Nebraska Business Development Center

10/30/2026

🚀 Nebraska innovator, Rakesh Srivastava, is making an impact!

Congratulations to Shabri, LLC on receiving a NIH Phase I STTR grant to advance a promising new antimicrobial prosthetic liner technology.

Led by Rakesh Srivastava, the project brings together researchers from Shabri, LLC, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and University of Nebraska Medical Center - UNMC to address a common challenge faced by prosthetic users: infection and skin complications.

We are excited to see Nebraska entrepreneurs and small business owners continue turning innovative ideas into technologies that improve lives.

Help us congratulate Rakesh and the team! 👏

10/22/2026

What do we do when there's networking to be had and multigenerational business stories to be heard?

Chug a cup of coffee (or two) and grab a seat in the front row.

Yesterday, the NBDC team had the opportunity to attend 1 Million Cups Norfolk and Wayne State College's WSC School of Business & Technology CatChats with Burbach's Countryside Dairy.

In the morning, our very own Dan Curran presented at 1 Million Cups Norfolk, sharing how NBDC helps Nebraska entrepreneurs and small business owners turn ideas into reality and navigate the challenges of growth along the way.

In the afternoon, we headed to Wayne State College’s WSC School of Business & Technology to hear Burbach's Countryside Dairy share how a second-generation dairy family transformed a growing business for the next generation.

They say if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.

❤️

10/19/2026

What happens when years of hard work turns into a reputation people trust? 💡

For Shawn Eitzen, it became a business of his own.

After nearly 15 years working as an automotive technician, Shawn and his wife, Suzy, opened Eitzen's Auto in Scottsbluff.

Their goal wasn't just to fix vehicles. It was to build something that would last for their family and their community.

Our favorite part of Shawn's story?

When asked why he stays late to help stranded travelers and works hard to earn repeat customers, his answer is simple:

"I always think about what I'd want if I were the one stranded somewhere."

👉 Read how one Nebraska entrepreneur turned a reputation into a successful business: https://www.unomaha.edu/nebraska-business-development-center/news/2026/10/eitzen-auto.php

10/15/2026

What if finding the right business resource was as easy as calling an Uber? 🚗

Thats the idea behind SourceLink Nebraska.

Under the leadership of Scott Asmus, SourceLink Nebraska helps entrepreneurs navigate Nebraska's entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting them to the right people, programs, and organizations based on their unique needs.

The goal isn't to create another directory

It's to create a "no wrong door" experience for entrepreneurs

👉 Read SourceLink's story and learn how Scott and the SourceLink Nebraska team are helping founders spend less time searching and more time building: https://www.joinsourcelink.com/2026/09/17/no-wrong-door-how-scott-asmus-is-building-nebraskas-entrepreneurial-navigation-system/

Scott Asmus did not come to entrepreneurship with a traditional playbook. He came with an outsider’s eye, a deep belief in putting people first, and a determination to make Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem easier to navigate. Through SourceLink Nebraska, he is helping turn a maze of resource...

10/12/2026

You might need sunglasses around Benjamin Benton these days 😎

We're so proud to share that Ben has been named the 2026 Nebraska State Star by America's SBDC!

America's SBDC State Star Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to support small businesses and strengthen their communities.

As Tony Schultz, State Director for America's SBDC Nebraska, shared:

"Ben's commitment to his clients in Northeast Nebraska has led to some tremendous economic impacts in his area! Ben's involvement in America's SBDC AIU program and Rising Leadership has elevated our Nebraska SBDC program at NBDC."

Ben's dedication to Nebraska entrepreneurs and small businesses is evident in everything he does, and we're thrilled to see him recognized for his impact.

Help us congratulate Ben in the comments! 🎉

10/07/2026

Wear Black, Give Back begins at noon, today! 🖤❤️

This year, University of Nebraska at Omaha is aiming to receive 7,000 gifts in 24 hours, and you can make this happen.

Consider supporting the Nebraska Business Development Center Excellence Fund, which helps provide professional development opportunities for NBDC teammates as they grow their skills, expand their expertise, and continue supporting Nebraska’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Whether you choose to send a gift to NBDC or another UNO program close to your heart, every gift makes a difference!

👉 NBDC Excellence Fund: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01175850/

Explore all Wear Black, Give Back funds: https://givingday.unomaha.edu/

10/03/2026

Nebraska was a state for only 11 years when Beckenhauer Construction Inc opened its doors 🏗️

Nearly 150 years later, the company is still going strong.

Now in its fifth generation of family ownership, Beckenhauer Construction has built schools, hospitals, churches, businesses, and public facilities across Nebraska while maintaining the same focus on quality, integrity, and community.

Our favorite part of this story?

A sixth generation is already preparing to carry the family legacy forward.

👉 Read how one Nebraska family business has continued to grow, adapt, and serve Nebraska communities for nearly a century and a half: https://www.unomaha.edu/nebraska-business-development-center/news/2026/09/beckenhauer-construction.php

10/01/2026

October 8 is National APEX Day! 💫

It's a day to recognize the small businesses and entrepreneurs winning contracts, creating jobs, and growing their communities through government contracting.

It's also a chance to celebrate the Nebraska APEX Accelerator consultants who helps Nebraska businesses navigate the process every step of the way.

👇 Want to join us in celebrating? Give your Nebraska (or any!) APEX Accelerator consultant a shoutout in the comments.

09/28/2026

A warm welcome to the newest NBDC team member, Joseph (Joe) Lauber 👏

As our new Business Manager/Grant Financial Officer, Joe brings more than 20 years of experience working with organizations in the government, non-profit, and private sectors.

His background, expertise, and passion for supporting Nebraska growth make him a great addition to NBDC.

🇩🇪 Fun fact: Joe has studied in Germany not once, but twice!

Help us give Joe a Nebraska welcome in the comments!

09/15/2026

"Go follow your dream. I'm behind you" 💙

When Rakesh Srivastava wanted to start a business helping people regain their mobility, his wife encouraged him to take the leap.

Nearly 20 years later, that leap became Innovative Prosthetics & Orthotics, a company that has helped countless Nebraskans walk, move, and live with greater confidence.

But Rakesh's story started long before entrepreneurship.

After losing his left leg in an accident at age 10, he experienced first hand the physical and emotional challenges of limb loss.

Today, he's helping other do the same through patient care, research, and innovation.

👉 Read how one entrepreneur turned adversity into innovation, opportunity and hope for thousands of Nebraskans: https://www.unomaha.edu/nebraska-business-development-center/news/2026/09/innovation-prosthetics.php

Share below the person(s) behind you, encouraging you to follow your dream!