You are one of 143 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:

The grass is always greener where you water it. 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.

Taylor Korensky, VisionSync:
“1. Find and read the bill, if you've never looked at one your looking for the underlines and the strike outs in a majority of cases. 2. Its not as scary as it seems, be confident and use your time (they are just people too!). 3. Don't be afraid to speak against or for specific parts of the bill and in fact that seems to be very helpful for senators to hear. You can overall be a proponent for something, but still call out things you don't agree with. 4. Bring a human perspective where relevant while remaining direct and professional with the tone of the message. (Example, we lost 3 employees when the funding cuts were announced, they had to leave Nebraska). 5. Put things in the context of how it impacts Nebraska (the economy, job markets, taxes, etc), not only the affects you or the entities you are representing might see as a result of such bill. 6. They want 12 copies so bring 15.” Read more.

Eric Dinger, Landoption:
“More Hudls, fewer hurdles. I testified, wrote letters, emailed with my Senator, and posted because I'm thankful for all the progress we've made as an ecosystem. And, I'm convinced continuing to foster entrepreneurship and innovation is a big part of how we avoid future budgetary calamities like what we're facing this year as a state.” Read more.

Lindsey Hruby, Don’t Panic Labs:
“I went in person to talk to my state senator.”

Devon Seacrest, CodeBuddy:
“I testified for LB1044.”

Tom Chapman, Peeq Industries:
“I met with four state senators, raised awareness with large donors to the governor and state senators, talked to admin heads, and reached out to some other key people. My biggest specific piece of advice is understand what the person you are talking to, cares about. Do your own homework and understand where they stand already and what might move them to your position. In particular, most people, including senators, do not know much about startup ecosystem issues. So, simple awareness is usually pretty powerful. Also, use third party validated facts (such as BIA economic impact report by UNL) as much as possible to make your position less about passion and more about proof.”

Scott Kroeker, RevolveUp:
“I sent an email to governor’s office!”

Brian Zimmer, Don’t Panic Labs:
“Leadership Lincoln reminded me that although Nebraska is a Unicameral, the ‘second body’ of the legislative branch is actually our people. The ability for anyone to testify on any bill is one way that ideal is reached. I appreciated the opportunity to share my perspective on LB1044 and would encourage everyone to attend a hearing at some point to either experience the process or testify yourself.” Read more.

Takeaway: You can do this, too!

Takeaway: Showing up in person to testify is the strongest show of support. Just be prepared to wait since the committee will cover several bills. You can read this post on how to testify.

Another Takeaway: Leaving comments online and sending emails to your state senator are valuable, too, especially if your schedule doesn’t allow you to testify in person.

Thank you to Silicon Prairie News for publishing my guest editorial, which explains how bills become laws in Nebraska and how your voice shapes them.

Takeaway: Your voice matters from start to finish, so you need to know how to use it differently as the session unfolds.

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.

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

Nebraska Startups Speak Up
Zoom Briefing
Wed, Feb 18 at 11am-Noon