This year, NEDCO’s 504 lending program helped rural Nebraska businesses retain 527 jobs and create 567 new ones, backed by $94,615,000 in funded dollars across 138 loans. From the Panhandle to the Missouri River, that investment is reaching communities well beyond Lincoln and the Omaha metro area, helping local businesses grow, hire, and reinvest close to home.
What Is the SBA 504 Loan Program
The SBA 504 loan program is a federally backed financing tool designed to help small businesses purchase or improve major fixed assets, including real estate, buildings, and equipment. As a Certified Development Company, NEDCO partners with local lenders to structure these loans, giving business owners access to below market, fixed rate financing with long repayment terms. You can learn more about how the program works directly from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Impact of 504 Lending in Rural Nebraska This Year
NEDCO’s investment extends far beyond Lincoln and the Omaha metro area. Here is a look at the numbers from NEDCO’s existing portfolio outside those two metro areas.
- 527 jobs retained, keeping rural Nebraska workers employed and local businesses stable
- 567 jobs created, adding new opportunities across a range of industries
- $94,615,000 in funded dollars, put directly to work in rural Nebraska communities
- 138 loans, reaching businesses across the state’s rural regions
Together, these figures represent more than statistics. They reflect real businesses expanding, real employees earning a paycheck, and real rural communities growing stronger because capital reached the people who needed it most.
Why This Matters for Rural Nebraska Communities
Access to capital is often the biggest barrier standing between a small business and its next stage of growth, and that barrier can be even harder to overcome outside of Nebraska’s larger metro areas. Whether it is a manufacturer investing in new equipment or a local retailer purchasing its building, 504 financing gives rural business owners a path forward that traditional lending alone cannot always provide. NEDCO’s role as a Certified Development Company means that path runs through people who understand rural Nebraska’s economy and are invested in its success.
What’s Next for NEDCO
Every pin on the map represents one or more 504 loans in a rural community that started with a conversation. This year’s results are a strong foundation, but NEDCO is not slowing down. The goal is to bring these same opportunities to even more rural Nebraska communities, helping more business owners access the capital they need to grow.
Let’s start yours today. If your rural community or business could benefit from 504 lending, contact NEDCO today to learn how.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NEDCO? NEDCO is a Certified Development Company that partners with lenders to provide SBA 504 loans to small businesses across Nebraska, including many rural communities.
Who qualifies for a 504 loan? Generally, for profit small businesses that meet SBA size standards and plan to use the funds for real estate, equipment, or other fixed assets.
How do I get started? Reach out to NEDCO directly to discuss your business goals and find out if 504 financing is the right fit.