small business & community opportunity forum

March 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Connecting Entrepreneurs to Capital, Contracting, and Workforce Pathways
This forum helps small business owners understand how economic development decisions, public investment, and policy choices shape their opportunities. This event connects entrepreneurs with organizations and leaders working to strengthen local business ownership and long-term community stability.

MEET THE SMALL BUSINESS GRANT HONOREES

the run of show

Small Business & Community Opportunity Forum

Hosted by Nebraska For Us
With participation from ecosystem partners supporting small business growth, capital access, and community development

March 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

5:30 – 5:55 PM | Arrival, Networking & Dinner

Guests arrive and check in for an evening focused on connection, opportunity, and community.

• Informal networking among small business owners, community partners, and ecosystem organizations
• Dinner and networking as participants begin connecting with potential partners and collaborators

6:00 – 6:05 PM | Welcome & Purpose

Nebraska For Us

Brief framing of the forum and the importance of strengthening opportunity pathways for entrepreneurs.

Topics include:

• Why the forum was convened
• The importance of connecting small businesses to opportunity pathways
• Overview of the evening program

6:05 – 6:10 PM | From Recognition to Opportunity

April Hibbler

A short transition connecting the evening’s purpose to the broader ecosystem that supports business growth.

Topics include:

• Why access to capital, contracting, and workforce pipelines matters
• The role of ecosystem collaboration in helping businesses scale
• Setting the stage for the evening’s panel discussion

6:10 – 6:12 PM | Quick Break

Food refill / restroom break

Guests refresh plates, grab drinks, and settle in for the panel discussion.

6:12 – 6:50 PM | Panel Discussion

Accessing Opportunity: Capital, Contracts, and Workforce Pathways for Small Businesses

Moderator: April Hibbler
Co-Moderator: Angie Lauritsen, Nebraska For Us

April Hibbler will introduce each panelist and provide brief context before the discussion.

Each panelist will respond to moderated questions focused on practical insights for small businesses navigating capital access, contracting opportunities, and workforce development.

The discussion will conclude with audience questions.

Panelists

Victoria Mbachu
President, Parking Area Maintenance

Jamel Hamilton
Underwriter, AltCap

Nicholas Murray
Federal Contracting Officer
U.S. Department of the Interior

David Vaughn
Business Services Liaison
Heartland Workforce Solutions

Structure

• Moderated discussion
• Audience Q&A

Focus: Practical insights on how small businesses can move from early recognition to sustainable growth.

6:50 – 6:53 PM | Brief Stretch Break

Food refill / restroom break

Short reset before the closing portion of the evening.

6:53 – 6:58 PM | Legislative Perspective

Statement from Senator Terrell McKinney
Read by April Hibbler

Since Senator McKinney is unable to attend, a brief written statement will be shared acknowledging:

• The importance of supporting small business growth
• The role of community and policy in expanding economic opportunity
• Appreciation for the entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners participating in the forum

6:58 – 7:25 PM | Micro-Grant Celebration

Hosted by Emily Kutler, Nebraska For Us

Celebrating the entrepreneurs who are building businesses and strengthening the community.

Emily Kutler will introduce the segment and recognize each micro-grant recipient.

Each small business will be invited to the stage for recognition.

Micro-Grant Recognition Format

• Brief introduction of each small business
• Optional brief remarks from recipients (approximately 1 minute)
• Presentation of the ceremonial check
• Photo with April Hibbler and Angie Lauritsen

At the conclusion of the individual recognitions, all micro-grant recipients will be invited to the stage for a group photo celebrating the entrepreneurs recognized this evening.

Focus: Celebrating entrepreneurship, resilience, and local ownership.

7:25 – 7:30 PM | Closing Remarks

Nebraska For Us

Closing remarks highlighting key takeaways from the evening, appreciation for participants and partners, and encouragement for continued connection beyond the program.


Forum EXPERTS

Our special thanks to April Hibbler for her leadership on this event.

We would also like to thank Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering for providing an unforgettable meal and the Venue at the Highlander Accelerator for allowing us to utilize their vibrant space.

Finally, our thanks go to the community for attending and supporting Nebraska For Us.