In Focus: Some schemes, grants & resources available for women entrepreneurs in Nebraska
#WomenInBusiness #NebraskaEntrepreneurs #WomenEmpowerment #SmallBusinessSuccess #NebraskaWBO #WomenLeadership
Nebraska boasts a thriving community of women entrepreneurs who are making significant strides across diverse industries, from manufacturing to technology. The landscape for women-owned businesses in Nebraska is vibrant, driven by innovation and economic growth. These businesses not only contribute to the state’s economy but also create valuable job opportunities.
Women entrepreneurs in Nebraska have access to a deluge of resources designed to support their business ventures. Key among these resources are initiatives like the Nebraska Business Incubator and the Women in Business programs at institutions such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. These programs provide essential mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, fostering a supportive environment for women in business.
Moreover, Nebraska offers several targeted schemes and grants aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. The Women Business Ownership (WBO) program stands out, offering comprehensive mentorship, training, and resources tailored for women entrepreneurs. Similarly, the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program provides crucial business development assistance and set-aside contract opportunities for women-owned and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Additionally, the Nebraska Small Business Development Centers offer extensive training and support services, covering critical aspects such as business planning, marketing, and financial management.
With these robust support systems, Nebraska is paving the way for women entrepreneurs to thrive, innovate & lead in their respective fields, ensuring their sustained success and contribution to the state’s economic landscape.
Here are some schemes, initiatives and grants that women entrepreneurs can avail of in
Nebraska.
> GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center
Their mission is – to serve all Women, Cultures, and Communities in achieving their Educational, Professional, and Entrepreneurial goals.
They believe in the potential of Women, Minorities, Immigrants, and Families and they choose to educate, train & help them obtain successful business ownership and employment.
> WBDC-Midwest
Women Owned is an initiative from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and WEConnect International – to create a movement of support for Women Owned businesses. They support female entrepreneurs and those who do business with them by raising awareness for why, where and how to buy Women Owned.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a leading national non – profit organization dedicated to helping women-owned businesses thrive. The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is a 501(c)(3) nationally recognized leader in the field of women’s economic development.
The organization was founded in 1986 mainly to provide programs and services to support and accelerate women’s business ownership and strengthen the impact of women on the economy by creating jobs, fueling economic growth, and building strong communities.
https://www.wbenc.org/rpo/wbdc-midwest/
Nebraska Government Agencies
> Nebraska Secretary of State – Business Services Division
The Business Services Division of the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office provides many important functions for the business community.
Registrations are recorded for – corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, trade names and trademarks. The division handles Uniform Commercial Code and other security interest records. The division also regulates notary public commissions and handles apostilles and authentications (documents going to other countries).
> Nebraska Department of Economic Development
This body provides quality leadership and services that enable Nebraska’s communities, businesses, and people to succeed in a global economy. They assist you and your community – in developing and capitalizing on economic development opportunities.
They support communities with development efforts. Also assist with starting, retaining, and expanding businesses. And also promote the state for business locations and expansions.
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development provides the business initiatives, business development, and international business resources you need to succeed.
> Nebraska Small Business Administration – SBA
The Nebraska SBA is supported by a main district office in Omaha. They provide services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting, certifications, and disaster recovery. They can also connect you to partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.
Quite prominently, the Omaha office serves all 93 counties in Nebraska.
Examples of educational programs and events include – Boots to Business for Veterans, Creating Effective Videos for Small Business, Legal Pitfalls of a Small Business, and QuickBooks Training.
https://www.lisamasiello.com/nebraska-women-entrepreneurs-start-a-new-business
Nebraska Agencies & Non-profit Organizations
> Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center – MOWBC
Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center works towards accelerating the success of women in all aspects and, to empower them to become economically self-sufficient by providing targeted education, workshops, job training, strong relationships, and resources that provide business, professional, and personal growth.
> SCORE Nebraska – Greater Omaha
SCORE Greater Omaha and its volunteer business mentors are dedicated to providing the best possible service – to help small business owners achieve their goals. To elaborate, the volunteers are successful real-world business professionals who help existing and startup businesses succeed. Mainly they are experts with experience in areas such as – accounting, finance, human resources, consulting, import/export, law, operations, production, retail, wholesale, manufacturing, sales, marketing, management, business plan preparation, strategic planning, and many other business disciplines.
SCORE Greater Omaha provides: Volunteer mentors who share their expertise across many industries; Free, confidential business mentoring in person, via email or by video; Free business tools, templates, and tips here online & Inexpensive or free business workshops and webinars.
> Center for Rural Affairs – Women’s Business Center
The Center for Rural Affairs Women’s Business Center provides free services to entrepreneurs and small business owners – to start and grow successful businesses.
Training: The Center offers business startup and management training across the state covering topics ranging from QuickBooks and marketing to business startup and strategic planning.
Networking: Business specialists host regularly scheduled networking events across the state. These events serve as a venue for local entrepreneurs and business owners to connect, share ideas, and learn more about new business management practices.
Coaching: The Center offers personal, one-on-one business assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Funding – State & Federal Sources
> U.S. Small Business Administration – Funding Resources
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps small businesses get the funding they need. Funding resources include:
Loans: Start or expand your business with loans guaranteed by the SBA.
Investment capital: Investors make both debt and equity investments.
Disaster assistance: Get help after a disaster with low-interest disaster loans.
Surety bonds: Protect your work and your client with an SBA-guaranteed surety bond.
Grants: Look for government grants that help businesses do scientific research and development.
> Nebraska Department of Economic Development – Business Funding Sources
Business funding sources and resources include:
Academic Research & Development Grants
Accredited Job Training Act
Business Retention & Expansion Program (BRE)
Nebraska Career Scholarships, amongst others.
https://www.lisamasiello.com/nebraska-women-entrepreneurs-start-a-new-business
> GrantWatch 84 Women Grants for Nebraska
These include – Grants for women entrepreneurs, seed money to individual women, college grants for women, small business grants for women, enterprise grants and grants for minority women.
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
