Nebraska Opportunity Exchange: Empowering Small Businesses to Thrive Through Contracts

The Nebraska Opportunity Exchange (NOE) is a business development and procurement initiative led by the Urban League of Nebraska in partnership with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and key corporate and government stakeholders. NOE is designed to connect small businesses with real contracting opportunities, equipping them with the training, funding, and relationships needed to compete and grow.

By collaborating with established business development organizations and government procurement assistance programs, NOE helps businesses become contract-ready through targeted support, procurement education, and direct engagement with buyers.

Unlike broader federal or regional programs, NOE focuses on local procurement, linking Nebraska businesses to corporate supply chains and state contracting opportunities. Through strategic partnerships and hands-on support, NOE ensures that small businesses—including those owned by veterans, women, and entrepreneurs facing barriers— have access to the resources, knowledge, and connections needed to navigate the contracting process and scale successfully.

 

What is NOE?

The Nebraska Opportunity Exchange (NOE) is a nonpartisan, business-driven initiative that provides small businesses with direct access to corporate and government procurement opportunities, capital access, and expert-led supplier development training.
Unlike compliance or technical assistance programs, NOE is a business connector—focused on positioning small businesses for real contracts and financial growth.
  • NOE works in alignment with federal and state procurement guidelines, ensuring fair and open competition for all eligible businesses.
  • NOE partners with procurement, economic development, and technical assistance organizations to provide a holistic approach to small business success.

  • Businesses that participate in NOE gain year-round access to supplier development, procurement matchmaking, and financial resources designed to help them scale and compete.

     

Why Join the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange?

For Small Businesses:

  • Procurement Training & Supplier Development – Gain expert-led training on securing government and corporate contracts, scaling operations, and meeting compliance requirements.
  • Business Growth & Capital Access – Receive hands-on support to expand your business, including access to microloans up to $50,000 to fund contract-related needs.
  • Direct Procurement & Networking Opportunities – Connect with corporate and government buyers through matchmaking events, supplier roundtables, and contract opportunities.

For Corporate & Government Procurement Officers:

  • Engage with Procurement-Prepared Small Businesses – NOE connects procurement officers with businesses that have received training, resources, and guidance to successfully compete for contracts.
  • Conduct Onboarding & Training Sessions – Procurement officers can directly engage with small businesses through targeted sessions to ensure vendors understand compliance, regulations, and contract requirements.
  • Strengthen & Diversify Your Supply Chain – Connect with certified small, socially and economically disadvantaged, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses to meet supplier diversity and contracting objectives.

Through NOE, procurement professionals and corporate buyers will have a structured, efficient way to identify, train, and onboard qualified small business vendors—helping to meet contract requirements with confidence.

 

Key Components of the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange

NOE Onboarding & Certification Series

📅 January 2025 – March 2025 | In-Person & Virtual Options

The NOE Onboarding & Certification Series equips small business owners with the skills needed to secure government and corporate contracts.

✔  Full-Day Workshops Covering:

  • Capital Access & Contract Growth – SBA loans, microloans, and financial readiness.
  • Legal & Compliance Strategies – Risk management, contract law, and regulatory requirements.
  • Federal & State Certifications – Step-by-step guidance on navigating State, Local, and Education (SLED) contracts and federal government certifications, ensuring businesses understand the requirements and benefits of becoming certified vendors.
  • Procurement & Bidding Strategies – Preparing competitive bids and engaging procurement officers.

🔗  Register for NOE Onboarding & Certification Sessions | Eventbrite

 

Nebraska Opportunity Exchange Microloan Fund

📌  Unlock Up to $50,000 in Microloan Funding

Small businesses that complete NOE training become eligible for a microloan of up to $50,000 to support procurement-related costs. Participants will also receive a complimentary 2-hour tax and financial strategy consultation from our CPA partner, Hayes & Associates.

✔  Eligible Uses:

  • Equipment purchases
  • Working capital for scaling operations
  • Compliance and legal fees
  • Payroll for procurement-related projects

Eligibility Requirements:

Participants must complete one of the following two options:

✅ Option 1:

  • Attend three full-day workshops covering capital access, legal compliance, tax strategies, and contract growth.
  • Attend three procurement training sessions to strengthen contracting skills.

✅ Option 2:

  • Attend one full-day workshop on capital access, legal compliance, and tax strategies.
  • Attend three procurement & capital access sessions to expand contract opportunities.
  • Complete two Certification Pathways for Growth & Business Development Assistance sessions.

📌  Bonus: Participants who complete the program will receive a complimentary two-hour tax and financial strategy consultation from Hayes & Associates CPA.

 

Nebraska Opportunity Exchange Annual Conference

📅  March 28, 2025 | La Vista Convention Center

This premier business development event will bring together small business owners, procurement officers, and capital providers for a full day of networking, contract matchmaking, and deal-making.

✅  Morning: Keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions with industry leaders.
✅  Afternoon: Small Business Trade Show – Connect with corporate and government buyers.
✅  Outcome-Driven: Focus on real contract and capital access opportunities for small businesses.

 

Small Business Testimonial

“As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) owner, I understand how challenging it can be to break into competitive industries, especially when the odds feel stacked against you. That’s why I am incredibly grateful for the invaluable support I received from the Urban League of Nebraska. Their resources connected me with key partners like April Hibbler at the SBA, the NBDC, Apex Accelerators, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and local corporations. These partnerships were instrumental in helping me achieve my Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Small Emerging Business (SEB) certifications, opening doors to government and corporate contracts in under six months—a true game-changer for my business.”
– President of Parking Area Maintenance

 

Session Facilitators & Collaborators

This program features expertise from key organizations and industry leaders, including:

  • Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC)
  • Koley Jessen
  • U.S. Department of Labor
  • Union Bank & Trust
  • Nebraska Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO)
  • Spark CDI
  • Invest Nebraska
  • Nebraska Angels
  • SBIR/STTR Specialist
  • General Services Administration (GSA)
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Hayes & Associates
  • Lexus Wealth Management
  • Union Pacific
  • MCL Construction
  • JE Dunn Construction
  • Turner Construction
  • Omaha Public Power District (OPPD)
  • Omaha Public Schools (OPS)
  • City of Omaha, Procurement Division
  • Greater Omaha Chamber REACH Program

 

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Nebraska Opportunity Exchange (NOE) would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and MCL Construction have played a critical role in making this initiative a success by providing venue space, food, and promotional support to ensure Nebraska small businesses have access to contracting, business development, and capital access opportunities throughout the year.

  • Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce – A champion for business growth and economic development in Nebraska, helping connect small businesses to corporate and government procurement opportunities.
  • MCL Construction – A leader in Nebraska’s construction industry, committed to fostering diverse and inclusive business partnerships by providing a platform for small businesses to scale and grow.

We deeply appreciate their commitment to empowering small businesses and strengthening Nebraska’s economy.

             

 

How to Get Involved

Small Businesses

📌  Spaces are limited—register now to unlock your business’s full potential!
🔗  Register Here | Eventbrite

For additional Nebraska small business development resources, please visit our Small Business Resource Hub.


Corporate & Government Partners:

📌  Join our procurement & supplier matchmaking initiatives!
📩  Contact us to explore collaboration opportunities.

 

Don’t Miss Out!

📞  402-453-9730
📧  urbanleagueneb@urbanleagueneb.org

Let’s build a stronger, more connected small business ecosystem in Nebraska—together! 🚀

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