Top Small Business Grants for 2025 in Nebraska

Small businesses are the backbone of both Nebraska and the U.S. economy. Nationally, they make up more than 99% of all businesses and create about two-thirds of new jobs. In Nebraska alone, nearly 190,000 small businesses employ over 400,000 people, fueling growth and innovation across the state.

Securing grants is one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs. Options like private investors, loans, or personal savings all come with trade-offs, from losing equity to paying high interest rates or taking on personal financial risk. That’s why small business grants are such an attractive option. Unlike loans, grants don’t require repayment, making them a powerful way to launch, grow, or stabilize a business.

In this guide, you’ll find an overview of the grants available to Nebraska entrepreneurs, from federal and statewide programs to private opportunities. We’ll also cover who qualifies, how to apply, and practical tips to improve your chances. With the right grant, you can secure the funding needed to start, build, and scale your small business.

What are small business grants?

A small business is usually described as an independently owned, independently operated business that does not dominate its industry-specific category. It is also typically limited in its number of employees or total revenues.

These limitations are often larger and less restrictive than may be anticipated.

Small business grants are funding sources designed for these businesses. These grants differ from loans in that they do not need to be repaid. Small business grants are usually offered by organizations with an interest in seeing them succeed. These organizations may specify what qualifications may be required by small businesses to successfully apply for the funding.

Many small businesses view these small business grants as a valuable alternative to venture capital, business loans, or utilizing personal funds for a variety of reasons. Small business grants do not have to be repaid, do not require giving up control or sharing in profits, and are provided at no personal risk to the entrepreneur.

Small business grants are frequently offered by government entities, non-profit organizations, and private industries.

Small business grants can be particularly valuable for small business startups who may find other funding challenging to acquire or who don’t want to be saddled with burdensome loan payments.

Small business grants should also be of interest to those looking at how to start a business, or owners who are interested in expanding, adding employees, or improving processes, and technology. Small business grants can make these possible without increasing debt or taking on additional investors.

Nebraska state-specific grants

Those interested in starting or expanding a small business in the state of Nebraska may qualify for a state-specific small business grant. Here are some potential resources.

Nebraska’s MWBE Grants and Programs

Nebraska’s MWBE (Minority and Women’s Business and Enterprise) Grants and Programs are generally facilitated and managed through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

This is a Nebraska grant program that is designed to provide economic assistance and opportunities for small businesses in the state that are owned and controlled by women and/or minorities. To qualify for these grant opportunities, a small business must be at least 51 percent owned by minorities or women. Funding opportunities range from grants to networking, and technical support.

Application and eligibility

Beyond requirements for a 51 percent minority or women’s ownership, applicants for Nebraska’s MWBE programs need to be MWBE certified, have a business Federal Tax ID number, and be registered as a vendor in Nebraska.

Process, best practices, and tips

To become eligible for Nebraska’s MWBE grants and programs, a small business must first achieve MWBE certification.

This process is achieved through the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services (link) Once certification is achieved, applications for specific grants and programs can be made through Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development.

The application process can vary in complexity depending on the specific grant or program. Applicants can take a course in grant writing or should seek out the help of a professional grant writer.

Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF)

This is a statewide program designed for small and micro businesses. The program provides a variety of services, including funding, training, and education. Services are available to small and micro-businesses in the state, including startups and existing businesses.

Application and eligibility

To be eligible for the services of the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, small businesses or startups must be located in Nebraska or Southern Iowa.

Process, best practices, and tips

This organization provides a variety of funding resources, training, and mentoring opportunities for your specific small business or startup. For more information about specific resources and to get further information, visit nebbiz.org.

The Backing Small Business Program

While a national organization, the Backing Small Business Program offers statewide programs across the country, including Nebraska. They generally offer a selection of grants accessible to a variety of businesses. Grants vary by business category, size, and needs. The flexible grants frequently change, usually on an annual basis.

Process, best practices, and tips

Applications for Backing Small Business Program Grants are dependent on specific requirements for a particular grant. These can vary in complexity, and the services of an experienced or professional grant writer can be beneficial.

Industry-specific and niche grants in Nebraska

There are a number of options for grants for small businesses in Nebraska, based upon their business category and niche markets. These are often offered by organizations with a vested interest in promoting and expanding specific industries and business sectors in the state.

Agricultural-based Grants

Due to Nebraska’s reliance on agriculture, small businesses related to the industry in the state have access to a number of grant opportunities through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Application and eligibility

This grant is available to agricultural-based businesses in Nebraska. Current grants frequently focus on sustainability and the use of technology.

Processes, best practices, and tips

The state DOA serves as a clearing house for many agra-related federal grants, like those from the USDA, Farm Bureau, etc. Review grant parameters to discover grants best suited for your business.

Technology-based grants

Small businesses operating in the tech sector in Nebraska have access to a number of grants in the state. These include those offered by the Nebraska Seed Investment Program. The organization assists technology-based startups in bringing innovative products and services to commercial markets.

Applications and eligibility

Technology-based startups located in Nebraska can take advantage of this program available through Invest Nebraska, which is a non-profit.

Processes, best practices, and tips

Visit the Invest Nebraska website for funding, details, parameters, and fill out the online application.

Manufacturing-based grants

While Nebraska does not directly offer manufacturing-based grants, there are several programs that can assist small businesses in the sector. These include: the Nebraska Innovation Fund Prototype Grant, the Small Business Innovation Research Program, and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program.

