About this programme
The Nebraska Seed Investment Program is an equity investment program run by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) to support early-stage Nebraska-based businesses. It places direct equity investments to help commercialize prototypes and processes developed by Nebraska-based businesses and individuals.
DED does not manage the equity itself. Invest Nebraska, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) venture capital firm, places and holds the investments on the state's behalf and is the point of contact for applicants.
The program is built around private capital matching: DED's investment is paired with an equal amount of private co-investment, so state money follows a company that has already convinced outside investors to commit.
How it works
DED will invest up to $500,000 per project as equity.
A company must raise matching private co-investment at a 1:1 ratio (100% match) for most projects. Value-added agriculture projects get a lower bar: only a 25% match is required, a 4:1 ratio in the state's favor.
The matching funds must be raised within the six months before DED places its investment.
Applications are accepted on a fiscal-year cycle running July 1 through June 30, and funds are available until the cycle's allocation is exhausted.
Who can apply
The applicant must be a corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other eligible business entity, physically located in Nebraska.
It must be developing or commercializing a technology, product, process, or service, and operate in a non-retail primary industry that adds value in Nebraska.
The company must have 500 or fewer employees and be able to show high-growth potential and the ability to attract private capital.
How to apply
- Contact Shelby Strattan at Invest Nebraska to discuss the application.
- Submit a business plan or pitch deck to Invest Nebraska and DED.
- Demonstrate that matching funding is available or committed.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Business plan or pitch deck
- Evidence of matching funds or co-investment commitments
Frequently asked
How much can a company receive?
Up to $500,000 per project, placed as an equity investment by Invest Nebraska on behalf of DED.
Do I need to line up other investors first?
Yes. Most projects need a 100% private match (1:1) raised within six months before DED's investment; value-added agriculture projects need only a 25% match.
Who actually manages the investment?
Invest Nebraska, a nonprofit venture capital firm, places and holds the equity investment; DED is the funding administrator.
Is my business eligible if I run a retail store?
No. The program is for non-retail primary industries that add value in Nebraska, and the company must have 500 or fewer employees.
Who do I contact to apply?
Shelby Strattan at Invest Nebraska (shelby@investnebraska.com) is the listed contact for discussing and starting an application.
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 Enterprise Fund Direct Lending
Nebraska Enterprise Fund · Nebraska
Direct loans from $1,000 to $150,000 for Nebraska micro and small businesses, including startups and home-based operations.
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.
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.