Omaha Inland Port Authority Opens $1.5 Million in Impact Fund Capital to Support Business Growth and Community Investment

$300,000 in grant funding and $1.2 million in loan funding are now available for qualifying businesses and development projects.

OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha Inland Port Authority (OIPA) announced today that applications are open for its Impact Fund, making $1.5 million in capital available through $300,000 in grant funding and $1.2 million in loan funding to support businesses and development projects within the Omaha Inland Port Authority district.

Applications opened October 1 as OIPA continues expanding access to capital and creating new tools to drive business growth, job creation, housing and real estate development, and community investment throughout North and East Omaha.

Application timing is different for the two programs. Grant applications will be accepted throughout the entire fourth quarter and awards will be made based on priority scoring. Loan applications will be reviewed and processed on a first-come, first-served basis as they are received.

“This is what we mean when we say Real Investment. Real Change. Right Now,” said Garry Clark, Executive Director of the Omaha Inland Port Authority. “Capital has to reach the businesses, entrepreneurs and developers who are ready to invest in our community and create opportunity. These funds give us another tool to move good ideas into action, help businesses grow, create jobs and build long-term economic opportunity in North and East Omaha.”

The OIPA Impact Fund is designed to support projects that create jobs, support business growth and strengthen the Omaha Inland Port Authority district. Eligible loan uses include real estate, equipment, working capital and other qualifying project costs.

Grant Fund: Applications Open Throughout the Fourth Quarter

The $300,000 Impact Grant Fund will support projects focused on business expansion, job creation, housing development and community investment. Individual grant awards are available up to a maximum of $25,000. Grant requests may be submitted throughout the fourth quarter. Applications will be evaluated through OIPA’s priority-scoring process, with awards based on how strongly proposed projects align with the Authority’s economic development and community investment priorities.

Because grant applications will be evaluated based on priority scoring, applicants do not receive an advantage simply by submitting earlier in the quarter. OIPA encourages applicants to use the application period to submit complete, well-supported proposals.

Loan Fund: First-Come, First-Served

The $1.2 million Impact Loan Fund provides flexible capital for qualifying businesses and development projects. Individual loan requests are available up to a maximum of $100,000 through OIPA’s pre-application platform.

Loan applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as they are received. Businesses and developers seeking loan financing are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and begin the application process as soon as possible.

Helping Applicants Access Capital

OIPA Deputy Economic Development Director Jennifer “Jen” McKeone, who administers the Impact Fund, said the initiative is intended to make capital more accessible while helping applicants navigate the process and connect with resources that can strengthen their projects.

“Our goal is to make this funding accessible, responsive and useful to businesses and developers who are ready to move their projects forward,” said McKeone. “Grant applicants have the entire fourth quarter to submit their applications, and those requests will be evaluated based on our priority-scoring process. For our loan program, we will begin processing applications as they come in on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage interested businesses and developers to review the requirements and begin the process as soon as possible.”

Applicants can also identify needs for business plan assistance, training, mentorship, credit-building services and housing development technical assistance through OIPA’s pre-application process.

The Impact Fund reflects OIPA’s broader strategy of connecting people, projects, property and capital to create sustainable economic growth and expand opportunities for residents, entrepreneurs, small businesses and developers to participate directly in investment occurring throughout the district.

“Economic development cannot simply be about announcing projects,” Clark said. “It has to create pathways for the people who are already here to participate in that growth. We want to help build businesses, create ownership opportunities and support investments that can generate wealth and opportunity for generations.”

Impact Funding Available Now

• $300,000 in Grant Funds — Supporting business expansion, job creation, housing development and community investment. Applications will be accepted throughout the fourth quarter and awards will be based on priority scoring.
• $1.2 Million in Loan Funds — Providing flexible capital for business growth, job creation, real estate development, housing development and community investment. Loan applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as they are received.
• Maximum Award and Loan Amounts — Grant requests may be up to $25,000, and loan requests may be up to $100,000.
• Boundary Requirement — Applicants must verify that their business or qualifying project is within the Omaha Inland Port Authority boundary before applying.

How to Apply

Businesses, developers and organizations can review program information and begin the application process through OIPA’s website.

Website: www.omahaipa.com
Impact Fund: www.omahaipa.com/what-we-do/programs/p/item/2842/impact-fund
Email: info@omahaipa.com
Phone: 402-733-2232

About the Omaha Inland Port Authority

The Omaha Inland Port Authority is a public entity dedicated to advancing inclusive economic development through strategic property development, infrastructure investment and community-focused programs. OIPA works to transform land, infrastructure and investment into long-term economic opportunities, with strategic efforts centered in historically underinvested communities in North and East Omaha.

Real Investment. Real Change. Right Now.