Women-owned businesses continue to be one of the fastest-growing parts of the economy, both across the country and here in Nebraska. In fact, women own about 45% of businesses in the United States and more than 43% of businesses in Nebraska. Between 2022-2025, women-owned businesses increased by 12%, almost double the growth rate of men-owned businesses – inching the United States closer to a bridge in the entrepreneurship divide. Women-owned businesses also make up about a third of Nebraska’s small business community, spanning all industries and services. Those numbers tell an important story, but they only scratch the surface of the impact women entrepreneurs are making across industries.
From technology and finance to retail, healthcare, and creative services, women business owners are helping shape how modern companies operate. Many bring a leadership style that blends innovation with strong relationship-building, creating workplaces and services that focus just as much on people as they do results. That balance has helped many women-led businesses stand out in a competitive marketplace; not only for prospective clients, but also for individuals seeking work in a healthy environment.
Another defining quality of many women-led businesses is their connection to the community. Many owners actively mentor other entrepreneurs, volunteer their time, and support local organizations. It’s estimated that 59% of women business owners support a social mission and 45% of them support local causes. They are not only building successful companies, but also using their influence for the greater good: to strengthen the communities where they live and work.
Of course, the path hasn’t always been easy. Access to capital, smaller professional networks, and barriers to scaling businesses are challenges many women entrepreneurs still face. Often, women experience gender bias, inequality, and sexism within the business market. Yet time and again, despite the difficulty, Nebraska’s women business owners continue to find ways to grow, adapt, and move their companies forward. The importance of empowering women entrepreneurs cannot be understated: as women-owned businesses continue to grow, they can boost the economy with trillions of dollars in domestic product growth, pave the way for the creation of millions of jobs, and introduce more diverse and innovative ideas to entrepreneurship.
That momentum shows no sign of slowing. Nearly half of all new businesses started in 2024 were women-owned, showing the changes in entrepreneurship that are slowly but surely happening in Nebraska. Only good things can come from an increase in women-owned businesses; that means more innovation, more leadership, and more stories of resilience and success are on the horizon.
Women-owned Goosmann Law Firm (GoosmannLaw.com) is Legal for Business and Life, providing strategic legal counsel where it matters most.
Founded in 2009 by CEO and practicing attorney Jeana Goosmann, the firm has grown into one of the largest certified women-owned law firms in the Midwest. What began with a clear vision to build a modern, client-centered firm that delivers big-city strategy with grounded Midwestern values, now serves clients from three offices across Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota
This year marks an exciting new chapter with the recent expansion of the firm’s Omaha office, a direct reflection of continued growth, client demand, and long-term investment in the community it serves. Growth at Goosmann is never accidental. It is intentional, aligned, and rooted in the belief that when clients win, communities thrive.
Goosmann partners with business owners, executives, general counsel, and individuals navigating pivotal moments. From complex business deals and high-stakes disputes to estate planning and family matters, the firm’s attorneys bring clarity to complexity and confidence to decision-making.
Certified by WBENC and NAMWOLF and recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®, Goosmann Law remains committed to one purpose: giving people the confidence to pursue what’s Worth It! More information available at GoosmannLaw.com.
Founded in 2007 by Kimmylea Konsel-Taylor, LimeLight Expressions (LimelightExpressions.com) has become a standout name in the event planning industry, known for its seamless blend of creativity, personalized service, and meticulous attention to detail. With more than two decades of experience, Kimmylea built her company on a simple yet powerful philosophy: every client deserves to feel confident, supported, and completely stress-free on the day of their event.
From multimillion-dollar international productions to intimate local celebrations, LimeLight Expressions approaches every project with the same high-touch service and commitment to excellence. The team works closely with clients through every phase of planning, design, and production, transforming what can often feel like an overwhelming process into an exciting and enjoyable experience.
As a family-owned and operated business, LimeLight Expressions has earned more than 25 industry awards and built a reputation for excellence that extends well beyond Nebraska. The company’s work has been featured in prominent national and international publications, including USA Today, Condé Nast Traveler, MSN, Elite Luxury, Inside Weddings Magazine, The Knot, Voyage KC, and Omaha Magazine.
Kimmylea’s approach—rooted in trust, creativity, and open communication—has fostered lasting relationships with clients while setting LimeLight Expressions apart in a competitive industry. Whether designing an elegant wedding, producing a high-profile corporate gala, or orchestrating a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, the team ensures every event truly shines in the limelight.
For more information, visit LimeLightExpressions.com or contact the team at (402) 915-3534 or info@LimeLightExpressions.com.
Makaylee Gayed is the founder and Creative Director of Lincoln Fashion (Lincoln-Fashion.com/getinvolved), a platform dedicated to celebrating and elevating creative talent in the Midwest. As a designer herself, Makaylee recognized the need for more opportunities for artists, entrepreneurs, and fashion enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, and showcase their work right here in Nebraska.
In 2025, she launched Lincoln Fashion Weekend, a multi-day event that brings together designers, models, photographers, stylists, and local businesses for a series of runway shows, educational panels, and networking opportunities. What began as a vision to support emerging creatives has quickly grown into a vibrant community that highlights the innovation and diversity of the region’s fashion scene.
Lincoln Fashion is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where creatives can share their talents, build meaningful connections, and grow their brands. Through events, partnerships, and community initiatives, the organization continues to champion Midwest creativity while proving that fashion and artistic innovation thrive far beyond traditional fashion capitals. More information can be found at lincoln-fashion.com/getinvolved.
Stories like these reflect a broader trend happening across Nebraska’s business community. Women entrepreneurs continue to step forward with ideas, determination, and a willingness to build something meaningful—not just for themselves, but for the people around them. Many of these businesses begin with a simple goal: to solve a problem, meet a need, or create something better for their families, their customers, and their communities.
Along the way, these entrepreneurs often become much more than business owners. They become mentors, collaborators, and champions for others navigating similar paths. Their influence extends beyond their own companies, creating a ripple effect that strengthens local networks, encourages innovation, and fosters opportunities for future entrepreneurs. In many cases, their businesses become cornerstones within the community—places where relationships are built, ideas are shared, and growth happens collectively.
While every journey looks different, the common thread is resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. Building a business is rarely a straight path, but these women continue to move forward, finding creative solutions, embracing challenges, and celebrating milestones along the way. Their stories serve as both inspiration and proof that meaningful, lasting impact often starts with a single step.
As more women continue launching and leading businesses across Nebraska, their influence is shaping not only industries, but entire communities. From economic development to mentorship and community engagement, their contributions are helping create a more connected, inclusive, and forward-thinking business landscape.
Supporting women-owned businesses is one way to be part of that progress. Whether through partnerships, referrals, or simply choosing to shop and work locally, those decisions help fuel continued growth and opportunity. When one business succeeds, it often opens the door for others to follow.
If you would like to be featured in our next women-owned business spotlight, call Paige at (402) 466-3330 or email Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com.