Business Initiatives
Our grant programs are designed to remove barriers in starting, retaining, and expanding businesses in Nebraska. Whether it involves specialized training for your employees or providing funding for site and product development, the Department of Economic Development is proud to be a partner in your success.
We are here, equipped and ready, to assist you in developing and capitalizing on economic development opportunities.
Innovation and Entrepreneurial
Nebraska Innovation Fund Prototype Grants
Competitive matching grant that provides financial assistance to Nebraska businesses for product development.
Nebraska Seed Investment Program
Investments in Nebraska businesses for the commercialization of a product or process.
Small Business Assistance Act (SBAA)
Grants and technical assistance to individuals starting a small business or have started a small business within the previous five years.
Microenterprise Assistance Program
Support the transfer of Nebraska-based technology and innovation in rural and urban areas of Nebraska..
Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Grant Program
Matching grant that provides financial assistance to Nebraska businesses that are applying to or have received a Federal SBIR or STTR.
Nebraska Academic Research and Development Grant
Competitive grant for R&D activities done in conjunction with a Nebraska college or university.
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
Created to strengthen state programs that support private financing to small businesses.
Incentives
imagiNE Nebraska
ImagiNE Nebraska is our redesigned incentives portfolio created with small and large businesses in mind.
Opportunity Zones
Promote investment and drive economic growth in low-income and/or economically disadvantaged communities.
Site and Building Development Fund (SBDF)
Supports projects that help advance business innovation and strengthen workforce recruitment.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Grants to provide decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities.
Municipal Inland Port Authority Act
Municipal Inland Port Authorities to manage inland port districts.
Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery & Investment Act
Assistance with non-profit organization capital projects that have been delayed due to COVID-19.
Enterprise Zones
Preference for various business incentives and grant programs to projects located in whole or in part within a designated enterprise zone.
Nebraska Film Office Grant
Grants to support shooting on-location for a film primarily featuring Nebraska-based characters and locales.
Nebraska Rural Projects Act
Projects to build new rail access business parks in counties of less than 100,000 people.
Workforce
Accredited Job Training Act
Grants for Nebraska employers who are creating jobs or increasing wages for existing employees who are receiving skilled job training.
Developing Youth Talent Initiative GEER II
A one-time application for GEER II Funds created by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
Intern Nebraska
Grants to businesses and non-profits who want to create new internships within Nebraska.
Customized Job Training
Employee training assistance to businesses that maintain, expand, and diversify the state’s economic base.
Nebraska Career Scholarships
Scholarships for students pursuing degrees in programs of study leading to high wage, high-skill and high-demand careers.
READ Nebraska
Expand mentorships throughout the state of Nebraska to improve the reading levels of elementary students.
Developing Youth Talent Initiative
Collaboration between businesses and public schools to expose students to careers in Manufacturing and Tech.
imagiNE Nebraska
ImagiNE Nebraska is our redesigned incentives portfolio created with small and large businesses in mind.
International
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Increase the number of small businesses that export internationally and increases export values.
Husker Harvest Days
The world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show and a premier agricultural event in the United States.
Site and Building Development Fund (SBDF)
Supports projects that help advance business innovation and strengthen workforce recruitment.
LocationOne (LOIS)
Database for information about sites, buildings, and locations for businesses looking to grow.
Resources
AmpliFund
This page will provide technical assistance on using AmpliFund to apply for and manage grants awarded by DED.
Enterprise Zones
Preference for various business incentives and grant programs to projects located in whole or in part within a designated enterprise zone.
Micro-TIF
The option to participate in an expedited review of a Micro-TIF project.
Business Retention & Expansion Program
Information on business climates that helps shape the state economic development policies and programs.
Opportunity Zones
Promote investment and drive economic growth in low-income and/or economically disadvantaged communities.
LocationOne (LOIS)
Database for information about sites, buildings, and locations for businesses looking to grow.
Risk Assessment & Business Continuity Planning
Resources provided as a guide to the business continuity planning in emergency situations.