About this programme
Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) is a lender offering direct loans as one of several flexible lending products for businesses and programs across Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. Direct lending supplies capital to cover a business's growth plans and operational needs.
NEF expanded into Iowa in 2021, focusing on Council Bluffs and western Iowa, an area where small businesses had limited access to non-traditional lending.
Direct Lending sits alongside several other NEF lending products: an SSBCI-funded program (capital growth financing backed by the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative, via the Nebraska Department of Economic Development), Intermediary Lending to mission-focused micro development organizations, Invoice Financing (small-dollar financing based on existing contracts), and GAP Financing, which fills funding gaps between NEF and a business's lead bank. Direct Lending is the broadest of these by loan size, from $1,000 to $150,000, and is underwritten on the business's capacity and repayment ability rather than a fixed, collateral-driven checklist.
How it works
Loans range from $1,000 to $150,000. Lending decisions are based on the business's capacity, its ability to repay, and its growth plans, rather than on a fixed checklist of requirements.
How to apply
- Connect with a client development specialist through NEF's online questionnaire for services, selecting "Capital (Business Loans)" among the service options offered (which also include business plan assistance, training, mentorship, and credit building services).
- The questionnaire collects detailed applicant information, including date of birth and Social Security number, and requires authorizing a soft credit pull and a digital signature.
- Existing NEF borrowers manage their loans through the NEF client portal.
Frequently asked
How much can I borrow through NEF direct lending?
Between $1,000 and $150,000, depending on the business's capacity to repay and its growth plans.
Does NEF lend outside Nebraska?
Yes, to businesses in Council Bluffs and western Iowa, an area NEF began serving in 2021.
How do I start an application?
Fill out NEF's online questionnaire, selecting Capital (Business Loans) as the service you want, to connect with a client development specialist. Expect to authorize a soft credit pull and provide personal identifying information as part of that form.
Is Direct Lending NEF's only loan product?
No. NEF also offers SSBCI-funded capital growth financing, Intermediary Lending to mission-focused development organizations, Invoice Financing against existing contracts, and GAP Financing alongside a business's lead bank; Direct Lending has the widest loan range of the group.
More funding in Nebraska
ImagiNE Nebraska Act (Economic Redevelopment Areas tier)
Nebraska Department of Economic Development · Nebraska
Sales and income tax incentives for a Nebraska business in a redevelopment zone that adds 5 jobs and invests $250,000 or more.
Nebraska Growth Loan Fund (SSBCI Loan Participation)
Nebraska Department of Economic Development (SSBCI), administered by Nebraska Enterprise Fund and Omaha 100 · Nebraska
State-backed loan participation up to $5 million alongside a private lender for Nebraska small businesses expanding and adding jobs.
Nebraska SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program
Nebraska Department of Economic Development · Nebraska
State matches your federal SBIR or STTR award, up to $150,000 at Phase 1 or $300,000 at Phase 2, for Nebraska small businesses.
Nebraska Seed and Development Fund (SSBCI)
Nebraska Department of Economic Development (SSBCI), placement managed by Invest Nebraska Corporation · Nebraska
State-backed equity co-investment up to $5 million, matched dollar for dollar, in Nebraska companies with up to 750 employees.
Nebraska Seed Investment Program
Nebraska Department of Economic Development, placement managed by Invest Nebraska · Nebraska
Equity investment up to $500,000 in high-growth early-stage Nebraska companies, matched dollar for dollar by other investors.
NIF Prototype Grant
Nebraska Department of Economic Development · Nebraska
Reimbursement grant up to $150,000 for Nebraska businesses building a new product prototype, if you can match at least half the cost.
All 9 programmes in Nebraska →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.