Our Progress
Pre-Renovation Service Offerings
To generate early followers and gain movement for the VMBP, immediate service offerings can begin using existing available space in the area. Activities should correlate with the planned tourist and seasonal happenings already taking place in the Nebraska City and Otoe County areas and present opportunity for revenue to be earned and/or donor and sponsor funds to be raised. Suggested activities for immediate implementation include:
- Foodpreneur education and training classes
- Launch Veteran’s farm program
- General business/education classes
- Establish Grower’s Club
- Assist the James Morton Public Library with traveling Makerspace
- Create specific capital access fund
- Farmers Market
- Utilize parking lot for “Pop-up” outdoor events
Post-Renovation Service Offerings
To achieve the project purpose and mission, the renovated building will offer the following anchor services:
Regional Culinary Incubator: Create a self-sustaining regional culinary incubator to make Nebraska City the farm-to-kitchen capital of the region
Business Support Services: Provide area entrepreneurs education/training and business support services
Performing Arts Center: Revitalize the existing stage for performing arts and other presentation activities
Classroom & Meeting Space: Offer mixed use space for community activities, meetings, and celebrations to support area non-profit organizations while also providing a steady rental income
Retail Store: Provide shared retail space to show case locally made goods for sale via an annual indoor farmer’s market concept (outdoors in the summer), outreaching to the tourist market for downtown attraction.