Application and eligibility

Manufacturing-based small businesses located in Nebraska are generally pursuing bringing innovative products, services, or manufacturing processes to the marketplace.

Processes, best practices, and tips

Follow the online guidelines and parameters for the specific grant related to your needs and offered through one of the above-named organizations.

Federal grants available to Nebraska businesses

Due to their importance to the American economy, small businesses have access to a wide variety of federally funded grants and financial assistance programs. These federal programs often target specific industries, but generally most focus on the creation and expansion of small businesses. Here are some of these popular and valuable federal programs.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

The Small Business Administration serves the needs of small businesses across the country, including those in Nebraska. While the SBA is known mostly for its government-supported loan programs, it does offer a number of federally-sponsored grant programs. While these grants may vary in complexity, they can be generous and, of course, will not need to be repaid.

Application and eligibility

Applicants for SBA grants must have a business Federal Tax ID number and meet the eligibility parameters of the specific SBA grant that is being applied for. Applications for these grants can generally be filed online.

Processes, best practices, and tips

For SBA grants for which you may be eligible, review the currently available SBA grants pertinent to your specific business.

Fill out all the information completely and accurately. If you do not feel qualified to complete an application, you should seek out the help of an experienced grant writer.

• The SBA office for those in Nebraska is in Omaha. 10675 Bedford Avenue Suite 100 Omaha,NE 68134 or visit your.omahachamber.org.

Visit the SBA website for application details.

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grant

It is a federally sponsored program that provides grants for American companies, including those based in Nebraska, to facilitate cooperation between non-profit research organizations like universities to advance technologies.

The Nebraska State Department of Development also has a matching program to help fund small businesses who may qualify.

STTR grants generally follow a three-phase template.

• The first phase typically examines the merits and feasibility of a concept.
• The second phase involves further examination of the idea, including additional research and potential construction of a prototype.
• Phase three, (though specifically not funded by SBIR/STTR grants), is to focus on moving the idea from concept to the marketplace.

Application and eligibility

To be eligible for STTR funding, a Nebraska small business must be controlled by at least 50 percent ownership by Americans or permanent resident. Concepts must be innovated and technology-based. They must also involve collaboration with a non-profit research partner such as a college or university.

To qualify for matching state funding for STTR, businesses must first complete a successful application to the federal program.

Process, best practices, and tips

Applicants must first complete the federal STTR grant application following federal guidelines.

To receive state matching grants for Nebraska, small businesses must complete the application to the Nebraska Department of Development within 30 days of the federal solicitation closing date.

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

The STEP program is a federally sponsored program administered by specific states across the country, including Nebraska.

In Nebraska, the program is facilitated by the Nebraska Department of Development.

The STEP grants assist businesses regardless of their size to:

• Expand into international markets.
• Participate in foreign trade missions
• Assist with expenses associated with participation in foreign trade shows
• Create and initiate international marketing efforts.
• Improve digital marketing efforts.
• Assist with new expenses involved with exportation.

Application and eligibility

To be eligible for STEP grants administered by the Nebraska Department of Development, companies can be of any size but must be Nebraska-based. This is a reimbursement program where documented expenses can be repaid.

Process, best practices, and tips

Applications to qualify for STEP grant funding reimbursement are made through Nebraska’s Department of Development. Read applications and parameters closely to be sure you qualify. The use of an experienced grant writer can be beneficial in this process.

Corporate and private foundation grants

FedEx Small Business Grant

FedEx annually offers larger grants to small businesses in the US, including Nebraska. These grants are competitive in nature. FedEx makes significant grants available in cash and products and services for small companies.

Application and eligibility

To be eligible for the FedX small business grants, companies are required to be US-based, be for-profit in nature, and have fewer than 99 employees.

Process, best practices, and tips

Applications for FedEx small business grants can be submitted online. These are annual grants, so timing is critical.

The Visa Everywhere Initiative

This is a program designed to support and promote small businesses. The company offers competitive grants to small businesses to support funding and financial services.

Application and eligibility

Applicants must fill out an online form detailing small company details and use of Visa products and services.

• Grants are intended for start-ups looking for technology-advanced payment systems.
• Early stage, established small businesses are also encouraged to apply.
• Solutions submitted should address B2B payments, cross-border payments, FinTech innovations, and digital payments.

For more information, visit Visa Everywhere Initiative.

Processes, best practices, and tips

Online applications should be filled out based on Visa Everywhere deadlines. Companies must meet Visa Everywhere grant application parameters. Applications should include solutions applicable to the region the small business operates.

Tailor Brands Small Business Grant

The Tailor AID Fund helps turn unexpected job loss into an opportunity for entrepreneurship. Valued at $1,000, this program equips aspiring business owners with a complete startup kit that includes business coaching, registered agent services, and other essentials to get a company off the ground.

The application is quick and straightforward, simply provide proof of a recent layoff due to AI-related changes, and you could be on your way to building a business of your own.

Conclusion

Today, small business owners, operators, and entrepreneurs should make use of every advantage available. Products and services should be superior. Marketing efforts should be competitive. And financing should be sufficient and affordable. This includes taking advantage of all the options available to you, including the use of small business grants.

Small business grants do not need to be repaid and, generally, the only costs associated with them are in knowledge, time and effort. Even if you personally may not feel qualified to pursue a small business grant, there can be help available through seminars, online courses, and through the use of experienced grant writers and professionals. Perform your due diligence in researching grants that you may qualify for and take advantage of the financial and other assistance available through small business programs and grants.