Nebraska businesses with fewer than 500 employees in non-retail primary industries can get up to $150,000 in reimbursement (66%, or 80% for value-added ag) for product and prototype development costs, with a cash match.
A competitive matching grant of up to $150,000 per project for product development by Nebraska businesses with fewer than 500 employees in non-retail primary industries. It is paid as reimbursement: DED covers 66% of project costs, or 80% for value-added agriculture projects. Eligible costs include employee or contractor wages, prototype materials and limited pre-approved tooling or equipment. FY2026-27 applications are taken on a rolling basis from July 6, 2026 through June 30, 2027, until funds are exhausted.
Any Nebraska-based corporation, limited liability company, partnership, registered limited partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust or other entity with fewer than 500 employees
Engaged in non-retail primary industries and adding value to products or processes in Nebraska
Must provide a cash match of at least 50% of the grant request from a non-state source (25% for value-added agriculture projects)
Grant funds must be used towards the development of a product
Topics
Money can be used for
Open opportunities funding similar work, from the same funder or in the same place.
For-profit Nebraska small businesses preparing a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal can be reimbursed up to $5,000 for proposal-preparation costs such as grant writers or technical review.
Nebraska for-profit small businesses that have won a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I award can get a state match of up to 65% of the federal award, capped at $150,000, for R&D.
Nebraska for-profit small businesses that have won a federal SBIR/STTR Phase II award can get a state match of up to 65% of the federal award, capped at $300,000.
For-profit businesses with Nebraska facilities can get up to $100,000 (1:1 match; 25% for value-added ag) for applied R&D done with, or technology licensed from, a Nebraska college or university.
For-profit Nebraska businesses that completed an Academic R&D Phase I project can get up to $400,000 (1:1 match; 25% for value-added ag) to continue applied R&D with a Nebraska college or university.
All legal entities (businesses, nonprofits, governments, tribes, universities, individuals) may apply. Funds projects implementing the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan in Western U.S. waters: prevention, monitoring,…