Nebraska Opportunity Exchange: Empowering Small Businesses to Thrive Through Contracts

Onboarding & Certification Series

Duration: January – March 2025
Location: Omaha Chamber of Commerce & Partner Venues
Cost: FREE

Unlock your Business’s Full Potential

The Urban League of Nebraska, in partnership with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the launch of the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange: Empowering Small Businesses to Thrive Through Contracts Onboarding & Certification Series. This transformative initiative is designed to help underrepresented small businesses access crucial capital, navigate the complexities of government and corporate contracting, and receive expert-led training.

Running from January to March 2025, this program will offer both in-person and virtual options for participants. The Nebraska Opportunity Exchange is tailored specifically for underrepresented small businesses eager to break into government and corporate contracting.

With expert-led sessions, actionable tools, and key industry connections, this three-month program will help you:

Secure funding through SBA loans, microloans, and other sources.
Win contracts and gain the expert guidance needed to grow and scale your operations.
Navigate complex procurement processes and set your business up for long-term success.

By the end of this program, you’ll have the confidence and expertise to elevate your business in a competitive market.

What You’ll Learn

Procurement Process: How to successfully engage with government and corporate contracts.
Company Registration: Step-by-step guidance for registering your business with contracting agencies.
Capital Access: Explore SBA loans, microloans, and private funding options to fuel growth.
Overcoming Challenges: Proven solutions to common barriers faced by small businesses.

Exciting Opportunity: Unlock Funding and Resources

Complete the three-month program and gain eligibility for a microloan of up to $50,000 (loan amounts may vary). To qualify, participants must attend:

Three full-day sessions covering capital access, legal compliance, tax strategies, and contract growth.
Three procurement sessions focused on enhancing your ability to secure government and corporate contracts.

You’ll also gain expert guidance, actionable tools, and key networking opportunities to elevate your business to the next level.

Program Highlights

Funding & Capital Access
- Learn about SBA loans, microloans, and private funding options.
- Build relationships with microlenders and financial institutions.

Procurement Process Guidance

- Secure certifications like 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, DBE.
- Participate in bid preparation workshops for federal, state, and local contracts.

Expert Training & Resources

- Access templates, tools, and checklists to optimize your procurement readiness.
- Engage with industry leaders and financial advisors.

Growth-Focused Development

- Learn to scale your operations and leverage real estate opportunities.
- Build valuable connections through networking.

Full-Day Workshops | January 2025

Capital Access & Contracting Growth
Focus: SBA loans, microloans, and funding strategies for growth
Friday, January 10th, 2025
Register here
Unlocking Venture Capital & Federal Grants
Focus: Angel investors, venture capital, and SBIR/STTR grants
Saturday, January 11th, 2025
Register here
Legal Framework & Compliance
Focus: Contracts, risk management, and labor law compliance
Friday, January 17th, 2025
Register here
Financial Planning & Tax Strategies
Focus: Tax strategies, audit prep, and financial planning
Saturday, January 25th, 2025
Register here

Who Should Attend?

This program is ideal for:

✔ Minority, women, and veteran-owned small businesses looking for contracting opportunities.
✔ Entrepreneurs seeking funding, certifications, and growth strategies.
✔ Growth-focused businesses ready to scale and secure contracts.

Why Attend?

Free Expert-Led Training
Actionable Resources & Templates
Networking with Industry Leaders
Eligibility for Microloan

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 Coporation (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)
City of Omaha
Omaha Public Schools (OPS)

Venue Details

Omaha Chamber of Commerce | 808 Conagra Dr | Omaha, NE 68102
MCL Construction Training Facility | 14558 Portal Circle | Omaha, NE 68138

Additional venues will be provided in the session registration details.

Don’t Miss Out!

Spaces are limited—register now to unlock your business’s full potential!

Visit the Urban League of Nebraska Eventbrite page to register for all sessions in the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange onboarding and certification series (January – March 2025).

📩 For Questions or Assistance:
Contact us at 402-453-9730 or urbanleagueneb@urbanleagueneb.org.