Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Grant Program

Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Grant Program is sponsored by Nebraska Department of Economic Development. This program is designed to support minority and women-owned small businesses within Nebraska.

Nebraska Small Business Grants 2026: Top Funding Options Top Small Business Grants for 2026 in Nebraska Nebraska’s small businesses play a vital role in driving economic growth and innovation across the state, but funding can often be a challenge for entrepreneurs. Small business grants offer an excellent way to secure financial support without taking on debt or giving up equity.

This guide explores the top Nebraska small business grants for 2026, including state, federal, and private programs that help startups and established companies access the capital they need to grow and succeed. Launch your business with Tailor Brands Start, manage and grow your business with our all-in-one business builder and easy to use dashboard. Business name centered Business name 1 What are small business grants?

2 Nebraska state-specific grants 2. 1 Nebraska’s MWBE Grants and Programs 2. 2 Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) 2.

3 The Backing Small Business Program 2. 4 Nebraska State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant 2. 5 Downtown Kearney Building Improvement Grant 2.

6 Industry-specific and niche grants in Nebraska 2. 7 Application and eligibility 2. 8 Technology-based grants 3 Federal grants available to Nebraska businesses 3.

1 Small Business Administration (SBA) 3. 2 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grant 3. 3 State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) 4 Corporate and private foundation grants 4.

1 FedEx Small Business Grant 4. 2 The Visa Everywhere Initiative (CLOSED) 4. 3 Tailor Brands Small Business Grant 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, whether you’re just starting a business in Nebraska or looking to expand, 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 Enterprise) certification program is administered through the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services.

While MWBE certification is not a direct cash grant, achieving certification opens the door to a number of valuable opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses in the state, including eligibility for state procurement set-asides, access to technical assistance programs, and priority consideration for several state and federally funded business development programs.

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) The Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) is a statewide community development financial institution (CDFI) that provides microloans, technical assistance, training, and mentoring to small and micro businesses across Nebraska and Southern Iowa.

While NEF’s primary funding vehicle is microloans rather than grants, its loans come with favorable terms and are specifically designed for businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing. NEF also connects business owners with free coaching, business planning support, and financial education.

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.

The Backing Small Business Program The Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express and administered through Main Street America, provides $10,000 grants to locally significant small businesses across the country, including Nebraska. The program is designed to help small businesses that make a meaningful impact in their communities fuel sustainable growth and build long-term resilience.

Since launching in 2021, the program has awarded more than $14 million in grants to over 1,600 small business owners nationwide. In 2025, select recipients also received an additional $20,000 enhancement grant for a total of $30,000. 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. Nebraska State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant Nebraska’s STEP Grant helps Nebraska-based small businesses expand into international markets by reimbursing eligible export-related expenses.

The program is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. It is a reimbursement program, businesses pay eligible expenses upfront and are reimbursed for a portion of approved costs.

Eligible activities include participation in foreign trade missions and trade shows, development of international marketing materials, foreign language translation, website localization for international audiences, compliance testing for foreign markets, and export-related training programs. Application and eligibility To be eligible, your business must be Nebraska-based and meet SBA size standards.

This program is open to businesses of any size as long as they are Nebraska-based. Applications are submitted through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Contact DED’s international trade team directly before incurring any expenses, as activities must be pre-approved to be eligible for reimbursement.

Process, best practices, and tips Read the eligibility requirements carefully and confirm pre-approval before committing to any export activities. The more clearly you can demonstrate the commercial viability of your product or service in your target international market, the stronger your application will be.

Downtown Kearney Building Improvement Grant The City of Kearney offers grants to property owners and business tenants in Downtown Kearney for upgrading and restoring commercial buildings. The program is designed to eliminate blight and enhance the economic and visual appeal of the downtown corridor. Eligible uses include facade improvements, interior renovations, signage upgrades, and other building restoration projects.

Application and eligibility Applicants must be property owners or business tenants located within the Downtown Kearney boundaries. Visit the City of Kearney’s economic development page at cityofkearney. org for current grant amounts, eligibility requirements, and application windows.

Process, best practices, and tips Contact the Kearney Downtown Business Improvement District directly before applying to confirm current funding availability and pre-approval requirements. As with most building improvement grant programs, your project must typically be approved before work begins in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

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. 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. FY25-26 funding for the Prototype Grant was paused mid-cycle while DED evaluated program priorities.

The FY26-27 application cycle is expected to open on or before July 1, 2026. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. 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 Omaha Chamber .

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. FY25-26 SBIR/STTR matching grant funding was paused mid-cycle while DED evaluated program priorities.

The FY26-27 cycle is expected to open on or before July 1, 2026. To qualify for state matching funds, businesses must first complete a successful federal SBIR or STTR application and submit to DED within 30 days of the federal solicitation closing date. 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, in partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund and e-commerce experts at 37 Oaks, runs a four-month hands-on FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab program designed to help small business owners strengthen their e-commerce strategy and grow their online sales.

The program includes practical courses, interactive workshops, expert guidance, and order fulfillment support through the holiday season. Participants who graduate receive a $5,000 grant to reinvest back into their business. Application and eligibility The Fall 2026 cohort application deadline is June 30, 2026.

Apply and learn more for future cohort announcements. The Visa Everywhere Initiative (CLOSED) This program was designed to support and promote small businesses. The company offered competitive grants to small businesses to support funding and financial services.

The US-based Visa Everywhere Initiative competition is no longer running. The only active Visa Everywhere program in 2026 is limited to female entrepreneurs with refugee backgrounds based in Europe and is not open to US applicants. 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.

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.

Nebraska related articles Nebraska Business License Cost How to File a DBA in Nebraska Small Business Licenses and Permits in Nebraska This portion of our website is for informational or educational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and the information on this website does not constitute legal advice.

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