FY 2025-2026 Site and Building Development Fund (SBDF) Project

The objective of the Site and Building Development Fund (SBDF) is to enhance the economic development of the state and provide for the general prosperity of all Nebraska citizens by creating conditions favorable to improving the industrial readiness of the state. The Department shall use funds to provide financial assistance for industrial site and building development. The following activities are eligible: land and building acquisition; building construction or rehabilitation; site preparation; infrastructure development and improvements; engineering and design costs; technical assistance and planning; and other preapproved costs necessary for the development of industrial-ready sites and buildings. Projects located in communities with speculative sites and buildings previously awarded funds from the Department that have an open agreement which has not been satisfied are not eligible for fund assistance. This restriction does not apply to First Priority Projects and can be waived by the Department Director on a case-by-case basis.

The Site and Building Development Act was introduced under LB 388 by the Nebraska State Legislature in January 2011. Legislative Bill 388 was part of the Talent and Innovation Initiative, a four-part legislative package aimed at advancing business innovation and strengthening workforce recruitment efforts in Nebraska. The bill was subsequently adopted during the 102nd Nebraska Legislative Session and signed into law. Legislative Bill 388 became operative October 3, 2011, and was codified in the Nebraska Revised Statutes at §§81-12,144 to 81-12,151. The purpose of the Site and Building Development Act, as stated in Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-12,145 is to assist in the provision of industrial-ready sites and buildings in all areas of the state in order to create “conditions favorable to meeting the industrial readiness of the state.”

Deadlines depend on funding availability. Work with DED to determine funding.

Program Guidelines: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/business/sbdf/ The Department’s SBDF committee considers the following criteria when evaluating preliminary proposals, pre-applications and applications for funding: Overall considerations: o Capacity of the applicant to successfully complete the project o Capacity of the development team to successfully complete the project o The project will produce the desired result of locating a company at the Site and Building location that is represented in an industry or industry cluster identified by the Department. Funding proposals must meet the following thresholds: Prior to the application for SBDF, the local development team will have undergone extensive analysis and planning efforts to identify (1) targeted industries for the speculative project, (2) physical characteristics including any mitigating measures needed to overcome real or perceived disadvantages of the site and building location, and (3) non-SBDF funding available for SBDF match and other resources required to ensure the speculative project will be utilized by a targeted industry within a reasonable period of time. Preference will be given for projects that can verify adequate site control by the applicant or a key member of the development team. Adequate site control can include an Option to Purchase if the option does not expire for at least 12 months from the date of application. All costs for obtaining adequate site control are the responsibility of the applicant and the development team. Funding proposals must address the following criteria: o Site control status by the applicant or a key member of the development team o Project description o Scope of work o Importance of the project to the success of businesses in the targeted industry o Appropriateness of the proposed budget, SBDF funding request, and matching funds o Potential economic impact including job creation and investment o Building and/or site size o Community commitment to the project which may include funding, level of involvement of the development team, and promotion of the site o Successful track record of the applicant, development team, or key staff of both to attract quality projects to speculative sites or buildings o Documentation of financial commitments from non-SBDF funding sources o Availability, proximity, potential for redundancy, and capacity of infrastructure o Water o Sewer o Electric power o Natural gas o Broadband connectivity o Streets o Available workforce and training o Job Creation

Kaitlin Kamper Grant Manager kaitlin.kamper@nebraska.gov Phone: 402-309-6463

Projects must be taken on by a committed local development team, including a local economic development corporation. Local governments and Nebraska nonprofits are eligible. Nonprofit organizations must: Provide IRS verification of 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) status. Obtain Certificate of Good Standing with the Secretary of State at time of application. Projects located in communities with speculative sites and buildings previously awarded funds from the Department that have an open agreement which has not been satisfied are not eligible for fund assistance. This restriction does not apply to First Priority Projects and can be waived by the Department Director on a case-by-case basis.

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.