Igniting Nebraska’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

The Engler Enterprise Financing Program provides current Engler Entrepreneurship students with access to affordable, early-stage capital to launch and grow their businesses. Established in May 2024, this program addresses a critical barrier facing young entrepreneurs: access to affordable financing.

Purpose

The Engler Enterprise Financing Program was created to address a significant barrier faced by early-stage entrepreneurs. Many Engler students, despite their entrepreneurial drive and innovative ideas, struggle to secure the necessary capital to launch their ventures due to lack of collateral for traditional financing. This program serves as a catalyst for growing and launching new Engler enterprises by providing access to affordable debt financing.

Funding Type

The program provides debt financing in the form of:

• Term Loans: Fixed amount with regular monthly payments of principal and interest
• Lines of Credit: Flexible borrowing option with monthly interest-only payments

Funding Details

• Loan Range: $5,000-$25,000
• Term Length: 1-3 years
• Options: Term loans or lines of credit
• Interest Rate: Competitive rates (CD rate + 1%)
• No Credit Check Required
• No Application Fee
• Flexible Repayment: Customized payment plans are available, with options to delay initial payments up to 6 months

How It Works

Our innovative model uses philanthropic dollars as collateral for secured business loans administered by our financial partner, Union Bank & Trust (UBT). The process mirrors professional Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications, providing valuable experience for future financing opportunities. 

Application Process

1. Complete loan application
2. Prepare required documents (business plan, financial projections, etc.)
3. Staff review meeting
4. Present to stakeholder vetting committee at Enterprise Expo
5. Receive notification of approval
6. Meet with Union Bank & Trust representative
7. Final meeting with Engler staff

A Sustainable Model

The program is designed to be self-sustaining. As borrowers repay their loans, funds are reinvested to support additional students. All financing comes from generous corporate and individual donors who believe in the power of Nebraska entrepreneurship.

Who Qualifies

The Enterprise Financing Program is available exclusively to current Engler Entrepreneurship Students who have completed the required preparation process and successfully navigated the vetting committee review.

For more information about the Engler Enterprise Financing Program, please contact:
Tom Field: tfield2@unl.edu