We’re excited to hear an endeavor led by a couple familiar faces in Omaha, Nick Hudson and Jim Esch, officially began its operations earlier this week. Partnering with Creighton University’s business school, they’ve founded The Halo Institute, a non-profit dedicated to nurturing Nebraska’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
Although we don’t have a report of our own to share, here are highlights from Brook Matthews’ blog post announcing their opening, a link to the Omaha World Herald article by Christine Laue, and a few videos from their YouTube channel.
From HaloInstitute.org, published 10/5, Next wave of entrepreneurs can benefit from “Halo” effect in Omaha:
Thanks to our sponsor
- The Halo Institute is prepared to work with up to five start-ups every three to six months, providing approximately $20,000 of in-kind services and support to each entrepreneur – no strings attached.
- Entrepreneurs who work with the Halo Institute will be taken through a seven-step process to firm up their business case for early-stage investment and growth. Organizers refer to this as the Halo Process.
- Organizers say the Halo Institute is unique among business incubators because of its focus on human capital. The entrepreneur remains in complete control of his or her business, never being required to give up equity or cash to work with the Halo Institute.
- Aspiring entrepreneurs can visit click here to participate in the competitive application process.
From Omaha.com, published 10/7, Lofty ideas germinating:
The big room seems fitting for the big ideas inside.
Since July, five local entrepreneurs have bounced around ideas — and basketballs — in a 9,500-square-foot Old Market warehouse-turned-office at 11th and Leavenworth Streets as part of a new nonprofit incubator called the Halo Institute.
The high ceilings and lack of cubicles and interior walls allow ideas to flow […] read the full article
From YouTube.com/User/HaloInstitute, retrieved 10/8:
Jim – How the Halo Institute Started
Nick – The Halo Process
In the coming months we hope to post interviews with not only the founders of Halo but the tenants, as well. We’re especially excited about Habitwise, the idea pitched by Sara Dreamer that won our Creative Capital Pitch Session II. The other tenants are: Fluff Your Stuff, Guru Instruments, Verdis Group, WikiCity.
Sara – Habitwise
