Listed are helpful websites that describe financing considerations when starting or expanding a business. They also list funding sources in Nebraska, ranging from microenterprise loans to venture capital:

Loans:
  • U.S. Small Business Administration – SBA Loans are intended to encourage long-term small business financing by setting qualifying standards that are more flexible than other types of loans. The SBA does not directly lend to businesses so see Nebraska SBA Lenders below.
    • Financing a Start-Up – Located under the SBA website's "Small Business Planner" section is a wealth of information about all aspects of financing your business, including a Startup Cost Estimate Calculator, credit factors, and how to find capital.
    • Nebraska SBA Lenders – The SBA website's "Omaha District Office" page includes links to Nebraska organizations that make SBA loans.
  • Nebraska Microenterprise Partnership Fund – The NMPF focuses on helping the state's residents build hobbies and skills into second or primary jobs. The Fund targets businesses with five or fewer employees by funding community-based programs that provide loans, training, and technical assistance, such as the Rural Enterprise Assistance Program and the Juan Diego Center in South Omaha. Visit the Business Assistance page...
  • Government Loans – GovLoans.gov lists federal government loan programs, grouped by loan type.
Equity: These groups facilitate an entrepreneur's connection to capital and may also provide educational workshops, active coaching and/or contact networks for businesses with high-growth potential.
  • Nebraska Angels – This organization primarily considers companies with a Nebraska presence or other ties to the state. Provides seed and early-stage capital in the range of $150,000 to $750,000. Selects companies with high-growth potential, led by entrepreneurs with a strong track record.
  • Invest Nebraska Corporation – This organization's mission is to pave the way for emerging, potentially high-growth Nebraska businesses and to facilitate access to capital, education, professional services, and business development resources.
  • Midlands Venture Forum - This organization helps facilitate connection to the capital marketplace. Through monthly meetings and periodic educational workshops, the Forum helps and informs entrepreneurs. These meetings provide a venue for business people to come together and for entrepreneurs to present their business plans, go-to-market strategies and investment requests.
Research and Development Grants: The Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program are competitive federal grant programs designed to stimulate small business technological innovation and cutting-edge research. Other Forms of Financing: Bonds, tax credits, and tax increment financing offer other financing avenues. Competitions:
  • Nebraska Business Plan Competition – Provides entrepreneurs the opportunity for valuable feedback on their business plans, plus the potential to win $25,000 in cash and services.
  • Hormel Business Plan Competition – Intended to inspire and encourage entrepreneurship in the McCook region, the Hormel Family Foundation will invest $25,000 in the winning business plan as a shareholder, plus offer business, legal and advertising services valued at $10,000.


endbar endbar endbar
AIM Institute
© Copyright 2008 Applied Information Management Institute, Inc. All Rights Reserved