CBDG Economic Development (ED)

The Community Development Block Grant Economic Development opportunity is administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. This program is part of the broader Community Development Block Grant framework, which is federally authorized but administered at the state level to support local economic growth and community improvement. The Department of Economic Development serves as the awarding agency and is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal regulations while advancing statewide economic priorities. The program aligns with federal objectives that emphasize measurable benefits to low and moderate income individuals, particularly through job creation and retention. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to assist businesses that contribute to expanding Nebraska’s economic base while creating or retaining quality jobs. A central requirement is that these jobs must primarily benefit individuals classified as low and moderate income. The program operates under the Low and Moderate Income Jobs national objective, meaning that funded activities must clearly demonstrate a direct link between the project and employment outcomes for this target population. The initiative is structured to support local governments in facilitating economic development projects that produce tangible employment benefits. Funding is deployed through local units of government, which act as intermediaries between the state and private businesses. These local governments apply for funding on behalf of businesses or economic development projects within their jurisdictions. Funds may be used to support activities that directly contribute to business expansion, job creation, or job retention. Additionally, the program includes provisions for a State Revolving Loan Fund, which is designed to provide ongoing financing opportunities for local development projects. Program income generated through these activities must be managed in compliance with federal regulations, specifically those outlined in applicable federal code provisions. Eligibility for participation is limited to projects that meet the national objective criteria, specifically the requirement that activities benefit low and moderate income individuals through employment. Local governments are the primary eligible applicants, but the ultimate beneficiaries include businesses that are expanding operations or improving capacity. The structure ensures that public funds are used to incentivize private sector growth while maintaining accountability to federal income targeting requirements. All proposed activities must clearly demonstrate alignment with these criteria to be considered for funding. The application process is open over an extended period, beginning in early July and continuing through the end of June of the following year. This provides applicants with a broad window to prepare and submit proposals. There is no indication of a pre application requirement such as a letter of intent, suggesting that applicants may proceed directly to full submission. Applications must include sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with program objectives, including job creation metrics and alignment with low and moderate income benefit criteria. Communication with the agency is facilitated through a designated contact person, who can provide guidance and respond to applicant inquiries. Evaluation of applications is expected to focus on the degree to which proposed projects meet the national objective, the feasibility of job creation or retention outcomes, and the alignment with state economic development priorities. While specific scoring criteria are not detailed, compliance with federal requirements and the ability to demonstrate measurable impact are likely central considerations. The program is non competitive in designation, indicating that eligible and compliant applications may be funded without a traditional ranking process, subject to available resources. The funding cycle appears to operate on an annual basis, with a defined opening and closing window that repeats each program year. Applicants should anticipate similar timelines in future cycles. The program emphasizes timely use of funds and adherence to regulatory requirements, reinforcing the importance of readiness and compliance in the application process. Contact information is provided for direct communication, and additional program details are available through the official state economic development website.

Ensure clear alignment with Low and Moderate Income Jobs criteria and provide measurable job impact details