The AIM Institute has developed a comprehensive economic development program focused on:

• Research and Policy Development
• Workforce and Business Development
• Information Technology Assistance

AIM provides services under the program to communities, businesses, schools and other organizations throughout Nebraska.

Research and Policy Development

The AIM institute employs its research mission to help Nebraska's communities, businesses and educators stay abreast of the dynamic environments of information technology and economic development. Research and survey data help identify key characteristics of the region's information technology environment as well as trends in technology usage and educational requirements to address technology-based workforce challenges in all regions of the state. View the research produced by the AIM Institute... 

Potential research topics are identified in cooperation with area stakeholders. Community, business and educational needs will be identified as well as innovations which are on the verge of adoption in the state. 

As well as working through the specific areas of need in research and publications, AIM is embarking on a new path in the area of policy development.  Many of our current partners have requested that we become more active in the area of policy development and take a leadership role in providing sound policy structure for the state in the area of information technology and workforce development.  AIM's work in this area will be coordinated with both current and new partners. 

For More Information:  If you are interested in learning more about a research partnership with the AIM Institute, please contact:

Workforce and Business Development

AIM is involved in many aspects of workforce development, from IT training programs to online employee recruitment.  Careerlink.com, AIM's robust online recruitment service, is continually enhanced to assist employers across Nebraska.

Now, plans are in progress to expand the site to assist in business development as well. The following are some of the Careerlink.com initiatives recently implemented or in progress:

• Market Business Opportunities – Plans are underway to enhance the site to provide placement of business opportunities to be displayed and marketed by those wishing to expand or transition their businesses within the state of Nebraska.
  

• Facilitate Ethanol Workforce Development – A partnership has been established with the Ethanol industry, working with the community colleges in Nebraska to create and build a workforce to serve this rapidly expanding industry and encourage its growth in the state.

• Facilitate Partner Collaboration – A partner collaboration module will enhance the ability of Nebraska businesses to partner with each other in a more substantial manner.

• Develop Business Tools – AIM also is in the process of developing tools that will assist businesses across the state in making decisions and expanding services.  In addition to the Entrepreneur's and Business Development component of Careerlink.com, several tools are being developed to assist partners with business information technology decisions as well as other development and growth tools.

• Compile Entrepreneurial Resources – AIM has compiled a list of Nebraska resources to help people start or expand their own business. The website also provides entrepreneurial resources for students and teachers.   Visit Site... 
  

Information Technology Assistance

One of the more significant grant initiatives developed by the AIM Institute has been a comprehensive community technology awareness, planning, and technical assistance program called the Nebraska CyberSeed Initiative. CyberSeed Technical Assistance is designed to assist small rural businesses to develop and implement growth strategies around Information Technology (IT) and eCommerce, and is seeking partner businesses to join in this effort.

The Nebraska CyberSeed Initiative is a program developed by the AIM Institute through a U.S. Department of Commerce grant. CyberSeed is a comprehensive package of services designed to assist small communities in understanding and taking advantage of opportunities presented by Information Technology and the Web. Services available through CyberSeed include:

• Vision – Assisting community leaders in building awareness and a vision of how technology can best serve community needs;

• Infrastructure – Evaluating community technical infrastructure and working with local providers to address any identified needs;

• Technical Assistance – Providing technical assistance to small businesses in the effective use of Information Technology and eCommerce. Special focus is given to connecting businesses with IT training and helping them increase their website traffic;

• Training – Providing technology training services in cooperation with local and regional schools and training organizations.

For More Information:  If your business or community is interested in knowing more about a technical assistance partnership with the AIM Institute, please contact: