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 collaboration with Invest Nebraska, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and a wide range of corporate and government stakeholders. NOE is designed to help Nebraska-based small businesses compete for real contracts, access capital, and grow through hands-on training, targeted mentorship, and connections to public and private buyers.

Through practical partnerships with procurement leaders, capital providers, and development experts, NOE gives small business owners the tools they need to succeed—from the workshop floor to the bid table.

 

What is NOE?

The Nebraska Opportunity Exchange (NOE) is a nonpartisan, business-focused initiative that helps small businesses:

  • Compete for corporate and government contracts
  • Access microloans and early-stage capital
  • Receive real-world training to strengthen operations and compliance

Unlike traditional compliance programs or red tape-heavy assistance models, NOE is a connector—linking hard-working business owners with the tools, relationships, and resources needed to thrive in today’s economy.

NOE operates in alignment with federal, state, and local procurement standards and partners with economic development and training organizations to ensure businesses are equipped to scale with confidence and compete fairly.

 

Capital Access & Mentorship: Powered by Invest Nebraska

Through a strategic partnership with Invest Nebraska, NOE offers eligible small businesses access to:

  • Microloans up to $50,000 for equipment, payroll, and contract fulfillment
  • 1-on-1 tax and financial consultations with trusted CPA firm Hayes & Associates
  • Venture Capital Mentorship & Coaching, including:
    • Investor-readiness workshops
    • Pitch preparation
    • Introductions to early-stage funding sources

This two-track approach allows business owners to pursue smart capital—at the right time, in the right way—whether they’re preparing for their first public contract or expanding into new markets.

 

Our Role with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce is a formal MOU partner supporting NOE’s mission to connect local small businesses with new opportunities. While engagement may vary over time, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Nebraska’s economy by helping businesses access markets, capital, and long-term growth pathways.

 

Why Join the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange?

For Small Business Owners:

  • Procurement & Supplier Training: Learn how to win contracts with government agencies and major corporations through hands-on, practical workshops led by industry experts.
  • Access to Growth Capital: Apply for microloans and participate in VC-readiness coaching to fund operations, equipment, and business expansion.
  • Real Market Connections: Join supplier matchmaking events, roundtables, and networking opportunities that can lead directly to deals and long-term partnerships.

For Corporate & Government Buyers:

  • Access Qualified Vendors: NOE works with small businesses who have completed key training and readiness benchmarks—making them reliable, informed, and competitive.
  • Host Targeted Supplier Onboarding: Lead or join sessions that help vendors meet your procurement and compliance standards.
  • Build a Stronger Supply Chain: Expand your vendor network by engaging with Nebraska-based businesses that are ready to deliver—on time, on budget, and with pride.

 

Built for Nebraska. Focused on Results.

At its core, NOE is about economic growth, local opportunity, and results that matter. Whether you’re a small business owner chasing your next contract or a buyer looking for reliable vendors, NOE is here to help you compete smarter, connect faster, and grow stronger—right here in Nebraska.

 

Key Components of the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange

NOE Onboarding & Certification Series

Earlier this year, NOE hosted its Onboarding & Certification Series—a comprehensive training experience designed to prepare small business owners for success in government and corporate contracting.

Participants received hands-on support and expert instruction in the following areas:

  • Capital Access & Contract Growth: Including SBA loans, microloans, and building financial readiness to scale through contracts.
  • Legal & Compliance Strategies: Covering risk management, contract law, and compliance essentials to ensure businesses are protected and positioned for growth.
  • Federal & State Certifications: Step-by-step guidance to help businesses become certified vendors for State, Local, and Education (SLED) contracts, as well as federal opportunities.
  • Procurement & Bidding Strategies: Real-world training on how to prepare competitive bids and engage directly with procurement officers.
  • Social & Emotional Learning for Entrepreneurs: Practical tools and mindset strategies to help small business owners manage stress, build confidence, and overcome fear, isolation, and burnout during the growth journey.

This final component is especially critical. NOE understands that business readiness isn’t just technical—it’s emotional. By prioritizing social and emotional learning (SEL), we help entrepreneurs develop the resilience and leadership mindset required to navigate rejection, manage growth responsibly, and stay grounded during high-stakes decision-making.

 

🔔 What’s Next: Summer 2025–Spring 2026 Trainings

We’re excited to announce that a new round of NOE training sessions will run from Summer 2025 through Early Spring 2026. These workshops are designed for growth-stage small businesses seeking to scale through contracts and capital.

Key focus areas will include:

  • Strengthening infrastructure and compliance readiness
  • Pursuing competitive corporate and government contracts
  • Navigating government portals like SAM.gov and DSBS
  • Effectively pricing proposals and forming teaming agreements
  • Accessing capital through SBA-backed loans and NOE microloan partners
  • Building direct relationships with procurement and investment decision-makers
  • Deepening emotional resilience and entrepreneurial leadership through SEL-based programming

📅 Training dates will be announced soon. Please check back regularly for updates and enrollment opportunities.

 

Nebraska Opportunity Exchange Microloan Fund

📌 Unlock Up to $50,000 in Microloan Funding

The NOE Microloan Fund is designed to help small businesses access the capital they need to grow through procurement opportunities. Eligible participants can apply for microloans of up to $50,000 to cover critical business expenses tied directly to contracting success.

Each approved applicant also receives a complimentary 2-hour tax and financial strategy consultation from our CPA partner, Hayes & Associates—a value-added service designed to strengthen long-term financial planning and sustainability.

✅ Eligible Uses Include:

  • Equipment purchases for contract fulfillment
  • Working capital to scale operations
  • Compliance, legal, or bonding costs
  • Payroll support for procurement-related projects

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🔁 How It Works

The January–March 2025 cohort operated under eligibility requirements tied to that round’s specific training series. That window has now closed.

As part of NOE’s expanded capital access strategy, new eligibility criteria will launch alongside our Summer 2025–Spring 2026 training series. To qualify for the microloan program, businesses must complete a targeted set of capital readiness and procurement workshops to ensure they are fully contract- and funding-ready.

📌 Training enrollment and updated microloan application details will be released in Summer 2025. Be sure to check back regularly or contact us for early interest updates.

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💡 New for 2025: Venture Capital Mentorship & Coaching

In addition to our microloan fund, we are launching the NOE Venture Capital Mentorship & Coaching Program—a new pathway designed to connect eligible participants with:

  • Seasoned VC coaches and mentors
  • Investor-readiness workshops and pitch prep support
  • Warm introductions to early-stage capital sources

This program is being built to accelerate high-potential, growth-stage small businesses beyond debt financing and into scalable venture-backed opportunities.

 

Nebraska Opportunity Exchange Annual Conference

📅 Next Conference: March 2026 | La Vista Convention Center
📍 Past Conferences Held: March 2024 & March 2025

The NOE Annual Conference is a premier business development event designed to connect small business owners, procurement officers, and capital providers for a powerful day of networking, education, and deal-making.

Over the last two years, NOE has successfully hosted two sold-out conferences, drawing hundreds of participants and facilitating new contracts, certifications, and capital connections for small businesses across Nebraska.

Conference Highlights Include:

  • Morning Sessions: Keynotes, expert panels, and breakout workshops with industry leaders.
  • Afternoon Trade Show: Small businesses showcase their capabilities and connect directly with corporate and government buyers.
  • Outcome-Driven Engagements: Focused on creating real contract and capital access opportunities—not just conversations.

🎥 Watch the 2025 NOE Conference Video https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M5nbJdbDK3VdmH28dC6N_wVnQMFiaTlW/view?usp=sharing

💬 Hear What Attendees Had to Say:

“NOE created the space for us to make real connections that turned into contracts.” – Small Business Owner
“This is one of the few events where we walked away with actual leads.” – Government Procurement Officer

📌 Save the Date: The next NOE Annual Conference is scheduled for March 2026 at the La Vista Convention Center. More details to come in Fall 2025—stay tuned!

