Turning Nebraska Ideas Into Companies, Jobs, And Economic Growth.
When early-stage innovation gets the right support, Nebraska entrepreneurs build market-ready products, attract private investment, and create high-wage jobs that stay rooted in the state.
That’s the role of the Business Innovation Act.
Great Ideas Don’t Fail Because They Lack Potential.
They fail because they lack early support.
Every successful company faces a critical early phase where risk is high and capital is hardest to find. Before revenue, before customers, and before private investment, many promising ideas stall in what’s often called the “valley of death.”
Without early-stage support, Nebraska risks losing talent, innovation, and long-term economic opportunity.
“Travefy wouldn’t exist without early Business Innovation Act support. That early investment was pivotal to our journey.”
— David Chait,
Founder & CEO, Travefy
Nebraska Chose To Invest Early And Strategically.
The Business Innovation Act (BIA) was enacted by the Nebraska Legislature in 2011 to encourage and support the transfer of Nebraska-based technology and innovation into real-world applications.
Administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and supported by partners like Invest Nebraska, BIA programs provide early-stage capital, research support, and technical assistance when entrepreneurs need it most.
This approach focuses on measured risk, private-sector leverage, and long-term economic impact.
The Return On Investment Is Clear And Measurable.
Independent analysis from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Bureau of Business Research shows that BIA programs deliver strong economic returns:
$56.8 million in state funding awarded
$191.9 million in matching funds generated at time of award
$654.1 million in follow-on private investment
$11.52 in private capital for every $1 of state funding
$15.90 in revenue generated for every $1 of BIA support
Today, BIA-supported companies generate more than $1.17 billion in annual economic output, support nearly 5,000 jobs statewide, and contribute $27 million annually in state and local tax revenue
“The Business Innovation Act helped us scale nationwide while keeping more than half of our workforce in Nebraska. Supporting startups brings new revenue into the state and strengthens local economies.”
— Dusty Birge,
Founder & CEO, Fast Forward
How the Business Innovation Act Works
Supporting Innovation From Concept To Commercialization.
The Business Innovation Act includes a coordinated set of programs designed to help companies progress through critical stages of growth:
Prototype & Product Development
Nebraska Innovation Fund Prototype Grants support proof-of-concept work and early product development.
Research & University Collaboration
Academic Research and Development Grants connect businesses with Nebraska colleges and universities for applied research.
Federal Grant Leverage
SBIR/STTR Matching Grants help companies secure and maximize federal research funding.
Commercialization & Growth
The Nebraska Seed Investment Program provides early equity investment and helps companies attract private capital.
“BIA funding helped us move from early traction to sustainable scale. That type of support is rare and incredibly impactful for growing companies.”
— Kelly Mann,
Co-Founder & CEO, AuditMiner
Innovation Across Nebraska
From Pilot Projects To National Growth.
BIA support reaches entrepreneurs across industries and regions, from bioscience and software to agriculture and advanced manufacturing.
Companies that receive BIA support are able to move faster, attract private investment, and grow responsibly while staying anchored in Nebraska.
“BIA support was transformational. It allowed us to move quickly, attract private investment, and grow from a single pilot to managing over 1,000 campsites across five states.”
— Stacy Dam,
Co-Founder & CEO, Set Your Sites
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The Bigger Picture
A Stronger, More Competitive Nebraska Economy.
The Business Innovation Act focuses on early-stage risk, requires private matching capital, and prioritizes long-term growth. It supports entrepreneurs in both rural and urban communities and helps ensure innovation happens—and stays—in Nebraska.
This is not a subsidy. It is a strategic investment in Nebraska’s economic future.
The Bigger Picture
A stronger, more competitive Nebraska economy.
The Business Innovation Act focuses on early-stage risk, requires private matching capital, and prioritizes long-term growth. It supports entrepreneurs in both rural and urban communities and helps ensure innovation happens (and stays) in Nebraska.
This is not a subsidy. It is a strategic investment in Nebraska’s economic future.
Explore Business Innovation Act Programs And Impact.
Learn more about available programs, application resources, and the economic impact of BIA support across Nebraska.