It’s no secret – Lincoln is a thriving hub for entrepreneurs and startups. With a strong network of resources that span from valuable strategic partnerships to crucial financial support, Lincoln has positioned itself as a community where innovation thrives. This fall, two key programs clearly illustrate this commitment to connecting entrepreneurs with the tools they need to scale, succeed and make a lasting impact on the business landscape of Lincoln.

Earlier this month, the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development announced the opening of the application cycle for its LaunchLNK Grant Program. Since the program’s inception in 2018, LaunchLNK has become a game-changer for early-stage companies, providing essential financial backing and connections to help startups scale rapidly in Lincoln. I am so proud of the success of this program, which awards six startups with $20,000 grants, as well as access to a network of investors, mentors and business leaders each year. This combination of funding and support positions entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth and take their businesses to the next level, right here in our community.

In addition to the notable value LaunchLNK provides, the program also has a clear track record of success. Program alumni such as Senior Care Finder, Pawlytics and BasicBlock have gone on to secure significant follow-on funding and achieved remarkable success. Collectively, the program’s alumni have raised nearly $100 million in follow-on funding, underscoring the pivotal role that LaunchLNK plays in driving economic growth in Lincoln. By helping startups succeed, the program not only fosters innovation and productivity but also strengthens the local economy, creating new jobs and opportunities for the community. Applications for the 2025 LaunchLNK cohort are open through November 25. Visit LaunchLNK.com to apply and to learn more about this program benefiting aspiring entrepreneurs.

Another clear indicator of the vibrancy of Lincoln’s entrepreneurial community is the recent expansion of the city’s annual Startup Week. Formerly known as Lincoln Startup Week, the event evolved in 2024 to become the Silicon Prairie Startup Week, reflecting the interconnected nature of the region’s entrepreneurial communities. This expansion now includes Omaha, Ashland and Council Bluffs, creating a regional dialogue among entrepreneurs across Nebraska and Iowa.

Silicon Prairie Startup Week is a true celebration of entrepreneurship, dedicated to uniting founders, investors and innovators to share insights, discuss emerging technologies and build lasting relationships. The series of events that comprise Silicon Prairie Startup Week each play a vital role in fostering connections and highlighting the wealth of talent and opportunity in the region. For Lincoln-based startups, this expansion provides greater visibility, increased access to resources and the ability to tap into a network that expands beyond the borders of our community. Silicon Prairie Startup Week will run November 11 – 16 this year, with the full week’s agenda available at siliconprairienews.com.

With initiatives like the LaunchLNK Grant Program and the events scattered throughout Silicon Prairie Startup Week, Lincoln is continuing to position itself as a destination for innovation. I believe in the power of entrepreneurship and am eager to watch Lincoln’s strong startup ecosystem continue to evolve in the years ahead.