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Local firm supporting small businesses

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 16:06 GMT by KETV Omaha
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Local Firm Supporting Small Businesses: A Deep Dive into Community‑Focused Entrepreneurship

The KETV report “Local firm supporting small businesses” spotlights an Omaha‑based company that has become a cornerstone for entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of the post‑COVID marketplace. The piece follows the firm’s founder, Maya Patel, a former venture‑capital analyst who pivoted her career to address the specific needs of small‑size enterprises in the Midwest. Through a combination of advisory services, capital facilitation, and grassroots networking, Patel’s organization, GrowthEdge Solutions, is helping dozens of local businesses stay afloat and expand.

The Vision Behind GrowthEdge Solutions

Patel launched GrowthEdge in early 2021 after noticing a gap in tailored financial and strategic support for small‑scale operations. “I saw entrepreneurs with great ideas but lacking the technical know‑how or access to capital to grow,” Patel explains. GrowthEdge’s mission is “to empower every local entrepreneur with the tools, knowledge, and funding pathways needed to thrive.” The firm operates from a 5,000‑square‑foot co‑working space downtown Omaha and draws on a network of seasoned advisors from the University of Nebraska and the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

Core Services and Community Partnerships

1. Business Planning & Strategic Consulting
   GrowthEdge offers one‑on‑one workshops that cover market analysis, financial forecasting, and operational efficiency. A recent series titled “Lean Startup Essentials” attracted 35 participants, many of whom reported a 20 % reduction in overhead within six months of applying the taught frameworks.

2. Capital Access & Financing
   The firm maintains relationships with several community banks—such as Bank of Nebraska—and local credit unions. It also partners with the federal Small Business Administration’s 7(a) loan program. According to the KETV article, over 80% of its clients have secured at least one round of financing through GrowthEdge’s facilitation, with an average loan amount of $75,000.

3. Digital Transformation & Marketing Support
   Recognizing the shift toward e‑commerce, GrowthEdge offers a free digital audit and marketing strategy session for businesses that have not yet established an online presence. The article features a case study of a local bakery that, after adopting a Shopify storefront and a targeted Instagram campaign, increased monthly sales by 45 %.

4. Networking Events & Mentorship
   Weekly “GrowthEdge Mix & Mingle” events gather entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. The firm also hosts a quarterly “Pitch & Pitch” competition where startups present their business plans to a panel of judges from the local venture community. In 2024, the competition attracted 12 new startups, many of which received seed funding.

Impact on Omaha’s Small‑Business Ecosystem

KETV’s report cites a 12 % rise in new business registrations in the Omaha metro area since 2021—a figure the article attributes partly to GrowthEdge’s outreach. Local business owner Samir Gupta, who runs a tech‑hardware repair shop, credits the firm for helping him secure a line of credit: “Without GrowthEdge’s guidance, I would have struggled to convince the bank. Their data‑driven approach made the risk assessment straightforward.”

Statistical data provided by the article highlight that 68 % of GrowthEdge clients report a measurable increase in revenue, while 55 % have seen a reduction in staff turnover. The firm’s impact report—link included in the original article—reveals that its network of partners also contributes to local job creation, with 120 new positions created through GrowthEdge‑supported businesses since inception.

Overcoming Obstacles

The article also discusses challenges faced by small‑size enterprises, especially supply‑chain disruptions and a shortage of skilled labor. Patel explains that GrowthEdge has developed a “Supplier Resilience Toolkit” that helps businesses identify alternative vendors and negotiate flexible contract terms. In addition, the firm runs a “Workforce Development” program in partnership with Omaha Community College, offering free courses in coding, digital marketing, and business analytics to help local talent fill critical roles.

Future Plans and Expansion

Looking ahead, Patel envisions scaling GrowthEdge’s model to neighboring regions such as Des Moines and Lincoln. She plans to introduce an online platform that offers modular courses and a matching system for investors. The KETV piece quotes a local economic development official who praises GrowthEdge’s alignment with the state’s initiative to “boost small‑business resilience and innovation.” He notes that the firm’s approach complements statewide tax incentives and workforce training grants, creating a synergistic ecosystem for entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

“Local firm supporting small businesses” illustrates how targeted, community‑driven support can catalyze growth in the small‑business sector. GrowthEdge Solutions, under Maya Patel’s leadership, has crafted a comprehensive suite of services—from financial facilitation to digital transformation—that addresses the multi‑faceted hurdles facing local entrepreneurs. By fostering partnerships across banks, educational institutions, and industry bodies, the firm not only boosts individual business outcomes but also strengthens Omaha’s broader economic fabric. The KETV article underscores the profound ripple effect such an organization can have, turning challenges into opportunities and paving the way for a more resilient, innovative local economy.