KEARNEY, Neb. — A Kearney pharmacist is being recognized as the Nebraska District Small Business Person of the Year.

Rachel Daly owns Innovative Rx, a fully licensed compounding pharmacy servicing Kearney and the surrounding cities.

The Small Business Administration says despite the pandemic, Daly has grown her business from her as the sole employee to 10 full and part-time employees. 

“We are thrilled to have such a vibrant, energetic and passionate entrepreneur as our Small Business Person of the Year,” SBA Nebraska Director Tim Mittan said in a news release. “She was able to utilize the Nebraska Business Development Center to help her strategize and create the best path forward.  Her talent, commitment, ability to take calculated risks and knowing when to access resources is what has made her the success she is today.”

Daly earned her doctorate from the UNMC College of Pharmacy and opened her business in September, 2019 so that she could provide specialized medications for her patients’ needs.

The release says Daly worked with the Nebraska Small Business Development Center in Kearney to receive assistance with her business plan, conducting a financial and market-industry analysis, and loan packaging services. Director Odee Ingersoll nominated her for the award.

“Rachel is a fantastic business owner,” Ingersoll said. “She began her business during a difficult time and worked hard to keep everything moving forward, and in the process looked for ways to serve her community.”

The small business awards program is part of National Small Business Week.