The highly anticipated economic forecast for the 2026-27 budget came in $175M lower than expected and state legislators are now left to find a combination of further cuts and revenue sources. They’ve already proposed tapping into $130M from the cash reserve fund and are rummaging the couch cushions.

Counter intuitively, now is the time to keep pushing to fully fund the $15M. Not only is it important we establish that as our anchor to avoid any further cuts, but it is important to anchor the messaging for the 2027 legislature session.

Takeaway: Now is the time to get loud again and push for the full $15M!

This past week, we launched “The BIA Did That!” video series and published three stories to our LinkedIn Page (oh, yeah, we launched that, too). Each one shares the perspective of a Nebraska founder, investor, or community champion on why the Business Innovation Act matters.

First batch features:

What can you do?

Want to discuss this further? Join us this Wednesday for our next Zoom briefing.

Nebraska Startups Speak Up
Zoom Briefing
Wed, March 4 at 11am-11:30am

(Hit reply to get added to the calendar invite)

Read this Silicon Prairie News guest editorial, which explains how bills become laws in Nebraska and how your voice shapes them.

LB100: Establish the Office of Entrepreneurship in the Department of Economic Development, encourage state agencies to contract with startups, and require the state pension fund to Invest in Nebraska startups.

LB999: Establish the Business Innovation and Startup Commission to help guide state government decisions.

LB1015: Create a Business Innovation Reserve Fund to provide long-term stable funding of the Business Innovation Act programs.

LB1044: Change provisions of the Business Innovation Act to create long-term stability of funding and establish a minimum amount awarded

LB1156: Adopt the Disinvested Community Development Incentive Tax Credit Act to help fund small business and startup support, accelerator programs, and workforce training in rural and urban communities.

LB1205: Require the Department of Economic Development to award microlending grants under the Business Innovation Act

Takeaway: Read each bill (if it’s amending a law, the proposed changes are underlined) so you can speak confidently about it.

You are one of 150 people (and counting) who have stepped forward to speak up for Nebraska startups. Thank you!

Small actions, big impact
Many thanks to everyone who shared their stories below. The chorus continues to grow!

One message, many voices
In your communications, please consider using this message:

Helping Nebraska startups is a strategic investment that creates a more vibrant economy, more high paying jobs for Nebraska workers, and a greater diversity of future tax revenues. The grass is always greener where you water it!