Alisha Juelfs accepts offer for new position

SIDNEY -- In November 2022, the local e3 chapter (Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems) of Cheyenne County was awarded a $270,000 grant from the Sidney Donor Advised Fund to foster local growth in entrepreneurship and economic development.

The chapter began as a pilot program last year in six communities through the Nebraska Community Foundation, and its mission is to develop a network of resources in Sidney & Cheyenne County to drive opportunity through sustained investments in entrepreneurship and community improvement. This grant is just the first of many initiatives the group plans to leverage in order to support Cheyenne County's future health.

The purpose of the grant is to fund the creation of a new position that will provide resources to new and existing small business owners in Cheyenne County. The role will partner with local small businesses to learn about their hurdles and then provide them with direction, programs, or resources to help overcome those obstacles and thrive. This new role will partner closely with Sidney Public Schools Career Pathways program, WNCC extended education, the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce, and Cheyenne County's Department of Economic Development.

Alisha Juelfs has been selected as the Entrepreneurial Navigator for Cheyenne County, starting on March 13. She brings a diverse, well-rounded background to the role, with experience working with small businesses, including co-ownership of one. She also has a strong background in education and training and will excel at building resources and documentation for the role.

As a local Potter native, Alisha is passionate about the local community and has been responsible for creating community connections while also assisting with operational efficiencies. Alisha has been actively involved in community improvement and is well known in Potter as an asset and is not afraid of a new challenge. One of her most recent projects involved co-creating the PNCC off-road race with her husband BJ, which now attracts hundreds of tourists to Potter every summer, among supporting other initiatives like Potter Days, Car Bowl, and serving on the Potter Volunteer Fire Department.

 

 Alisha's contributions to Cheyenne County are hopefully the first of many for e3. The organization aims to hire a technical/grant writer who can help business owners complete business plans and apply for grants,  to invest in entrepreneurial education through formal partnerships with Sidney High School and WNCC,  to create a local investment club to assist small business owners with gap financing, and assist in finding funding and mentoring new business owners.