Twice a year, in March and September, Strictly Business puts together a Joining Organizations feature. We want to make sure that these organizations have a chance to get their name out there and share their current efforts, membership benefits, partnership opportunities and anything else the community should be aware of.
Community organizations contribute to the fabric of our economy by bringing industry leaders together, offering education and resources to their members and partnering with other local entities to implement positive change in our area. There are so many dedicated, passionate groups of like-minded individuals who are all committed to making a difference in their professional, cultural and social communities. Joining these groups often results in forming new relationships that, in turn, lead to personal and professional growth and success.
Here at Strictly Business, we stand behind the hard-working organizations that continuously better Lincoln and its occupants. We do this by offering discounted rates to these organizations so they can highlight their upcoming events and meetings, accomplishments, awards, members, staff and opportunities for involvement. In Omaha, you will find organizations and associations representing nearly every profession or industry – many of which have national, regional, state and/or local chapters who would love to have you as a member.
With countless reputable and talented professionals in Omaha, it can be difficult to stand out. One of the best ways to stand out and become a household name in the community is to get involved in every way you can. By finding an organization or association that matches your interest, passions and goals, your commitment to excellence in the Omaha community will shine through and differentiate you from other local businesses.
Launching a small or micro business takes courage. It also takes capital and the insights that come from expert training and mentoring. That’s where the Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) (nebbiz.org) comes in. We are an ally dedicated to supporting you and your vision of success. As a statewide microenterprise intermediary and Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), NEF provides business development services and financing to micro and small businesses across Nebraska.
Vision – NEF envisions a vibrant small business ecosystem where every small and micro business has the opportunity to start, grow and prosper.
Mission – NEF supports underserved communities by providing micro and small businesses with access to training, technical assistance and capital.
Who We Serve – NEF serves a target market of traditionally disadvantaged small businesses, including those owned by people of color, low-income people, women and Veterans.
Among our services, we partner with professionals in the community to offer assistance for tax preparation/literacy documents to help businesses enter the formal economy by paying taxes. In addition, we have loan products to fill the gaps where businesses may not have access to capital. To learn how you or your business can become a part of this mission, visit nebbiz.org or call (402) 260-8355.
The Millard Business Association (MBA) (millardbusinessassociation.org) was established in 2003 and is celebrating 20 years as an organization. The MBA has more than 200 area businesses members. The MBA provides the catalyst for our members to grow and prosper through a variety of events, opportunities, services and programs.
Joining this thriving organization is a great way to GROW Your Business. Members do not need to reside in Millard. Membership is only $180 per year. For NEW members use promo code StrictlyBiz20 to receive $20 off your first year of membership.
Benefits include:
Networking and Exposure – “It’s not what you know but who you know.” Make all those important contacts through Networking Lunches, “Bagels & Business” Meetings, Business After Hours, Ribbon Cuttings and referral groups.
Referral Program – We are eager to continue growing our membership and referral groups at an exponential rate. This is why we have added a referral program where you get a free membership for three referrals in a year.
Community Connections – Get involved and learn more about the nonprofits in the community. The MBA prides itself on its volunteer efforts to local charities.
Educational Opportunities – Stay competitive, be productive! MBA’s monthly “Lunch and Learns” offer expert advice for today’s economy.
Apply for membership at www.MillardBusinessAssociation.org. For more information, contact the MBA Admin at (402) 707-2827 or email info@millardbusinessassociation.org.
The Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA) (moba.com) was chartered in 1946 and is a not-for-profit organization that was established to promote and protect various aspects of the home building industry. MOBA is an organization of individuals and firms involved in residential and light commercial building and development and related industries. The organization is also known for the Remodel Omaha & Outdoor Living Tour, Spring and Fall Parade of Homes and Street of Dreams.
Get ready to dream big. The 2023 Street of Dreams Multi-Site Luxury Home tour is everything you can imagine in luxury living. Explore eight custom homes in six neighborhoods throughout the metro area priced from $900,000 to $2 million. The event is set to happen September 15-17 and 22-24, noon – 7 p.m. Purchase tickets at www.moba.com.
Experience the benefits of MOBA by joining now! For more information, visit www.moba.com.
The Empowerment Network (empoweromaha.com) works together with residents and leaders to TRANSFORM the ECONOMIC condition and QUALITY OF LIFE of African Americans, north Omaha residents and citizens of all races and cultures living in poverty within the Greater Omaha area. The Empowerment Network is recognized as a backbone organization supporting the key functions of its collective impact partners. The Network excels in the capturing of data, capacity building, leadership development, advocacy, civic engagement and fundraising to support specific initiatives identified by the community. The Network model, recognized regionally and nationally, relies on each person and organization doing their part. Visit empoweromaha.com or call (402) 502-5153 to learn more.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) (bbb.org) has been assisting U.S. consumers and businesses since 1912. It is a private, nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Nearly 400,000 BBB Accredited Businesses support BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust, and their dues and contributions allow BBB to offer its information and services to consumers at no charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, over 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting the marketplace.
