For the first time, GROW Nebraska CEO and Founder Janell Anderson Ehrke has teamed up with Nebraska Public Media (NPM) to launch a one-of-a-kind statewide advertising initiative supporting small businesses across Nebraska. Through this collaboration, 10 GROW Nebraska members and GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center clients will gain valuable exposure via 29 radio sponsorship spots airing on NPM stations throughout the state.

This unique partnership gives participating entrepreneurs a platform to share their stories, connect with new audiences, and promote their Nebraska-made products and services to thousands of listeners each week.

A Shared Vision for Growing Nebraska Businesses

The idea took root when Bradley Steffen, Corporate Support Representative at Nebraska Public Media, connected with Ehrke nearly two years ago. Both shared a vision of helping local businesses thrive by leveraging the power of public broadcasting.

“Our goal was simple — to shine a light on Nebraska’s small businesses and the people behind them,” said Steffen. “Marketing and advertising aren’t just expenses; they’re investments in growth. GROW Nebraska came up with a great idea to make that investment more accessible for their members, and we’re thrilled to help make it happen.”

Reaching Nebraska’s Diverse Audience

As an NPR affiliate, Nebraska Public Media connects with one of the most engaged and educated audiences in the region. Its programming spans arts, humanities, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, aligning perfectly with GROW Nebraska’s mission to build awareness and create opportunities for local business owners.

By featuring GROW Nebraska members and GNWBC clients through on-air sponsorships, this campaign not only introduces new customers to local brands but also reinforces the shared commitment between public media and Nebraska’s entrepreneurial community to support homegrown innovation.

Celebrating the Participants

The first round of participating members includes an impressive mix of Nebraska businesses representing creativity, craftsmanship, and community impact:

Each business will be featured through Nebraska Public Media sponsorships that will air through September 30, 2026.

About the Partners

Nebraska Public Media is Nebraska’s trusted source for news, culture, and education, serving communities statewide through television, radio, and digital platforms.

GROW Nebraska Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive through training, marketing, and e-commerce support. Since its founding, GROW Nebraska has trained thousands of Nebraskans and showcased hundreds of locally made products across national and online platforms.

GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center (GNWBC) empowers women entrepreneurs across Nebraska by providing one-on-one coaching, business plan development, and practical training in areas such as marketing, financial literacy, and digital sales. The GNWBC is part of a national network of Women’s Business Centers supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), helping women launch, grow, and sustain successful businesses statewide.