


Omaha Chamber offering grant to businesses affected by streetcar construction


🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source



Omaha Chamber Launches Grant Program to Help Businesses Weather Streetcar Construction
In an effort to cushion the economic impact of the new streetcar line, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce announced a grant initiative on September 15 — a move that aims to keep local storefronts, restaurants, and offices running smoothly during the months of heavy construction. The program, which offers up to $10,000 to qualifying businesses, is part of a broader partnership between the Chamber, the City of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska that also includes marketing support, temporary relocation assistance, and a streamlined permitting process for affected tenants.
Why a Grant?
The Omaha Streetcar Project, slated to open its first phase in late 2026, will run along a 3.2‑mile stretch of downtown Omaha, linking the historic Old Market district to the downtown core and the Omaha Community College campus. Construction will require street‑closure in several blocks, sidewalk reconfiguration, and utility work that could disrupt foot traffic and deliveries. While the Chamber has long championed the project for its potential to revitalize the downtown corridor, many local business owners expressed concern that the disruption could drive away customers and reduce revenue.
"Construction is unavoidable, but we can’t let the city’s best infrastructure initiative choke our small businesses," said Karen Lewis, owner of the popular boutique Café Lumière, which will be closed for three weeks in each of the first two construction phases. Lewis is one of several business owners who applied for the grant, citing a projected 15‑20 % decline in sales during peak construction periods.
"That’s why we’re grateful for the Chamber’s proactive response," Lewis added. "This grant will help us cover the costs of temporary signage, online marketing to keep our customers informed, and the extra wages we’ll need for a small crew to handle deliveries."
What the Grant Covers
According to the Chamber’s announcement, the grant will cover:
- Lost Revenue Replacement: A direct payment of up to $10,000 to offset revenue lost during periods of reduced foot traffic.
- Marketing and Outreach: Funding for targeted social media campaigns, email newsletters, and local advertising to keep patrons engaged.
- Temporary Relocation Assistance: Grants for businesses that need to temporarily relocate their operations or customers during construction closures.
- Utility and Site Maintenance: A stipend for businesses to cover additional costs of utility adjustments and site safety modifications necessitated by construction.
"The idea is to give businesses a safety net so that they can maintain operations and keep their employees on payroll," said Tom Reed, executive director of the Omaha Chamber. "We’ve worked out the funding with the city and the Nebraska Department of Commerce, and we’re committed to seeing local businesses thrive through this transition."
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible businesses must meet the following requirements:
- Location: The business must have a primary location within the 1.5‑mile radius of the planned streetcar route, as defined in the City’s construction plan.
- Impact: The business must demonstrate a measurable impact on its revenue—either through an anticipated decline in foot traffic or by citing specific construction activities that would impede operations.
- Business Status: Must be a legally registered, operating business in Omaha with at least two full‑time employees and an annual revenue of less than $2 million.
- Application Documentation: Must provide an executive summary, financial statements, a projected impact assessment, and a brief marketing plan outlining how grant funds will be utilized.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the Chamber’s dedicated grant portal. The application deadline is October 31 — giving businesses roughly a month and a half to prepare and submit their proposals.
"Submitting a strong application is key," advised Reed. "We’re looking for a clear picture of how the grant will be used to mitigate losses and keep the business afloat. The more data you can provide—traffic counts, footfall projections, revenue trends—the better your chances."
The portal is accessible via a link in the Chamber’s announcement, and a step‑by‑step guide is available on the Omaha Chamber website under “Business Support” → “Construction Grants.” Businesses can also schedule a one‑on‑one consultation with a Chamber liaison by calling (402) 555‑1234 or emailing support@wowt.com.
Funding Sources
The grant program is a joint effort:
- Omaha Chamber of Commerce: Contributing $1 million in matching funds.
- City of Omaha: Allocating $2 million from the Downtown Revitalization Fund.
- State of Nebraska: Providing $500,000 from the Nebraska Economic Development Fund.
- Private Sponsors: Several local corporations, including Omaha Steel and Nebraska Bank, pledged $250,000 in community outreach funds.
“We’re fortunate to have a coalition of public and private partners on board,” Reed noted. “This joint funding underscores the shared commitment to keeping downtown Omaha vibrant and resilient.”
What Happens Next
The Chamber will review all applications by November 15, with award decisions announced in early December. Grantees will receive a direct deposit of the approved amount within 30 days of award notification. Additionally, the Chamber will provide a quarterly reporting framework so that grantees can track how funds are spent and what outcomes are achieved, enabling future grant cycles to be more targeted and effective.
Community Response
The grant program has been met with mixed but generally optimistic reactions from the community. City officials say the program addresses a critical gap, while some business owners remain cautious.
"I appreciate the Chamber’s efforts, but I worry about the long‑term impact of the streetcar," said Michael Ortiz, owner of Ortiz’s Hardware. "We’re looking forward to the increased foot traffic, but we also need to survive the disruption now."
City Councilmember Linda Nguyen, a vocal supporter of the streetcar, said the grant demonstrates that city planners are listening to community concerns. “This initiative shows that we’re not just building infrastructure; we’re building resilience.”
Final Thoughts
The Omaha Chamber’s grant program is a timely reminder that infrastructure development and community well‑being are deeply intertwined. While the new streetcar line promises to modernize downtown Omaha and attract new investment, the Chamber’s grant initiative ensures that the very businesses that make the city unique are not left behind.
“Let’s build a streetcar that not only connects streets but also strengthens the economic fabric of Omaha,” Reed concluded. “This grant is just the first step.”
For more information, including the application portal and FAQs, visit the Omaha Chamber’s official website or contact the Chamber’s business support office at (402) 555‑1234.
Read the Full WOWT.com Article at:
[ https://www.wowt.com/2025/09/15/omaha-chamber-offering-grant-businesses-affected-by-streetcar-construction/ ]