Small Business Grants in Nebraska
In Nebraska, small business funding is handled mainly by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). The mix matters here.
Which Nebraska grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 11 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Nebraska Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Nebraska small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
CDBG Economic Development Program
Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Community Development Division
$125,000–$1,015,000
Deadline Sep 15, 2026Provides Community Development Block Grant funds to businesses that expand Nebraska's economic base and create or retain quality jobs benefiting low and moderate-income employees. Includes a State Revolving Loan Fund component and requires involvement of a local unit of government.
Status check, The Nebraska CDBG Economic Development program is active with an application period of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Rolling cycle, no specific close date shown. Applications submitted by local governments, not businesses directly.
Last verified, Aug 5, 2026
6 Regions, One Nebraska (6R1N)
Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Governor's Office, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
Varies by region
RollingRegional economic development initiative encouraging cooperation among neighboring communities for affordable housing, childcare capacity expansion, and industrial investment attraction. Each region receives a paid full-time Navigator position.
Status check, 6R1N is an active ongoing regional economic development framework, not a time-limited grant program. No application deadline or open call for small businesses exists. Engagement is through regional navigators and DEED contacts.
Last verified, Aug 1, 2026
Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act (NSBAA)
GROW Nebraska Foundation (contracted by DED)
Up to $25,000 (new businesses), up to $12,500 (existing businesses)
ClosedThis program is closed to new applications. The Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act paid grants and professional services toward starting or expanding a small business, up to $25,000 for new businesses and $12,500 for existing ones, but the program is not currently funded. It is listed here so you do not spend time chasing it.
Status check, The program is closed to new applicants. GROW Nebraska states it is no longer accepting new applications, only supporting previously awarded businesses. Funds from the 2023-2024 authorization have been fully deployed with no renewal announced.
Last verified, Aug 6, 2026
Business Innovation Act (BIA)
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Varies by stage (seed to commercialization)
ClosedInvests in high-potential, high-tech small businesses at every stage of growth, from seed funding to prototype development to product commercialization. Funding was paused in October 2026 while DED evaluates the best pathway forward.
Status check, The BIA program was temporarily paused in 2025 but reinstated, with an FY 2026-2027 action plan confirming applications accepted July 1 through June 30 each fiscal year or until funds are exhausted. No fixed deadline is stated.
Last verified, Aug 1, 2026
ImagiNE Nebraska Act
Nebraska Department of Economic Development / Nebraska Department of Revenue
4–7% investment credits, 4–9% wage credits, plus sales/use tax refunds
Deadline Dec 31, 2030Nebraska's primary business tax incentive program offering investment credits, wage credits, and sales/use tax refunds to businesses expanding in or relocating to Nebraska. Designed for both small and large businesses that meet hiring and investment thresholds.
Status check, ImagiNE Nebraska Act is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis with no stated filing deadline. The program is scheduled to sunset December 31, 2027 but remains open. Nebraska Department of Revenue lists it as active.
Last verified, Aug 5, 2026
Apprenticeship Programs and Workforce Development
Nebraska Department of Economic Development (partnership with community colleges)
$7 million allocated to community colleges
RollingState-funded initiative to create new apprenticeship programs in Nebraska's community colleges, targeting 6,000 new apprenticeships by 2030 in critical industries. Employers in eligible sectors can partner with local colleges to access workforce training support.
Status check, No official current page for this exact program under the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. No active application window, deadline, closure notice, or discontinuation was confirmed. General Nebraska apprenticeship pages exist but do not match this program.
Last verified, Jul 29, 2026
HOME CHDO Program (2026 Program Year)
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Up to $670,000 (activity + operating) or $50,000 (operating only)
Deadline Jun 1, 2026Supports eligible Community Housing Development Organizations in housing development projects using HOME Investment Partnerships Fund allocation from HUD. Two funding tracks are available for activity and operating expenses.
Status check, The HOME CHDO Program application closed June 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM CDT.
Last verified, Aug 3, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Aug 3, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Loans up to $50,000, not grants. You borrow from a nonprofit lender near you, not from the SBA itself. The money can cover working capital, inventory, supplies or equipment. Most people get far less than the cap. The average microloan is about $13,000.
Status check, Verified July 30, 2026 at sba.gov. Rates run 8 to 13 percent. The longest term allowed is seven years. Your lender sets both, not the SBA, so two owners can be quoted very different deals. There is no deadline. You apply through an SBA approved lender in your area.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 30, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Eleven federal agencies take part. Phase I funds proof of concept. Phase II funds full development.
