Omaha Inland Port Authority Launches Funding and Partnership Opportunities to Drive Economic Liberation in North & East Omaha

OMAHA, NE – The Omaha Inland Port Authority (OIPA) is excited to announced a coordinated set of funding opportunities and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) designed to accelerate economic growth, expand access to capital, and create long-term pathways to ownership and opportunity across North and East Omaha. 

This release includes the launch of the OIPA Impact Fund alongside three strategic RFPs focused on housing, small business development, and community engagement—advancing OIPA’s mission of turning investment into impact. 

Real Investment, Built for Real Impact 

OIPA’s latest initiatives reflect a clear approach: action over promises, transparency in delivery, and accountability to the community. 
These efforts are designed not only to fund projects—but to create generational change, ensuring that residents and businesses benefit directly from investment in their communities. 

Introducing the OIPA Impact Fund: Direct Investment in Businesses 

At the center of this announcement is the launch of the OIPA Impact Fund, a new tool providing grants and financing to businesses operating within the district. 
The fund prioritizes businesses aligned with OIPA’s key sectors—including housing supply chain, logistics, creative industries, and innovative housing solutions—and is designed to catalyze job creation, business growth, and long-term wealth building . 

Grant opportunities include: 

• Micro-Grants ($2,500–$5,000) for early-stage entrepreneurs  
• Growth Grants ($10,000–$25,000) for scaling businesses  
• Strategic Impact Grants ($25,000–$50,000) for established, high-impact businesses  

In addition to grants, the Impact Fund offers access to loans and performance-based financing to support larger-scale projects and sustained economic activity. 
Eligible uses range from real estate acquisition and equipment to job training and business expansion—ensuring capital is deployed where it can create measurable impact. 

Scaling What Works: Funding Innovation Hub (iHub) Services 

OIPA is also investing in organizations already doing the work. 

Through its iHub RFP, OIPA will provide funding to expand and strengthen Innovation Hub-aligned services within the district, ensuring entrepreneurs have access to the tools, capital, and support needed to succeed. 

This effort focuses on scaling—not duplicating—existing ecosystems, with an emphasis on business formation, job creation, access to capital, and long-term wealth creation . 

Building More Than Housing—Creating Stability and Ownership 

OIPA is seeking a lead partner to manage and deliver a comprehensive housing initiative focused on workforce and missing-middle housing. 

This initiative is designed to go beyond construction—creating pathways to stability, ownership, and long-term community benefit for households earning 60%–120% of Area Median Income (AMI). 

The selected partner will oversee strategy, partnerships, and phased implementation, coordinating developers and stakeholders to deliver scalable, innovative housing solutions. 

OIPA will support this effort through land access, infrastructure investment, and capital tools to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and equitably. 

Ensuring Community Voice Drives the Work 

OIPA’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is seeking a partner to lead a comprehensive community survey and reporting effort. 

This initiative will create a sustainable system for capturing resident voice, generating actionable insights, and ensuring that community input continues to shape decision-making at every level. 

From Promise to Progress 

“These initiatives are about delivering real results. We are investing in businesses, housing, and community voices in a way that creates ownership, opportunity, and long-term impact. This is how we move from promise to progress.” - Garry Clark Executive Director 

Key Dates & How to Apply 

• CAC Survey RFP Deadline: April 16, 2026  
• Housing & iHub RFP Deadline: April 20, 2026  
• Impact Fund Applications: Rolling deadlines by grant tier throughout 2026  

Applicants can submit proposals and applications electronically. Find more information at omahaipa.com. Questions can be directed to Myah Lanoux – Chief of Staff. (myah.lanoux@omahaipa.com) 

About the Omaha Inland Port Authority 

The Omaha Inland Port Authority (OIPA) is a public agency established under Nebraska law to drive economic development in North and East Omaha. With the authority to invest, develop land, and form strategic partnerships, OIPA is focused on creating jobs, expanding access to opportunity, and building long-term economic mobility. 

Real Investment. Real Change. Right Now.