Pillen will fully fund $15 million business startup program he had cut by 25%

Pillen un-pauses BIA but signals “new direction” that leaves the program’s future cloudy

The Business Innovation Act, a key support program for Nebraska entrepreneurship that unexpectedly was paused in October, will begin awarding funds again, according to a memorandum from Gov. Jim Pillen on Dec. 22.  The governor will also recommend a funding increase to $15 million, up from the roughly $12 million approved in the 2025 legislative session after Pillen attempted to cut the program. Monday’s move follows a variety of public and priv…

Pillen will fully fund $15 million business startup program he had cut by 25%

OMAHA — On the same day the Greater Omaha Chamber released a report seeking updates to Nebraska business incentives, Gov. Jim Pillen announced plans Monday to restore funding to a state program that invests early in local startups. Pillen’s proposal…