A $76,000 grant will help create a business incubator in downtown McCook.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Rural Development announced the grant Wednesday, saying it will help create the Center for Entrepreneurship -- E-Ship Center, on the third floor of the Keystone Hotel.

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The money will go toward furniture and technology equipment like computers and supplies, according to Rex Nelson, executive director of the McCook Economic Development Corp.

Nelson said he's excited about what the center can do for start-up businesses.

"We'll have help for virtually any client out there," he said. "This will ramp up the level of services we can offer to the region."

The center is designed to help people in the area get started in a business or to fine-tune a small business already in place. Services offered will be an assessment of the business, matching businesses with the right resources, conducting market research and creating a business plan.

"We'll be able to design a comprehensive program and eliminate any turf battles," Nelson said, adding that the center is open to the entire region.

The third-floor facility will include a training room, conference room and shared offices with McCook Community College, which will supply a half-time staff position.

U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith announced the grant Wednesday and commended the idea behind the Center for Entrepreneurship.

"If the rural areas are going to grow and prosper, the entrepreneurial spirit must be encouraged," he said. "Now, more than ever, we need entrepreneurs and innovators. The Center of Entrepreneurship is helping to meet that need."