Grand Island celebrates National Small Business Week

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – Small businesses have a huge impact on the economy around the area and in Nebraska.

The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce stated that as of 2023, Nebraska was home to 181,742 small businesses. They make up ninety-nine percent of the state’s business. To encourage small business growth, the Chamber partnered with the Central Community College Entrepreneurship Center and put together a 10-step checklist for starting a small business. CCC offers a wide range of resources including business planning and coaching.

Chamber President Jamie Karl was very excited to celebrate this special week for small businesses.

“We want to spotlight our small business week. There’s about thirty-five hundred businesses across Grand Island” said Karl. “Of those, ninety-nine percent are small businesses. We think it’s important to showcase them and let Grand Island know how important small businesses are to our economy.”

Sana Vida Wellness Center is among one of those small businesses in Grand Island. It’s a place for people to relax, recharge, and get away from everyday life. They offer a wide variety of services such as float therapy, infrared saunas, and wellness coaching.

Owner Cindy Lobeda took over the business from her son in 2022. She talked about their inspiration for starting the business.

“The business came about when a receptionist at one of my other businesses told me one day that we could get four hours of sleep out of sleeping one hour in this pod full of water.”

Lobeda also commented on her passion for the business and what to take into consideration when starting a business.

“Think hard and do something you are passionate about cause then it’s not a job. It’s easy. I love coming to work everyday” Lobeda said. “If you’re going to start your own business, make sure it is something you love to do.”

To learn more about small business week or for helpful resources, visit Small Business Week.

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