Nebraska honors local businesses that are driving economic progress and community impact
Lincoln, Nebraska – Governor Jim Pillen joined state and business leaders Tuesday to celebrate the winners of the 2024 Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) Business Awards. The awards, presented annually, highlight outstanding entrepreneurial achievement and commitment to economic development across Nebraska.
“NBDC provides businesses with the resources and guidance they need to grow, at no cost,” said Gov. Pillen. “Today’s award winners show the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well across Nebraska. The businesses being recognized create jobs, solve problems and show that Nebraska is the place to bring innovative ideas to life, in part because of the level of support available in this state through organizations like NBDC.”
The NBDC, headquartered at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), offers no-cost consulting services to businesses from start-up to succession planning. It also manages the SourceLink Nebraska program, which connects businesses with key resources throughout the state.
UNO Chancellor Dr. Joanne Li shared her personal connection to small business success through her family’s entrepreneurial background. “NBDC is very important to the state of Nebraska. It’s one goal is to promote growth and development for our businesses – and you are the lifeline, the bloodline, for economic development,” she told the awardees.
Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director K.C. Belitz emphasized the importance of nurturing in-state talent. “We have to home grow our own,” Belitz said. “That’s going to be an important strategy for building the Nebraska economy. It’s great to be celebrating today’s business owners who are showing that Nebraska is the best place to be an entrepreneur.”
Dan Curran, Executive Director of NBDC, recognized the range of services NBDC provides while announcing this year’s honorees. “This year’s NBDC award recipients embody the innovation and determination that fuel Nebraska’s economy,” said Curran. “Entrepreneurship is about tackling challenges head-on, and the dedication of these individuals and businesses helps make Nebraska an exceptional place to live and work. We are honored to celebrate their achievements today.”
2024 Nebraska Business Development Center Award Recipients
Champion of Small Business – Elevator (Omaha)
Shannon and Emiliano Lerda launched Elevator to solve a challenge they faced firsthand—finding affordable, flexible warehouse space for their e-commerce business. What began as a personal need evolved into a co-warehousing and community space now supporting over 150 small businesses. With NBDC’s help, they developed a solid business plan and have since expanded their concept to Des Moines and Kansas City. Elevator was recognized as the 2024 Champion of Small Business for its innovative approach and deep commitment to community entrepreneurship.
Government Contractor of the Year – Daycos (Norfolk)
Daycos earned the 2024 Government Contractor of the Year award after securing a Tier 1 subcontractor role in a Department of Defense contract. CEO Brandon Day credits the company’s success to its focus on workforce retention and dedication to government contracting. A long-time NBDC partner, Daycos processes over 400,000 invoices annually and holds a B Corp Certification for ethical and transparent business practices.
Innovation Business of the Year – Set Your Sites (Lincoln)
After experiencing a frustrating campground reservation process, Stacy and Dustin Dam of Lincoln created Set Your Sites, a company that offers campground operators real-time availability tools, mobile payment systems, and Wi-Fi services. Their business, built with support from NBDC, has been named the 2024 Innovation Business of the Year for revolutionizing how campgrounds operate and how campers experience the outdoors.
SourceLink Nebraska Resource Partner of the Year – Entrepreneur’s Education Collaborative (EEC)
Blake Martin, leader of the Entrepreneur’s Education Collaborative (EEC), accepted the award for SourceLink Nebraska Resource Partner of the Year. Martin’s work in expanding access to entrepreneurial education through free workshops and statewide outreach has helped countless Nebraskans connect with essential resources. Since its founding in 2016, the EEC has grown into a critical partner in the state’s small business ecosystem.
The NBDC awards ceremony honored innovation, resilience, and collaboration in Nebraska’s business landscape, reinforcing the state’s support for those who drive economic opportunity and community vitality.
