generous support from local sponsors and partners, we're able to offer all of our events completely free. These organizations and individuals believe in the power of entrepreneurship to strengthen the Kearney community, and they help us turn that belief into action.

When you attend a Nest:Space event and enjoy free food, drinks, or hands-on learning, it’s because someone stepped in to make it possible — not for recognition, but because they care about helping others build something meaningful.

How You Can Contribute

If you're looking for a meaningful way to both gain exposure for our business while supporting entrepreneurship in the Kearney area, here are a few ways to get involved:

• Sponsor an Event: Help cover the cost of food or drinks for attendees. Your support keeps events welcoming and engaging. Event sponsors are included in event marketing materials & social media posts leading up to the event! You can join our sponsor list by clicking here.
• Support the Elevate Program: Our Entrepreneurship Scholarship helps Central Nebraska active & aspiring entrepreneurs access workspace, mentorship, and resources they need to grow.
• Host a Lunch & Learn: If you or your organization has knowledge to share, we'd love to collaborate on an educational session at Nest:Space. We are more than happy to donate our space for your event if it aligns with our mission of supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community growth. Fill out an interest form by clicking here.

🌊 Rising Tide Lifts All Ships

Everything we do at Nest:Space is rooted in the idea that entrepreneurship grows stronger when it's nurtured in community. If you've ever learned something at one of our events, met someone new, or left inspired — that's what we're here for!

If you'd like to learn more about supporting our mission, feel free to reach out. Or just stop by — we'd love to chat. 🙂

Are you an early-stage entrepreneur with big dreams and a hunger for success? Meet Jasmine Stock, a fellow entrepreneur who, with the help of our Nest:Space™ Elevate Program, transformed her Digital Marketing and Business Strategy Consultancy, JDesigns Strategist, in only four months. Here's how she tripled her income and took her business to new heights!

Jasmine's Journey: From Vision to Victory

Jasmine joined our Elevate Program with a clear vision: to enhance her skills and systemize and expand her business to more people. The Nest:Space™ Elevate Program, designed to support active and aspiring Central Nebraska-based entrepreneurs, provided Jasmine with invaluable mentorship, accountability, and a wealth of educational resources to foster her business’ growth and efficiency.

Within four months of joining Nest:Space under the Elevate Program, Jasmine achieved extraordinary results! Her commitment to learning and a proactive approach to utilizing all of the knowledge and resources shared with her through the program led to tripling (3X) her income (from $2,000/month in February 2024 to $6,000/month in June 2024). Jasmine’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets the right mentors, educational opportunities, and support.

“The mentorship and guidance I received through the Elevate Program completely changed my business,” Jasmine shared. “The educational resources provided helped me reshape my business strategies, to work smarter, not harder. The weekly meetings and mentorship from real business owners from different industries helped me stay accountable to my goals. Overall, the supportive startup community at Nest:Space has been instrumental in my recent business success!”

❓How Nest:Space™ Elevate Program Works

The Nest:Space Elevate Program is designed to empower entrepreneurs from various industries by providing them with free/discounted access to Nest:Space™ and the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of business development.

Participants receive guidance on everything from marketing strategies to automating business operations (the boring stuff), all aimed at fostering efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth.

🌱 The Power of Mentorship and Community Support

Jasmine’s success story is a great example of the transformative power of community-led education and support. Her dedication to improving her skills and her proactive approach to applying the knowledge she gained has not only propelled her business forward but also set a high standard for other aspiring entrepreneurs in Kearney and the rest of Central Nebraska.

At Nest:Space™, our mission is to build a community of professionals who grow together and support each other in a productive and fun environment. We are incredibly proud of Jasmine’s achievements and are excited to continue helping her business thrive!

📈 Transform Your Business with Nest:Space™ Elevate

If you want to enhance your skills by starting or growing your own business, take inspiration from Jasmine. Embrace the educational opportunities & resources available to you locally, and let us (The Nest:Space™ Team & Community) help you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality!

For more information about the Nest:Space™ Entrepreneurship, Mentorship, and Scholarship Program, called “Elevate,” visit Nest:Space™ Elevate to learn more.

In the heart of Kearney, Nebraska, a unique initiative has been making waves, showcasing the power of community and collaboration. The First Impressions Program, a pioneering effort that took place in July, brought together volunteers from Kearney and Hays, Kansas, in a mutual agreement to explore and assess each other's towns. This marked a great multi-state assessment to gather fresh insights to foster development and engagement.

Among the highlights of this program was the inclusion of Nest:Space, a premium coworking space in Downtown Kearney, which stood out as a beacon of innovation and collaboration within the revitalized downtown area. The feedback from the visit to Nest:Space was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the importance of such spaces in nurturing a vibrant business ecosystem.

❤️ The Vibrant Heart of Kearney

Downtown Kearney, with its rich tapestry of businesses, from quaint boutiques to gourmet dining options, plays a pivotal role in the city's character and appeal. Beyond its dynamic business landscape, Downtown Kearney is steeped in rich history, showcasing a remarkable journey of revitalization. From its historical roots, the downtown area has transformed into a lively district, blending its storied past with a renewed spirit of commerce and local engagement.

Nest:Space, nestled within this evolving district, exemplifies the innovative spirit that propels the local economy. The blend of historical architecture and modern revitalization efforts creates a unique atmosphere that fosters community and belonging, inviting residents and visitors to explore its rich heritage and contemporary charm.

🚀 The Role of Nest:Space in Kearney's Business Landscape

Nest:Space has emerged as a pivotal element in Kearney's business landscape, offering a dynamic and flexible working environment for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers.

During the First Impressions visit, the volunteers were particularly impressed by the tour of Nest:Space, where the manager's answers to their questions underscored the coworking space's dedication to creating a supportive atmosphere.

🤝 A Testament to Community and Collaboration

The First Impressions Program and the spotlight on Nest:Space serve as a testament to the spirit of togetherness that defines Kearney. The initiative's approach to gathering feedback through trained volunteer visitors provides a model for other towns looking to assess and improve their local ecosystems.

The positive interaction between the staff at Nest:Space and the volunteers underscores the welcoming and inclusive nature of Kearney's business community. Despite the space being members-only, the willingness to offer tours to visitors reflects a commitment to openness and engagement.

⏩ Moving Forward

As Kearney continues to build on the insights gained from the First Impressions Program, the role of Nest:Space as a hub of innovation and collaboration will undoubtedly be key. The initiative has not only highlighted the strengths of Kearney, but also pointed out opportunities for growth and improvement.

Nest:Space, with its focus on creating a dynamic coworking environment, stands as a model for how spaces can adapt to meet the needs of modern professionals while contributing to the local economy and Central Nebraska spirit.

The First Impressions Program has opened up new avenues for development, collaboration, and mutual support, setting the stage for Kearney to continue thriving as a town where innovation and tradition go hand in hand. As we look to the future, initiatives like these remind us of the power of first impressions and the lasting impact they can have on local development and engagement.

In embracing these opportunities, Kearney sets an example for cities everywhere, proving that innovation, collaboration, and a deep sense of community can drive meaningful progress and development.

For a comprehensive look at the insights and detailed observations from the First Impressions Program, including the full scope of its impact on Kearney and Nest:Space, Click Here to read the full report.