Omaha Inland Port Authority Awards $300,000 Through Inaugural Impact Fund Grant Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Remaining $45,000 Available to Support Businesses and Development Projects Within the OIPA Boundary

OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha Inland Port Authority (OIPA) today announced the recipients of its inaugural Impact Fund Grant Program, awarding $300,000 to businesses and development projects that will strengthen entrepreneurship, commercial revitalization, housing, and economic opportunity throughout the Omaha Inland Port boundary.

The Impact Fund was established to provide catalytic investments that help businesses expand, improve commercial properties, create jobs, support housing development, and encourage long-term neighborhood investment. Following this round of awards, $45,000 remains available for qualified applicants located within the OIPA boundary.

"The Impact Fund was created with a simple purpose: to put capital to work where it can make the greatest difference," said Garry Clark, Executive Director of the Omaha Inland Port Authority. “These investments are about more than individual projects—they're about strengthening businesses, creating jobs, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building long-term wealth within the Omaha Inland Port boundary. We are proud of these inaugural awards, and with funding still available, we encourage eligible businesses and developers to bring us their ideas. This is exactly how we create momentum for lasting community transformation.”

2026 Impact Fund Grant Recipients

• LT Butler Engineers LLC — $50,000: Architectural planning and pre-development activities for a proposed 39-unit multifamily housing project.
• Legacy Building LLC — $50,000: Commercial property improvements.
• Mosley Property Management — $50,000: Commercial renovation and neighborhood coffee shop.
• Tortola Development — $5,000: Startup assistance.
• Lots of Lines LLC — $25,000: Equipment acquisition.
• Deal LLC — $50,000: Food truck purchase and business expansion.
• DC Hauling — $25,000: Dump truck purchase.

Jennifer McKeone, Deputy Economic Development Director for the Omaha Inland Port Authority, has managed the Impact Fund since its inception and led the development of the program alongside community partners.

"From the beginning, our goal has been to create a program that is accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our community," McKeone said. “Working with applicants throughout this process has reinforced the tremendous entrepreneurial talent that exists within the Inland Port boundary. These grants represent investments in people with vision, and we're excited to continue supporting projects that generate lasting economic impact for North Omaha.”

OIPA continues to accept applications for the remaining $45,000 in available grant funding. Eligible businesses, developers, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs located within the Inland Port boundary are encouraged to apply while funds remain available.

About the Omaha Inland Port Authority

The Omaha Inland Port Authority is Nebraska's first inland port authority, created to drive economic growth through strategic investment, infrastructure development, business expansion, housing, workforce initiatives, and public-private partnerships that create lasting opportunity throughout North Omaha and the surrounding region.

Real Investment. Real Change. Right Now.