 

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 former SBA employee April Hibbler, the Nebraska Business Development Center, Apex Accelerators, the Greater 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
  • The Way Forward
  • Black Men United
  • North 24th Street Business Improvement District (BID)

 

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Nebraska Opportunity Exchange (NOE) would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Their investments help expand access to contracting, capital, and business development resources for Nebraska’s small business community—especially those historically left out of economic opportunity.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the following organizations, whose financial, logistical, and promotional support have played a critical role in the success of our programming and annual conferences:

💼 Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
A champion of economic growth across the region, the Chamber has been instrumental in connecting small businesses to corporate and government procurement opportunities. Their support—including venue access, food sponsorships, and marketing reach—has helped NOE events engage more entrepreneurs and foster meaningful connections.

📇 MCL Construction
A recognized leader in Nebraska’s construction sector, MCL Construction is committed to cultivating inclusive supply chains and sustainable growth opportunities. Their contributions—spanning venue hosting, meal sponsorships, and promotional support—have provided small businesses with platforms to gain visibility, secure contracts, and build lasting partnerships.

💙 The Weitz Family Foundation
The Weitz Family Foundation’s financial support has helped power NOE’s infrastructure and capacity to deliver capital access and growth-focused programming. Their dedication to community impact and equitable advancement has been vital in expanding opportunity across Nebraska’s business ecosystem.

💙 The Sherwood Foundation
With a legacy of investing in systemic change and inclusive progress, The Sherwood Foundation’s generous financial support has enabled NOE to deepen its statewide reach and provide critical resources to small businesses on the path to stability and scale. Their belief in the power of local entrepreneurship continues to fuel our momentum.

We are grateful beyond measure for each of these organizations and their unwavering commitment to empowering small businesses and strengthening Nebraska’s economy. Their partnership ensures the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange remains a sustainable, high-impact initiative—today and for the future.

 

             

           

 

How to Get Involved

Small Businesses

📢 Summer 2025–Spring 2026 classes are launching soon!
The Nebraska Opportunity Exchange (NOE) offers free and low-cost business development trainings to help small businesses access capital, secure contracts, and grow sustainably.

Most of our courses are free, and any Nebraska-based small business is welcome to participate. Whether you’re preparing for government certification, learning how to bid competitively, or seeking capital to fund your next phase of growth—NOE is here to support your journey.

📌 Spaces are limited—check back soon for confirmed course dates and registration details.

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Corporate & Government Partners

📌 Join our procurement and supplier matchmaking initiatives!
We actively partner with corporate buyers, prime contractors, and government agencies looking to diversify their vendor networks and build a stronger small business supply chain.

Through NOE, you can connect directly with certified, contract-ready small businesses across Nebraska that are prepared to deliver quality work at competitive prices.

📩 Contact us to explore opportunities for:

  • Sponsorship and impact investment
  • Procurement roundtables and panels
  • Custom matchmaking engagements with vetted suppliers

 

Don’t Miss Out!

Have questions or not sure where to start? You’re always welcome to call and schedule a one-on-one small business counseling session. We’ll work with you to ensure you’re connected to the right resources, partners, and opportunities to help you achieve your business goals.

At NOE, we proudly offer culturally competent services—designed to meet you where you are and support your growth every step of the way.

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

 

Primary Contact for the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange

For all inquiries related to small business support, training opportunities, capital access, and procurement partnerships, please contact:

April E. Hibbler, MBA, JD
Executive Program Lead, Nebraska Opportunity Exchange (NOE)
📍 3040 Lake Street, Omaha, NE 68111
📞 P: (402) 453-9730 | C: (402) 547-9968
📧 E: april.hibbler@urbanleagueneb.org
🌐 UrbanLeagueNeb.org

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