News
NBDC Honors Entrepreneurship Center
March 20, 2026
The Central Community College Entrepreneurship Center was recently named as the SourceLink Nebraska Resource Partner of the Year 2025. The presentation was made on March 12 at the Nebraska Business Development Center's (NBDC) 2025 Business Awards ceremony at the Nebraska capital.
Nebraska Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly attended the ceremony which honors entrepreneurs and businesses that are strengthening communities and expanding economic opportunity across the state. Two other organizations and two individuals also received awards.
“Nebraska’s strength has always been rooted in the determination and ingenuity of its people,” said Kelly. “The businesses we’re recognizing today represent the very best of that tradition. They are investing in their communities, creating opportunities for others, and building a stronger future for our state.”
The award was presented to CCC with this description: “The Central Community College Entrepreneurship Center has become a trusted starting point for entrepreneurs across central Nebraska, offering hands-on guidance from idea to expansion and beyond. Serving 25 counties with a team of local directors and business coaches, the center provides free, expert coaching and resource connections tailored to the needs of both rural and growing communities. In recognition of its collaboration and measurable impact, CCC has been named NBDC’s 2025 SourceLink Nebraska Resource Partner of the Year.”
“Through a strong partnership with the Nebraska Business Development Center and SourceLink Nebraska, CCC helps ensure entrepreneurs are connected to the right resources at the right time. From one-on-one business planning and financing preparation to pitch competitions that inspire the next generation, the center strengthens Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by choosing collaboration over competition — helping turn ideas into businesses and businesses into lasting community impact.”
Headquartered at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, NBDC operates nine offices statewide and provides no-cost consulting services to businesses at every stage — from startup to succession planning. NBDC is also home to SourceLink Nebraska, which connects entrepreneurs to critical resources throughout the state.
Pictured (l-r): Dr. Joanne Li, UNO Chancellor; Senator Dan Quick, Nebraska 35th District; Joe Kelly, Nebraska Lt. Gov.; Dr. Matt Gotschall, CCC President; Stephanie Berry, Dir. Kearney Center Entrepreneurship Center; Katie Walmsley, CCC business coach; Dan Curran, NBDC executive director; Aimee Steinhardt-Duysen, Dir. Grand Island Entrepreneurship Center; Maureen Larsen, Dir. Nebraska Dept. of Economic Development; and Lisa Windedahl, CCC business coach. (Photo courtesy of UNO News)