Status check, Verified July 30, 2026 at sbir.gov. Two different figures get quoted for this program and both are real. As of April 2026 an agency may award up to $323,090 at Phase I and up to $2,153,927 at Phase II without SBA approval, and anything above that needs a waiver. Those are ceilings, not typical awards. Each agency sets its own amounts in its own solicitation, and the sbir.gov agency table currently runs from $50,000 to $300,000 at Phase I and $400,000 to $1.83 million at Phase II. There is no single deadline. You apply through a participating agency.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 30, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Help for minority owned businesses that need capital, contracts or new markets. MBDA runs business centers around the country. They give advice, help with bids, and point you toward lenders.
Status check, The business centers still run. The grants are a different story. Those windows are short, and they fund groups rather than single businesses. The last one we could find closed in February 2025. We found no open MBDA grant that a small business can apply for today.
View program pageLast verified, Jul 29, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Nebraska grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Nebraska grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Nebraska.
Rural Business Grants
Nebraska offers strong support for rural businesses through the CDBG Economic Development program, the 6 Regions One Nebraska initiative, and USDA-backed programs. Rural businesses can also benefit from the ImagiNE Nebraska Act's enhanced incentives for projects in distressed and rural areas.
- ›CDBG Economic Development Program
- ›6 Regions One Nebraska (6R1N)
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Technology startups in Nebraska have historically accessed seed funding and prototype grants through the Business Innovation Act, though this program is currently paused. Nebraska DED also provides matching grants for SBIR/STTR federal award recipients and R&D tax credits for qualifying research activities.
- ›Business Innovation Act (currently paused)
- ›SBIR/STTR Matching Grants
- ›Nebraska R&D Tax Credit
Women-owned Business Grants
Nebraska's MWBE programs, facilitated through the Department of Economic Development, provide economic assistance to businesses that are at least 51% owned by women. Certification through the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services is required to access these opportunities.
- ›Nebraska MWBE Programs
- ›GROW Nebraska Women's Business Center
Minority-owned Business Grants
Minority-owned businesses in Nebraska can access MWBE grant programs and professional services through the Department of Economic Development. Businesses must be at least 51% minority-owned and achieve MWBE certification to qualify.
- ›Nebraska MWBE Programs
- ›Nebraska Department of Administrative Services
Tips for Applying in Nebraska
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register on AmpliFund (ne.amplifund.com), Nebraska's official grant management system, before starting any state application. All DED grant applications are processed through this platform.
- 2CDBG Economic Development programs require a local unit of government to administer the grant. Contact your county or municipal economic development office early to coordinate your application.
- 3Verify your eligibility for LMI (Low-to-Moderate Income) requirements carefully, as most CDBG-funded programs require that jobs created principally benefit low and moderate-income employees.
- 4Monitor the DED website regularly for program updates. The Business Innovation Act is currently paused and program reopening timelines are uncertain as of early 2026.
- 5Contact program administrators directly with questions. The CDBG program team can be reached at 402-471-6587 or [email protected] for guidance before submitting your application.
State Economic Development Agency
Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED)
Manages over 50 grant programs and initiatives dedicated to growing Nebraska and supporting small businesses, community development, and workforce training statewide.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Nebraska can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Nebraska offers several true grant programs that do not require repayment. The CDBG Economic Development program provides grants ranging from $125,000 to $1,015,000 for businesses that create jobs benefiting low and moderate-income workers. The Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act (NSBAA) also offered grants up to $25,000 for new businesses, though that program is currently winding down. Check the Nebraska Department of Economic Development website at opportunity.nebraska.gov for currently accepting programs.
The CDBG Economic Development program is currently the most reliably active grant for Nebraska small businesses, offering between $125,000 and $1,015,000 in funding. For businesses focused on tax incentives rather than direct grants, the ImagiNE Nebraska Act provides investment credits, wage credits, and sales/use tax refunds to qualifying businesses that create jobs and invest capital in the state. Both programs are administered through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
Certification is not required for most Nebraska grant programs, such as the CDBG Economic Development program or the ImagiNE Nebraska Act. However, if you want to access Nebraska's MWBE-specific programs, you must obtain MWBE certification through the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services. Your business must be at least 51% owned by minorities or women to qualify for MWBE certification.
Processing times vary by program. CDBG Economic Development grants typically involve a multi-step review including coordination with your local government, which can take several months from application to award. For the ImagiNE Nebraska Act incentives, credits can be claimed once your business attains the required job creation and investment levels. Register on the AmpliFund platform early and have all required documentation ready to avoid delays in the application review process.
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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