Nebraska Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides matching funds to Nebraska businesses collaborating with local colleges or universities on research and development projects that create or improve products and processes to boost revenue.

This program provides financial support to Nebraska-based small businesses that have received federal funding for innovative research and development projects, helping them advance their technologies and products.

This grant provides financial support for Nebraska-based businesses to develop prototypes, with a focus on innovation in non-retail primary industries, including value-added agriculture.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Cass County, Nebraska, for projects that improve local attractions and promote tourism through physical enhancements or marketing initiatives.

The Omaha Jaycees Foundation provides grants to support the charitable efforts of the Omaha Jaycees and to improve Greater Omaha. Donor Name: Omaha Jaycees Foundation State: Nebraska City: Omaha Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: OJF is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity whose primary focus is to make charitable grants of up to $1,000 to fund service projects in support of immediate needs and/or long-term community betterment. Eligibility Requirements Nonprofit organizations may be eligible to submit an application to OJF if they meet all of the following three requirements: Defined as a tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Code, provide services to the residents of Greater Omaha, and requesting funds to conduct a 501(c)(3)-compliant charitable activity as defined by section 170(c)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. OJF does not make grants in support of the following: Individuals, scholarships, bifurcated gifts, political campaigns or lobbying efforts, businesses operating for personal gain or profit, funding of an endowment, debt repayment, payment for expenses incurred in the past, or direct support of religious activities that do not serve community members regardless of congregational membership and statements of belief. For more information, visit OJF.

The Nebraska SBIR/STTR Initiative provides financial assistance to small businesses in Nebraska participating in the federal SBIR/STTR programs. This state initiative offers Phase 0 assistance to help businesses apply for federal Phase 1 funding and matching funds for successful Phase 1 and Phase 2 federal awards. The initiative aims to promote innovation and technology transfer among small businesses in Nebraska, with a total fund availability of up to $6 million per year. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: July 1st to June 30th

The Site and Building Development Fund (SBDF) aims to enhance Nebraska's industrial readiness by supporting the development of industrial-ready sites and buildings. The plan, effective from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, targets projects that address immediate community needs for site and building development, promote job creation and investment, and leverage private dollars. Eligible projects include land and building acquisition, construction or rehabilitation, site preparation, and related infrastructure improvements.

This program provides funding to local governments in Nebraska for transportation projects that create or retain jobs and attract private investment in the state.

Nebraska Innovation Fund (NIF) Prototype Grants offer financial support for new product development to businesses in Nebraska through a matching program. The grants are highly competitive, and applicants are advised to seek guidance from the Department of Economic Development (DED) to understand program requirements and expectations and to submit the strongest possible application. About Prototype Grants Prototype grants are awarded at up to $150,000 per project. Applicants must be businesses operating in Nebraska that can provide a minimum of 50% of the grant request as matching funds. Projects qualifying as value-added agriculture require a reduced match of 25%. Grant funds are accessed via reimbursement. DED reimburses project costs at a rate of 66%, or 80% for value-added agriculture projects. Eligible applicants must submit an application form and provide a business plan, plus evidence of matching funds. If approved, the project must be completed and all funds drawn down within 24 months. Eligible Businesses Eligible recipients include any Nebraska-based corporation, limited liability company, partnership, registered limited partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust or other entity with fewer than 500 employees that is engaged in non-retail primary industries and is adding value to products or processes in Nebraska. Eligible Use of Funds Prototype grant funds must be used towards the development of a product. Examples of eligible costs include wages for employees or contractors, prototype materials and limited preapproved tooling or equipment costs. Applicants must provide a budget at the time of application that outlines anticipated project costs. Eligible Matching Funds Includes any non-state source — e.g., private foundations, federal or local governments, quasi-governmental entities, commercial lending institutions, investors, etc. — provided they are not using funds appropriated by the Nebraska Legislature. Matching funds must be in the form of a cash match. Important Deadlines: Applications for this grant are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Contact DED to determine the availability of funds.

Nebraska Academic Research and Development Grants provide matching competitive grants for research and development activities in collaboration with a Nebraska college or university. The program focuses on commercializing new projects, improving existing products for better marketability, and enhancing processes to generate new revenue for Nebraska businesses. Phase I R&D awards are capped at $100,000, while Phase II awards are capped at $400,000. Businesses must match the grant amount with eligible funds. The project scope includes academic research and development activities conducted with a Nebraska college, university, or faculty member to develop new products and processes or modify existing ones. For more details, visit the Nebraska Department of Economic Development website.