Prairie Portraits: Erik Peterson

Nebraska and Iowa are in line for up to $160 million for bioinnovation. Here’s what startups should know

The NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine is a partnership between about 70 different organizations in Iowa and Nebraska to develop an innovation ecosystem around biomanufacturing. Starting with $15 million, the engine will invest in startups, university faculty and workforce development.

Prairie Portraits: Cory Scott

Cory Scott shares his entrepreneurial journey, offering candid advice on investor networking, the necessity of having backup plans, and the drive required to overcome significant business challenges.

SPN Exclusive: An early look at MCC’s completed $3 million biotech lab

As part of Metro Community College’s new biotech program, the college invested in a lab to train students that is based on real bioscience labs. The workforce development program is supported by industry partners in Nebraska, who have been impressed with how MCC has listened to companies and their needs.

Greater Omaha Chamber’s annual POWER Conference on workforce is back on Oct. 8

Tickets start at $250 to attend the Greater Omaha Chamber’s premier gathering on creating a positive business culture that can attract and retain talent in the region. The conference is tackling workforce at a time when Omaha, and Nebraska as a whole, is struggling with brain drain and slow job growth.

Skate pads to career launch pads: The Bay partners with MCC to build job pipelines for young adults

The Bay, a Nebraska-based nonprofit, is piloting programming with Metropolitan Community College. The goal is to enable early professionals to explore career pathways and gain credentials without the pressures of attending college. This comes as The Bay continues the construction of its new facility and skate park in Benson.