Nebraska Department of Economic Development

Funds Nebraska small-business growth for local communities through coordinated state development support.

Nebraska Department of Economic Development is the state's main economic-development agency, operating from Opportunity Nebraska and administering a broad mix of grants, loans, certifications, and federal pass-through programs for communities, businesses, and workforce projects. It is the public front door for much of Nebraska's non-tax incentive activity.

Its business side includes Nebraska Innovation Fund Prototype Grants up to $150,000, the Nebraska SBIR/STTR Match Program, the Academic Research & Development Grant, Customized Job Training, the Site and Building Development Fund, and housing routes such as NAHTF and RWHF. It also handles state-federal hybrids and pass-throughs in community development, housing, SSBCI lending, STEP export support, and other programs that move through the AmpliFund portal. Some incentives, including ImagiNE Nebraska and the Microenterprise Tax Credit, are shared with or administered by the Department of Revenue.

The agency fits companies, nonprofits, and local governments that can document matching funds, project readiness, or statutory eligibility in Nebraska. NIF Prototype is a rolling reimbursement program for Nebraska-based firms with up to 500 employees, a 50 percent non-state match, and a 24-month completion window. The SBIR/STTR match and housing programs show the agency's wider role as a gateway for both competitive awards and formula-driven capital.