LENORA, KS, December 30, 2025 – Nex-Tech has made a $24,000 loan to support Empower Health, a new occupational therapy practice in Colby, to serve the rural communities of northwest Kansas. With a mission to help clients “keep showing up in life,” Empower Health is a specialized rehabilitation and wellness clinic with a particular focus on pelvic health, lymphatic care, and neuro-lymphatic care for individuals dealing with issues such as lymphedema, lipedema, and post-surgical recovery. The loan was disbursed from the Nex-Tech Revolving Loan Fund, which provides funds to eligible local businesses to create jobs and contribute to sustaining the local socioeconomic activities. The loan is a testament to our commitment to making life better for the customers and communities we serve.

Speaking on the loan support, CEO of Nex-Tech Jimmy Todd, said, “We are happy to assist another local business that will enhance the quality of life in our service footprint. These communities already have world-class fiber broadband, and now we are going the extra mile to support critical businesses that serve the whole community.”

Empower Health emphasizes functional rehabilitation rather than general medical care, providing them as a regional resource for conditions that require targeted, hands-on therapy and long-term recovery strategies. Located at 435 N Franklin Ave., Colby, Kansas, it is open to the public and serves the Colby area with a comprehensive rehabilitation and wellness approach, prioritizing pelvic and lymphatic health along with patient-centered, compassionate care.

The clinic will be run by Brittany Shields, an occupational therapist (OTR/L), certified lymphedema and wound care therapist (CLWT), and certified pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist (PCES). Brittany, expressing her thoughts on the loan, said, “The Nex-Tech loan I received was crucial for the initial start-up costs for my business. Completing an application for a business loan can be overwhelming, but the process was much less daunting after working with the individuals at Nex-Tech. I am so excited that I now have the opportunity to both fulfill my dream in entrepreneurship as well as continuing to serve my community’s health needs.” Brittany added. Empower Health’s culture is patient-centered, emphasizing careful listening, real-time adjustment of treatment plans, and ongoing education so clients understand both the “why” and “how” behind their care.

The project brought together business leaders at the Innovation Center, Nex-Tech, and the Shields family to pull resources together and get it across the finish line. Mason Ruder, Business Services Advisor at the Innovation Center, who worked with Brittany to develop the business and financial plans, said “Thanks to the support from Nex-Tech, Empower Health can bring best-in-class pelvic, lymphatic, and neuro-lymphatic rehabilitation services to western Kansas, empowering residents to live fuller, healthier lives closer to home.” Mason also added that the investment would strengthen rural health infrastructure and demonstrate a meaningful commitment to improving wellness outcomes in the region.

Nex-Tech is a participant in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG) through which it supports rural projects and business initiatives that create jobs across the region and contribute to a sustainable local economy. “Nex-Tech is committed to supporting businesses and entrepreneurs across northwest and central Kansas,” said Friday Otuya, Community Engagement Specialist. “We currently have over $1 million available through our revolving loan fund and are eager to help local businesses start, expand, or innovate.” Interested businesses can reach out to our Community Engagement team at econdevo@nex-tech.com.

For more information about the Nex-Tech Revolving Loan Fund, visit: https://www.nex-tech.com/about/economic-development/community-loans-grants/.

Visit Empower Health: https://www.empowerhealth-ks.com/