SBA Launches 2017 InnovateHER Business Challenge

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Nebraska District (www.sba.gov/innovateHER) office is pleased to announce the 2017 InnovateHER Business Challenge local competition in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 2nd, 2017. This is a nationwide competition to drive attention and resources to innovative products and services that make our lives easier and longer. National finalists will vie for $70,000 in prize money provided to SBA for the InnovateHER competition through a gift from the Sara Blakely Foundation.

The Nebraska local competition is hosted by the Rural Enterprise Assistance Project’s Women’s Business Center. Entrepreneurs with products or services that have an impact on the lives of women and families, potential for commercialization, and fill a market place need are encouraged to fill out an application by May 19th. Applications must include a business plan demonstrating how the product/service fulfills the three criteria. Five contestants will be chosen from the applications to compete in a pitch competition in Lincoln on June 2nd. One winner will be entered into the pool of national finalists from which up to 10 will be chosen to compete nationally in a live pitch competition in September (date/location TBD).

Last year’s local winner was Amy Johnson of LifeLoop, LLC. LifeLoop sells a unique software application offering a simple platform for senior living communities that connects residents, families and coworkers. In October 2016, Life Loop won a $100,000 investment from AOL co-founder, Steve Chase, through the “Rise of the Rest” pitch competition, a national competition that went on a US tour looking for the brightest startups in emerging startup ecosystems.

Entrepreneurs interested in competing locally can contact Elizabeth Yearwood (SBA) at (402) 221-7200 or Monica Braun (REAP WBC) at (402) 643-2673 for an application and further information. Competition rules can be found at www.sba.gov/innovateHER.