Rural Nebraska Makers Workshops

Location

Virtual Event

Date

September 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM - December 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM

Pricing
One or more sessions or event add-ons require an additional fee, which may vary by selection.

About

The Rural Nebraska Makers Workshop Series provides affordable, practical business education for rural entrepreneurs who are turning a hobby or side hustle into a sustainable business.

This series is designed for for entrepreneurs looking to grow at a pace that fits their goals and lifestyle.

For any questions about this series please reach out to Hailey Meis (hwalmsley2@unl.edu), Ben Jewell (bmcshane-jewell2@unl.edu), or Caitlin Roes (croes2@unl.edu)

Accommodation requests for registration or attendance may be directed to Ben Jewell at least 2 weeks prior to the program at bmcshane-jewell2@unl.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based upon any protected status: https://nebraska.edu/nondiscrimination 

Sessions

Sept. 14, 2026

  • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT Product Photography

    Speaker: Hailey Meis, Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Instructor and Owner of Penny Hill Creative Great photos can make the difference between someone scrolling past your product or making a purchase. In this webinar, you'll learn how to take professional-looking photos using tools you likely already have. We'll cover smartphone photography, lighting, backgrounds, simple photo setups, and basic editing techniques to help your products stand out on social media, websites, and promotional materials. No expensive camera or studio required.

Oct. 12, 2026

  • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT Pricing for Profit and Enterprise Budgeting

    Speaker: Glennis McClure, Nebraska Extension Educator, Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Pricing your products can feel like a guessing game, but it doesn't have to be. This webinar will walk through the true costs of producing your products, including ingredients, packaging, labor, and vendor fees. You'll learn pricing strategies that help you cover your costs, earn a profit, and avoid the common mistake of underpricing your products. Whether you're just starting or reevaluating your prices, this session will help you price with confidence.

Nov. 16, 2026

  • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST Planning Your Next Step: Scaling Production

    Speaker: Edel Summers, Senior Manager Product Development, Food Processing Center Edel Summers is the Senior Manager of Product Development Services at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Food Processing Center, where she leads the product development lab and the "Recipe to Reality" course to help entrepreneurs and corporations scale up recipes from concept to commercial production. Growth looks different for every business. Whether you want to sell more at farmers' markets, expand into retail, or explore commercial production, this webinar will help you understand your options. We'll discuss when a cottage food business may outgrow its current model, commercial kitchens, equipment planning, retail opportunities, and resources available to Nebraska food entrepreneurs.

Dec. 14, 2026

  • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST Tax Basics for Cottage Food Businesses

    Speaker: Shannon Sand, Agricultural Economics Extension Educator Taxes don't have to be intimidating. This webinar will cover the tax basics every cottage food business owner should know, including income reporting, record keeping, and preparing for tax season. You'll leave with a better understanding of your responsibilities and practical tips to keep your business organized throughout the year.