Jason Ball, President & CEO – Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (lcoc.com)
October is a big month for supporting Lincoln’s business community. From investing in early-stage entrepreneurs to strengthening the workforce and preparing for growth in emerging industries, several initiatives this month are helping build a stronger economic future for Lincoln.
One of those initiatives is LaunchLNK, the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development’s startup grant program. Applications are open through October 16 for six early-stage companies to receive $20,000 grants to help grow their businesses in Lincoln and turn promising ideas into reality.
But the support doesn’t stop with the grant. Each recipient will receive a total prize package valued at over $43,000, including valuable services and expertise from LaunchLNK’s corporate partner network: Artillery Media, CodeBuddy, Don’t Panic Labs, Eakes Office Solutions, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Suiter Swanz IP, The Combine, Venture Best and Careerpathway.com.
By combining funding with access to experienced business leaders, specialized services and valuable connections, LaunchLNK gives entrepreneurs the tools and resources they need to move their businesses forward. And the results speak to the program’s impact: previous LaunchLNK graduates have gone on to raise more than $115 million in follow-on funding, demonstrating the strength of Lincoln’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the potential of investing in its next generation of businesses. Visit launchlnk.com to learn more.
October is also National Manufacturing Month, an opportunity to recognize the significant role manufacturing plays in Lincoln’s economy and workforce — and the work underway to ensure local manufacturers have the talent they need to grow.
The Lincoln Manufacturing Class, developed through the Lincoln Manufacturing Council, has had tremendous success preparing participants to explore careers in the manufacturing industry.
This program is strengthening Lincoln’s workforce by connecting people with career opportunities while helping local manufacturers build a stronger talent pipeline. The program’s effectiveness in introducing participants to careers in the industry also helped inspire a new initiative: the Lincoln Bioscience Council.
Modeled after the Lincoln Manufacturing Council, the Lincoln Bioscience Council focuses on strengthening Lincoln’s life sciences industries and building awareness of career opportunities within the sector. Its first program, Bioscience 101, begins this month and will take place over four nights at Southeast Community College.
Together, these efforts demonstrate what is possible when Lincoln’s business community invests in people, ideas and industries. LaunchLNK is helping entrepreneurs turn promising ideas into growing companies. The Lincoln Manufacturing Class is connecting people with careers that support local industry and the Lincoln Bioscience Council is taking that workforce-development model into a growing sector of Lincoln’s economy.
October provides a timely opportunity to celebrate these investments, as well as the businesses, entrepreneurs and community partners working together to create a stronger, more prosperous future for Lincoln.