From a business idea to the expansion of an existing business, Omaha has a variety of organizations that can help take your business to the next level. The following list provides a few of these local business resources.
Catholic Charities
Microbusiness Training Program
Christ Child North Center
ccomaha.org
402-453-6363
The Catholic Charities Microbusiness Training program offers a wide range of services tailored to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start or improve their business. The 8-9 week program with 16 classes is held in their Christ Child North Center. Course materials are provided and financial assistance is available. Participants receive vitally important training and could qualify for a microloan up to $5,000.
Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Diversity Council
The Council helps minority businesses connect with and develop contracts with private corporations. They help minority companies do millions of dollars in business with local, regional and national corporations. The Council offers a wide range of services starting with a needs assessment to help entrepreneurs better understand and document what they have to offer.
Nebraska Enterprise Fund
www.nebbiz.org
402-685-5500
The Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) provides business development services and financing to micro and small businesses across the state. They offer business acceleration training, business acumen workshops and one-to-one mentoring and coaching. NEF has the ability to lend up to $150,000 to businesses and is making a concentrated effort to extend services and opportunities in North Omaha.
Omaha Small Business Network
2505 N. 24th Street
osbnbtc.org
402-453-5336
Omaha Small Business Network (OSBN) help entrepreneurs assess where they are in the process and where they can go for the next step. They provide technical assistance, professional minority contractor courses, personal finance courses and more. OSBN offers loans up to $50,000 if a business meets eligibility guidelines and has been turned down by a bank. They also provide commercial office space for lease.
REACH
The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
OmahaChamber.org/REACH
402-346-5000
The REACH program was originally launched by The Omaha Chamber and is focused on ensuring certified small and emerging businesses (SEBs) are ready to bid and capitalize on new projects and reach their strategic goals.
Free and open to all existing and potential small and emerging businesses.
The Omaha Chamber of Commerce also consistently offers networking and educational opportunities for small businesses.
Small Business Administration
Nebraska District
10675 Bedford Ave. Suite 100
www.sba.gov
402-221-4691
The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides business financing, entrepreneurial development through face-to-face and internet counseling, technical assistance and training.
The Start Center for Entrepreneurship
startcenteromaha.org
402-287-7282
6825 Pine St., Ste. 144
The Start Center takes you from the idea phase to the execution of your vision and beyond.
They offer various programs, courses, and opportunities for entrepreneurs to fine tune their vision, develop a business plan, find coaches from their industry and seek financial investments.
