The Cornhusker state is home to almost 300,000 businesses that employ over 99% 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 engaged in non-retail industries with 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 non-retail 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: Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Loan or Grant title: Nebraska Academic Research and Development Grants
This program provides matching grants for research and development activities 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 to commercialize new projects, modify existing products for better marketability, and improve 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 offer 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.
Note that the 2024-2025 cycle application closed, but the next cycle should be announced soon.
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.
Department or Agency: Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Loan or Grant title: Intern Nebraska
Intern Nebraska gives grants to businesses that hire eligible student interns. Eligible businesses can get 50% of their internship expenses reimbursed, up to $7,500 per internship. To qualify, businesses need to be located in Nebraska, employ a student intern in a technical position, and pay at least the state minimum hourly wage. Businesses with fewer than 150 full-time employees are eligible for reimbursements on wages, tuition, internship housing, transportation expenses, and recruitment or admin costs. Businesses with more than 150 employees are eligible for all of the above except the wages paid to interns.
Department or Agency: Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Loan or Grant title: Nebraska State Trade Expansion Program
Nebraska’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) gives matching grants to businesses that need support expanding their export programs. Through the program, eligible businesses can get a 25% matching grant to cover eligible expenses related to trade shows, marketing, and training programs.
Department or Agency: Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Loan or Grant title: Nebraska Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Grant Program
Nebraska offers SBIR/STTR matching grants to businesses awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I or II awards through the federal government. Eligible Phase I awardees can receive up to $150,000 or matching grants, or 65% of the federal grant, whichever is less. Phase II awardees can receive up to $300,000 or 65% of the federal grant, whichever is less.
Department or Agency: Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Loan or Grant title: ImagiNE Nebraska Act – Revolving Loan Fund
The ImagiNE Nebraska Act program has a Revolving Loan Fund for businesses that need financial help hiring new employees or improving their infrastructure. The maximum loan amount is $2 million. There are two loans available: 1) workforce training loans to train current or newly hired employees and 2) infrastructure development loans to obtain or improve systems, facilities, and equipment.
