KETV’s Rob McCartney Spotlights the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange on Chronicle
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to News Anchor Rob McCartney of KETV News Watch 7 for featuring the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange on this past Sunday’s episode of Chronicle, highlighting how it opens doors for small businesses.
For those who haven’t heard about the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange, it is a collaborative initiative led by the Urban League of Nebraska in partnership with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and other corporate and government stakeholders. This program is designed to empower small businesses by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and expert-led training to access capital, navigate government and corporate contracting, and thrive in today’s business landscape.
Our very own Josefina Loza of Lozafina had the opportunity to share her experience during the special feature, highlighting how the Latina-owned branding, marketing, and public relations firm is actively participating in the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange to continue learning, growing, and securing contracting and procurement opportunities available through this powerful initiative.
In Nebraska, small businesses are the backbone of our economy, employing nearly half of the state’s workforce. During Sunday’s Chronicle, McCartney reported that approximately 182,000 small businesses statewide play a critical role in shaping our communities and fostering economic growth. However, access to capital, networking opportunities, and government contracts remains a challenge for many entrepreneurs.
That’s where the Urban League of Nebraska’s President and CEO Wayne Brown and Nebraska Opportunity Exchange step in.
The Urban League has always been a connector, providing social capital and resources to individuals and businesses for nearly a century, Brown said. "We realized that small business owners, just like job seekers and students, need help navigating the system,” especially when it comes to finding capital and contracts.
The Nebraska Opportunity Exchange aims to help small businesses connect with larger organizations and access loans. In Nebraska, small businesses employ 48.3% of workers, with construction and real estate being the largest industries. Brown said the Urban League provides social capital and resources, including seed capital and contracting opportunities. The Nebraska Opportunity Exchange offers free training sessions and a reverse business trade conference on March 28 at the La Vista Embassy Suites. The event targets growth-stage businesses in construction, professional services, and health and human services.
April Hibbler, Director of Nebraska Opportunity Exchange, explained that participants engage in a structured, reverse trade show-style event where business owners showcase their services while procurement officers from corporations and government agencies actively seek suppliers.
"This isn’t just a learning opportunity. It’s a place where businesses come prepared to do business,” she said.
Small businesses don’t have time to waste attending events without tangible outcomes. At the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange, we ensure that participants leave with real connections and potential contracts.
"Sometimes, success isn’t just about money; it’s about who you know," said Brown. "Social capital can be just as powerful as financial capital. The Nebraska Opportunity Exchange provides access to both."
One of the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange’s participants, Josefina Loza, founder of Lozafina, emphasized the importance of initiatives like this for minority-owned businesses.
"As one of the few Latina-owned branding, marketing, and public relations firms in Nebraska, I’m always looking for opportunities to grow my business,” she said. The Nebraska Opportunity Exchange provides a direct link to city procurement opportunities, which is exactly what small businesses like mine need to thrive.
The 2025 Nebraska Opportunity Exchange will take place on March 28 at the La Vista Embassy Suites Conference Center. Businesses interested in participating can register for free on the Urban League of Nebraska’s website or through Eventbrite.
"We don’t want economic barriers to stand in the way of success," said Hibbler. "That’s why all training sessions and registration for the exchange are completely free. We want small businesses to come, learn, and access real resources."
