FY 2023-2024 Prototype Grant

The Prototype Grant is a matching grant that provides financial assistance for product development to businesses operating in Nebraska. Funds are accessed on a reimbursement basis - if a project is funded, the business may request reimbursement for a share of expenses as they are incurred. Only those expenses related directly to product development are eligible for reimbursement. Priority is given to those projects that are conducting the development work in the state of Nebraska. If funded, DED can reimburse 2/3 of eligible project expenses (or 80% for value-added agriculture projects or projects in an Economic Redevelopment Area). The business must provide funding equal to 50% of the grant award (1/3 of project costs, 1/5 for value-added agriculture projects or projects in an Economic Redevelopment Area). Award Ceiling: $150,000. Cash Match: 1/3 of project costs. 20% for Value-added agriculture projects. 20% for projects occurring in an Economic Redevelopment Area.

Applications are accepted on a fiscal year basis from July 1st through June 30th or until funds are exhausted.

Program Overview and Guidelines: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/business/nif-prototype-grants/

Questions may be directed to: Additional information: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/bia

Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses with less than 500 employees that are conducting product development in the state of Nebraska.

Resources: General and Program specific Amplifund user guides and videos can be found at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/amplifund/. Statewide Relay System: Individuals, who are hearing and/or speech impaired and have a TTY, may contact the Department through the Statewide Relay System by calling (800) 833-7352 (TTY) or (800) 833-0920 (voice). The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505 or (402) 471-3111.