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SPN explains: What’s a CDFI, and how does it help Nebraska’s entrepreneurs?
Community Development Financial Institutions, or CDFIs, are willing to make higher-risk investments at earlier stages than conventional banks. As a result, they’re a good option to support early-stage startups and businesses. CDFIs can also play a role in venture capital for startups, unlocking yet more support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
October 6-11, 2025
A regional celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in Nebraska with events happening in Lincoln and Omaha Learn more »
Upcoming events
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- RSVP for Pipeline PRO Fireside Chat with Dr. James Linder + Networking Happy Hour, Thursday, Sept. 11, 4:30-8 p.m. at the Catalyst in Omaha.
- Celebrate The Commonwealth Omaha Grand Opening, Friday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at The Commonwealth coworking space in Omaha.
- Join the Women in Technology of the Heartland’s “Building, Growing, Thriving: Women Tech Founders” on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 5 p.m.-6:45 p.m. in Omaha.
- Register for Lunch & Learn with Tanner and Devon, Building Software as a Non-Developer on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 11:25 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Elevator Co-Warehousing in Omaha.
- The Nebraska Women of Color in Tech Meetup is on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at Don’t Panic Labs in Lincoln.
ICYMI: Updates from around the ecosystem
Have an announcement or event you’d like to share? Send it to tips@siliconprairienews.com.
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- Speakers needed for 2026 Nebraska Women in STEM Conference
- Meet Dennis Einspahr, founder and CEO at Tour Golf League, in this week’s Prairie Portrait
- Gourmet cocoa brand from Kearney raises $750,000 seed round
- How university venture capital programs are training the next generation of funders and founders in Nebraska
- Learn more about the 10-hour challenge on the podcast Phantom Fuel Episode 009 “Caffeinating Creativity: The 10 Hour Challenge & more”
From Our Sponsor
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Best practices for using P2P payments
Money-transfer apps and services like Zelle have revolutionized the way we send and receive money. But make sure you’re doing it safely.
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