Reviewing Nebraska's Business-Friendly Policies

In a world where government programs usually have the personality of a dry piece of toast and the speed of a snail on a nap break, Nebraska is celebrating 15 years of a state policy that got things very, very right. Fifteen years ago, Nebraska’s startup scene was hanging on by a thread, with entrepreneurs feeling like they had to leave the state if they wanted anyone to take their ideas seriously. Since the Business Innovation Act (BIA) was passed in 2011, it has turned into one of the state’s biggest economic success stories, helping startups grow, create jobs, and convince people that cornfields and tech companies can actually exist in the same state.

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Here are Five Fast Facts on Nebraska getting business policy right:

1. 🤯 Whopping Returns - Since it began, BIA programs helped startups generate almost $16 in revenue for every $1 invested by the state. That’s the kind of return that makes a stock broker wet his pants.

2. 💰 It Works - Businesses supported by the BIA have created nearly 5,000 jobs and more than $1 billion in annual economic impact.

3. 🦄 Unicorn Generator - The state awarded about $60 million through the program between 2011 and 2024, with many grants helping startups build early products and attract investors. More than one have gone on to reach billion dollar valuations! Somewhere, a guy who once doubted startups is now nervously pretending he believed in them the whole time.

4. 📈 Throwing Gas On The Fire - Nebraska startup funding exploded from just $22 million in 2012 to a record $530 million last year through the state's nonprofit venture capital partner, Invest Nebraska, which invests in and supports local startups. It proved Nebraska was more than tractors, steak, and people discussing weather patterns for four straight hours.

5. 👀 A Hiccup - The BIA nearly got derailed in 2025 when Gov. Jim Pillen paused the program, causing outrage from startups and business leaders. After months of backlash, the program was restored and lawmakers approved plans to boost funding to $15 million. Basically, Nebraska businesses reacted like somebody unplugged the Wi-Fi during the Super Bowl.

🔥Bottom line: The Business Innovation Act is a rare example of government policy actually helping people instead of just creating more paperwork and headaches. Nebraska went from struggling to support entrepreneurs to building a thriving startup ecosystem that attracts investment, creates jobs, and keeps talented workers in the state. It's a big reminder that sometimes investing in smart ideas pays off...even in a place where many people still measure distance like, “about two grain silos past the Casey’s.”

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Do you know anyone working at a Nebraska startup?

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