Guest Editorial
Trevor Lee
President Development Council for Buffalo County
Nebraska has quietly built one of the most effective innovation programs in the country — and we cannot afford to let it stall. For more than a decade, the Business Innovation Act (BIA) has helped turn big ideas into real jobs, supporting entrepreneurs with resources to build prototypes, partner with universities, and match federal research grants. The results speak for themselves: for every dollar Nebraska invests, these companies generate nearly $16 in revenue. That’s not just good policy — it’s a smart investment in our future.
Earlier this month, the Department of Economic Development has paused new BIA awards, with little public explanation. This sends the wrong message to innovators and investors alike. At a time when every state is competing for talent, capital, and technology, Nebraska cannot afford to hit the brakes on one of its most successful tools for economic growth.
This isn’t theoretical. I’m working with a Nebraska-based company that has already benefited from programs like BIA. They’ve built a groundbreaking solution in a critical industry, secured early traction, and attracted national attention. But as they wait for the next round of innovation funding, another state — with a program even more robust than ours — is actively courting them.
If Nebraska hesitates, we risk watching homegrown innovation leave for greener pastures.
The numbers tell the story:
- 2,386 high-skill jobs created, with an average wage of $76,498.
- $654 million in follow-on private capital raised.
- A nearly $16 return for every $1 of state funding.
Few programs deliver more measurable value per dollar spent. Halting BIA now risks losing momentum — and losing the innovators who will shape Nebraska’s next economy.
We urge state leaders to act decisively:
- Restore and expand BIA funding in the upcoming legislative session.
- Increase transparency in how and when funds are awarded.
- Ensure statewide access so innovators in every region — rural and urban — can benefit.
Innovation is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It drives job creation, attracts investment, and keeps talent here at home. Nebraska’s entrepreneurs are ready to build the future. Let’s make sure our state is ready, too.
Funding from the BIA Prototype Grant program was a critical infusion of early capital that enabled the company to develop and commercialize its initial design, according to Founder and CEO Dusty Birge. Photo provided by Fast Forward.
