The NebraskaEDGE is now offering multiple course structures to fit the educational, location and time needs of the busy entrepreneur and small business owner.  In continued partnership with communities, the Traditional EDGE and Blended EDGE courses can be designed to fit the community’s educational goals and desired levels of involvement and financial commitment.

Traditional EDGE

The traditional EDGE model has participants meeting 12 consecutive weeks for 3 ½ hours each week at a community location.

• Course instructors prepare and teach lessons in a classroom setting.
• Interaction between instructors and participants is high and feedback is immediate.
• Course work is sent through email with feedback provided the following week.
• Guest speakers from the region provide local insight and resources.
• Participants network among themselves, guest speakers and coalition members.
• Community coalition involvement is necessary for managing course functions, responding to participant needs and marketing the course.
• Community financing is required and will vary from $3,300 to $4,000. (See Traditional Budget)
• Registration monies, ranging from $400 - $500 are maintained within the community.
• State office receives payment for course materials and a $75 participation fee per business.
• Remaining funds are kept at the community level.
• Uses the NxLeveL™ Entrepreneurs' 5th Edition.

Blended EDGE

Individuals participate in the NxLeveL on-line training program, with local consultation and networking sessions held once every two-three weeks at a community location.

• Course sessions are held online, with discussions facilitated by instructor.
• Interaction between instructors and participants is moderate to high.
• All assignments are sent to the instructor and returned through email.
• Local in-person sessions are organized to bring in guest speakers and local resource providers and provide networking opportu nities.
• Individual consultations are held with a local business coach or instructor.
• Instructors will be may hired by the State Office and may not be local to the participants.
• Course coordinator and business coaches are local and hired by the community coalition.
• Community coalition involvement is necessary for managing local functions, responding to participant needs and marketing the course.
• Community financing is required and will vary from $2,750 to $5,000 to cover local costs. (See Blended Budget)
• Registration fees are set by NxLeveL at $485, of this amount, State office receives $200 to pay instructor fees and business coach fees.
• Remaining funds are kept at the community level.
• Currently uses the NxLeveL™ Entrepreneurs' 4th Edition.

First step

To notify EDGE of your community's interest, please submit a letter of intent to host a training course or inquire about course options. Marilyn Schlake will then contact your community to answer additional questions, meet with your organizing coalition and help your community plan and host the training course that works best for your community.

Keys to hosting a successful course

A strong regional/local coalition, a coordinator and instructor who have been certified in the NebraskaEDGE Certification Training, and a minimum of 10 students.

• Regional/Local Coalition - The mission of the coalition is to foster and promote entrepreneurship in the region or community. The local coalition should include all or some of the following organizations: small business organizations and/or clubs, financial institution(s), accounting firm(s), legal firm(s), media, educational institutions, government agencies responsible for economic or business development and other local businesses and organizations interested in supporting small business development.

• Program Manager - A local manager is needed to facilitate the coalition's efforts, recruit students, coordinate the training course, and communicate with the State Office. The program manager responsibilities can be handled through a contract appointment or as an in-kind service. Program managers receive training on program ccordination and reporting.

• Instructor - A strong instructor is vital to making the training program a meaningful experience for participants. One key criterion in selecting instructors is experience in owning and operating a small business. Instructors are required to complete a NxLeveL Instructor certification training. Coalitions are encouraged to identify potential instructors from their community or may choose from the statewide pool of qualified instructors.

• Participant - The EDGE Entrepreneurs' course is for:
  • Individuals or groups of individuals who are seriously considering the start of a business and want to test their business ideas.
  • Existing business owners who are considering making a change in their business operations, including expanding or selling the business.
  • Business owners who need additional skills to better manage their business operations.

Cost to business owners

Students course fees range from $400-$500 for the Traditional EDGE course and $485 for the Blended EDGE course. Communities may choose to help further underwrite the cost of the program by offering students scholarships upon completion of the training program. Course materials are included in the registration fee.

Cost to host community

Costs will vary considerably and are dependent upon the number of participating students, registration fees, and the available in-kind support provided by local organizations. Cost to the community will range from $3,300 to $4,000. If the community chooses to offer participant scholarships, additional monies will need to be generated by the community to cover the added costs.

Budget Examples:

• Traditional EDGE for 10, 15, or 20 participants
• Blended EDGE for 10, 15, or 20 participants