Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has been awarded a $560,000 grant as part of the 2018 University Center Economic Development program through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
EDA’s University Center Economic Development Program makes the resources of universities available to the economic development community. NBDC’s award-winning proposal was developed with input from individuals and organizations across the state that are focused on strengthening Nebraska’s business ecosystem, all of whom will continue to play a role in shaping the program moving forward.
NBDC will administer the grant, with all four campuses — UNO, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Kearney, and UNMC — participating in program leadership and development. The creation of tools and resources, along with a coordinated branding campaign, will improve intercampus connectivity and increase visibility and access to the university’s faculty expertise, business development programs and regionally unique resources for Nebraska businesses.
“This is the first time the University of Nebraska has received this prestigious grant and we are truly excited to put it into action. The grant brings together key representatives from each campus to build a program that will make it easier for businesses across the state, regardless of proximity to any particular campus, to access the exceptional resources found within the University of Nebraska System,” said Cathy Lang, state director for NBDC.
The five-year grant will be awarded in annual installments and is being matched with financial support from the University of Nebraska’s campuses. It will increase opportunities for research collaboration, technology and product development, talent and workforce development and partnerships with Nebraska businesses and economic development stakeholders — which strengthens the university’s support of statewide economic and business development.
“The Nebraska Business Development Center is a valuable driver of economic and workforce growth across our state, serving more than 2,000 Nebraska businesses last year alone,” said University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds, Ph.D. “From startup assistance to commercialization, customer leads to recommendations on leaner manufacturing, NBDC provides services that help small businesses thrive. This well-deserved grant will allow NBDC to expand its impact even further. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to strengthen the partnerships among the university’s campuses and with colleagues in business and higher education across the state who all share a vision of growth for Nebraska’s future.”