Hiya folks, Lev here.

Since I came to Nebraska a little over a year ago, I’ve heard a common issue from startups: It’s pretty hard to find customers here. Which is pretty surprising (and extra frustrating) given the wealth of Fortune 500 and other corporations in the state.

As a result, promising startups either close early or are more likely to put Nebraska in the rearview mirror.

But that is slowly beginning to change, in part because of companies like Werner Enterprises. The transportation giant, encouraged by Daragh Mahon, Werner’s executive vice president and chief information officer, has made it a point to seek out, be an early customer of and help incubate local startups.

That includes creating a formal accelerator program with the Nebraska Startup Academy, which also brings startups to Werner during its corporate pitch days.

Mahon wants to see the rest of corporate Nebraska engage more with startups. Doing so benefits corporations with new tech, of course, but it also helps the state avoid brain drain.

“I want people to understand that there’s such a thriving (startup) community here in Nebraska, and our job as CIOs, as CTOs, as CEOs should be to help support that community,” Mahon said. “That’s what keeps talent in Nebraska.”

I spoke to Mahon, along with startups Moneiva and Fleet Defender, to see what motivated Werner’s involvement and what that startup support actually looks like. There’s a blueprint in here for other companies to help startups and get innovative products in return.

If they’re willing to put in the work, that is. Check out the story on SPN. 

Also, SPN is approaching the end of its current rotation of Prairie Portrait profiles. This is our weekly series where we highlight and share the insights of founders, founders and community leaders in the Nebraska startup ecosystem. 

If interested in participating yourself, or if you know someone who would be a great candidate, fill out the following form.