Support That Turns Ideas Into Action

Start-Up Resources

Invest Nebraska

Invest Nebraska provides financial and operational assistance to high growth companies, advancing the entrepreneurial economy, and attracting out-of-state capital to Nebraska for Today’s Entrepreneurs. Tomorrow's Business Leaders. For further information go to: investnebraska.com

Nebraska Business Development Center – Lincoln Service Center

The statewide program with credentialed consultants provides confidential, one-on-one business services to entrepreneurs, established business owners, innovators and economic and community development professionals. Contact: Craig Boesch, SBDC Center Director, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Business, Center for Entrepreneurship, 730 N 14th Street, Suite 315, Lincoln, NE 68588, 402.472.4092, Email: boesch@unl.edu

Nebraska Department of Economic Development

The mission is to provide quality leadership and services that enable the success of Nebraska’s communities, businesses, and people in a global economy. For more information about growing and starting a business go here https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/

Nebraska Enterprise Fund

The state-wide program provides business development services and funding to micro and small businesses, including self-employed, start-up, home-based, and other small businesses. For further information go to https://nebbiz.org/

SCORE Lincoln

A volunteer group of experienced business professionals who provide guidance to those desiring to start up a new small business or to assist existing small businesses in improving their profitability. The volunteers are experts with experience in accounting, finance, human resources, consulting, import/export, law, operations, production, retail, wholesale, manufacturing, sales, marketing, management, business plan preparation, strategic planning, and many other business disciplines. For further information go to https://www.score.org/

Southeast Community College – Entrepreneurship Center

The 8800 O Street Center has Focus Suites, Business coaching and networking events. A Focus Suites membership includes:

  • Attractive Rental Rates & Flexible Lease Terms
  • Supportive Community Culture
  • Onsite Coaching and Resource Assistance
  • 24/7 Access to the Facility
  • Free High-Speed Internet
  • Free Parking
  • Use of Conference Rooms and Facilities
  • Workshop Discounts

For details and availability at SCC Focus Suites, contact Director, Amy Jurgens at 402-323-3406 or email ajurgens@southeast.edu. For further information go to https://www.southeast.edu/business-and-community/business/entrepreneurship-center/index.php

SourceLink Nebraska

A collaborative effort of the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at the University of Nebraska Omaha College of Business Administration, coordinates a comprehensive resource network dedicated to fostering business growth and entrepreneurship within Nebraska. For further information go to https://sourcelinknebraska.com/

Small Business Resource Contacts

Center for Rural Affairs
They offer technical assistance, training, loans up to $250,000. For special training opportunities the Women’s Business Center and Hispanic Business Development Center.
- cfra.org

Nebraska Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) 
NEDCO a SBA 504 lender, and has USDA Intermediary Relending Program and EDA Revolving loan funds. Good resource to help with buildings and usually only require 10% equity.
- nedcoloans.org

Cooperative Extension 
UNL Cooperative Extension offers technical assistance to businesses.
- ruralprosperityne.unl.edu

Southeast Nebraska Development District
Nebraska regional development districts offer various revolving loans funds and technical assistance.
- Tom Bliss, Director: 402-475-2560.
- sendd.org 

USDA Rural Development 
The USDA Rural Development program promotes economic development through loans to businesses provided through banks, credit unions, and community-managed lending pools. They also offer energy efficiency grants and loans to businesses.
- rd.usda.gov

Grow Nebraska 
Training and technical assistance with marketing Nebraska products.
- Janell Anderson Ehrke: 888-growneb
- Small Business assistance grants grownebraska.org/nsbaa
- grownebraska.org

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