Economic Development
The City of Lincoln is committed to building a strong, diverse, and sustainable local economy by supporting businesses, encouraging investment, and creating opportunities for growth. Through strategic partnerships, business development resources, financial incentives, and targeted redevelopment programs, the City works to make Lincoln a place where businesses can start, grow, invest, and succeed.
Below, you’ll find a variety of programs, resources, and incentives available to support businesses, property owners, entrepreneurs, and developers. These opportunities are designed to encourage investment, strengthen existing businesses, support new ventures, and promote continued economic growth throughout our community.
The Incubator
The Economic Development Incubator at 500 Broadway provides an affordable, supportive space for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. Its purpose is to reduce barriers, encourage entrepreneurship, and help businesses establish, grow, and succeed in Lincoln.
LEAD Partnership
The City of Lincoln partners with Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development (LEAD) to support business growth, investment, and economic opportunity. Together, we connect businesses and entrepreneurs with resources that encourage development and strengthen our local economy.
Enterprise Zone
The Lincoln/Logan Enterprise Zone provides tax incentives and other benefits designed to encourage business investment, job creation, and economic growth. Established in 2017, the state-certified zone helps make development and redevelopment projects more attractive within designated areas of the community.
Downtown TIF District
The Downtown TIF District supports investment and redevelopment by providing funding for eligible property, business, and infrastructure improvements. The program helps encourage economic growth and strengthen downtown Lincoln.
Grants
The City of Lincoln offers a variety of grant programs designed to support local businesses, property improvements, community development, and continued investment in our city. Explore the programs below to learn about available funding opportunities and eligibility requirements.
Structural Improvement Grant
The Structural Improvement Grant program provides financial assistance to help commercial property owners make improvements that support reinvestment and enhance Lincoln’s economic vitality. Properties must be in the city limits and be zoned commercial to be eligible for funding.
TIF Facade Grant
The TIF Façade Grant Program provides financial assistance to property owners within the Downtown TIF District to improve and enhance the exterior appearance of their buildings. Funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues, the program supports façade improvements that help preserve downtown properties, encourage private investment, and strengthen the overall appearance of the downtown area.
