This proud Cornhusker state is home to almost 300,000 businesses that employ over 99 percent of Nebraska’s population. If you’re a Nebraska business owner—or you’re considering opening a business in this state—you may qualify for one of the business loans or grants listed below. These funding options are available only to Nebraska business owners, so take a peek and find out if you’re eligible.
Department or Agency: Department of Economic Development
Loan or Grant title: Nebraska Innovation Fund (NIF) Prototype Grants
The Nebraska Innovation Fund (NIF) Prototype Grant is a grant-matching program that provides up to $150,000 to support early-stage product development. Eligible businesses include Nebraska-based companies that are engaged in nonretail industries and have fewer than 500 employees. Grant winners can use the funds for costs related to developing products, such as wages, prototype materials, and equipment.
Department or Agency: Nebraska Department of Economic Development in partnership with Invest Nebraska
Loan or Grant title: Nebraska Seed Investment Program
The Nebraska Seed Investment Program invests up to $500,000 in early-stage businesses that are developing a technology, product, process, or service with plans to commercialize. Eligible businesses include Nebraska-based companies that engage in nonretail industries and have fewer than 500 employees. The funds can be used for costs related to developing prototypes or introducing them to the market. Some of these expenses may include employee wages, leasehold improvements, equipment, marketing expenses, and working capital. To qualify, applicants will need to submit an application and provide a business plan along with evidence of matching funds.
Department or Agency:
Loan or Grant title: Nebraska Academic Research and Development Grants
This program provides matching grants for research and development activities that are done in partnership with a Nebraska college or university. Eligible businesses include for-profit companies that have physical operations in Nebraska. Phase I awards go up to $100,000 while Phase II awards are capped at $400,000. Funding can be used for:Commercializing new projects Modifying existing products for better marketabilityImproving processes to create revenue streams for Nebraska businesses
Department or Agency: Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Loan or Grant title: Microenterprise Assistance Program
This program provides technical assistance and funding to Nebraska-based microlenders, which then provide loans in distressed areas throughout the state. Grants start at $200,000 per project, and funds can be used to deliver Nebraska-based technology and innovation to rural and urban areas. No more than $73,850 or 5% of the total grant, whichever is less, may be used for general administration costs. Eligible businesses include nonprofit organizations located in Nebraska.
Department or Agency: Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Loan or Grant title: Nebraska Film Office Grant
This program provides grants to production companies that are planning a feature film, TV series, or TV series with a story that’s based on or in Nebraska. To qualify, the production company must plan the majority of its principal photography in the state, hire at least 50% of Nebraska residents for worker days, and spend at least $1 million on qualified expenses. The DED will match up to 20% of the expenses up to a maximum of $400,000 per film.