People today are overwhelmed with choices – and often unsure about where to find verified, unbiased information. There are more than 32 million businesses in North America alone, and hundreds of thousands of sites around the world where people shop online. Also, thousands of free and subscription websites offer a range of information, including: reviews, reports, directories, listings and gripe sites. BBB is the resource where you can find trusted, verified information. Go to BBB.org/nebraska, call (800) 649-6814 and follow on social media (@BBBMidwestPlains).
The Omaha Empowerment Breakfast (omahaempowermentbreakfast.org) is a down-to-earth, convenient way for small business owners and operators to network with each other and connect with larger businesses and agencies in the community. The Omaha Empowerment Breakfast is a non-membership monthly networking event. We offer great speakers, great food and endless connections! Held the first Friday of every month from 7 to 8:30 a.m.; come early and stay late for the best networking. This is a well-attended event. Register ahead of time to reserve your spot. People attending can showcase their business by being a three-minute speaker or being an event sponsor. We have a great lineup of nationally recognized speakers and local business professionals to educate and entertain. The event is held in the Aksarben area of Omaha.
To learn more about the Omaha Empowerment Breakfast, visit OmahaEmpowermentBreakfast.org or contact Michael McKee at (402) 201-3518.
The Business Ethics Alliance (businessethicsalliance.org) is an Omaha-grown, unique ethics initiative. We serve organizations of all sizes and people in all industries across all levels, from C-suite to entry-level to help them conduct business with accountability, integrity and moral courage. We can create forums for tough conversations unlike anyone else in the community because organizations and individuals trust us. Our programming is renowned throughout the community, and our ethics products and services focus on the positive and practical aspects of ethics education.
Through our Signature Events, we provide spaces for tough conversations with nationally and regionally known speakers and panelists sharing their insights on current ethical topics. Our workshops and custom-designed programs offer targeted solutions to organization-specific challenges and leadership development. Our Ethical Leaders Program prepares students to engage in pre-professional experiences contributing to their development as ethical leaders. Finally, the annual EthicSpace Conference is truly an event to remember! In 2022, 350 participants explored whistleblowing, ethical decision-making and creating cultures of trust.
To learn more about the Business Ethics Alliance, including our Signature Events, workshops and the EthicSpace conference, go to businessethicsalliance.org.
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Nebraska and South Dakota Chapter (abcnesd.org) supports the commercial construction industry through apprenticeship and safety training, advocacy and workforce development. In addition, they offer opportunities for networking, and their Excellence in Construction Awards allow them to showcase members’ project successes. The organization helps their members and their members’ employees with the opportunity to succeed by winning work and delivering work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. ABC strives to be the leading voice for free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy of construction in Nebraska. They offer apprenticeship training through the NCCER Curriculum, continuing education and leadership courses not only to members, but also to anyone wishing to enter the construction industry for a bountiful career. For more information about ABC Nebraska and South Dakota, visit abcnesd.org or contact Anne Klute at (402) 477-4451 or annek@abcnesd.org.
For Omaha to prosper, we need to build a connected community that supports business growth, employment and quality of life. As a Chamber member, you aren’t just building your business, you’re investing in the future of our city.
To connect with other professionals; to grow your presence in the community; to develop your skills and experience; to ignite change and serve as a catalyst for economic growth – these are just some of the reasons to invest yourself and your business into the Greater Omaha Chamber (omahachamber.org).
“We won’t let up. We won’t let you down – because your work is too important to do it alone.”
Join 3,000 other businesses and be part of the movement toward greater. Contact us at memberservices@OmahaChamber.org or (402) 346-5000. To learn more, visit www.omahachamber.org/belong.
The National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) (nawic.org) is a resource for women in the construction industry and offers its members education, support and networking to help advance their careers in construction, build their technical skills and become leaders. NAWIC Chapter #116 includes Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs and the surrounding areas. Events are on the second Thursday of each month in various locations in the Omaha area. Guests are welcome.
NAWIC hosts a variety of events that serve the community, provides scholarships to men and women pursuing careers in the construction industry via a college education or trade apprenticeship program, hosts educational Lunch-and-Learns for members and more. NAWIC Chapter #116 was first chartered in 1966 and has 60+ members working in businesses whose primary focus is construction. For more information, visit nawicomaha.org or email nawicomaha@gmail.com to request information.