The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) proudly announces the beginning of the application process for the 2025 LaunchLNK grants. The application window is now open and will continue through Monday, November 25, 2024.

LaunchLNK grants are specifically tailored for high-growth companies seeking to start or expand their operations in Lincoln. This year, a total of six distinguished LaunchLNK recipients each receive $20,000 in non-dilutive funding, accompanied by $15,000 in other benefits such as access to professional services, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce membership and invaluable connections with mentors and potential sources of early-stage capital and fundraising. 

Due to the structure of the LaunchLNK grant, the six recipients are well-positioned to leverage these funds in conjunction with other programs and financial resources in the ecosystem. For example, the Business Innovation Act programs through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and various other sources of capital require matching funds.

“We are excited to lean into the strengths of this grant program. The LaunchLNK grant provides very early-stage funds in a way that yields dividends for the Lincoln community far beyond the initial investment,” states Kathy Andersen, the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at LPED.

Now entering its seventh year, the LaunchLNK grants have provided essential seed funding for 30 diverse startups in Lincoln. Notably, companies nurtured by this program have subsequently employed numerous individuals and raised $100 million in additional capital, significantly contributing to the robust startup ecosystem and economic growth in Lincoln. 

The 2024 cohort of LaunchLNK recipients boasted impressive companies including The Headset App, Road Sentinel, Larkspur Upholstery Studio LLC, DARO LLC, ReUnite and Viosimos Agriculture LLC. In total, 82 applications were submitted for the 2024 program, with a two-round selection process ultimately identifying 13 finalists before the six winners were selected.

This is the second year that six grants will be awarded. Five grants were awarded from 2021-2023, four grants from 2019-2020, and only one grant in the first year 2018. Companies will be prioritized that could contribute to economic impact in the city of Lincoln, as the goal of the grant is to spur revenue and job creation and attraction of additional capital investment.

“LaunchLNK fosters a vibrant Lincoln startup ecosystem by connecting startup companies with not only financial resources, but also valuable networks and in-kind services provided by our dedicated partner network,” Andersen concludes.

More information on the program can be found at www.launchlnk.com.  To stay informed about LaunchLNK announcements, including updates about the next round of applications, follow @StartupLNK on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.  

For more information, contact Kathy I. Andersen, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, at (402) 436-2374 or  kandersen@selectlincoln.org.