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Greater Omaha Chamber to distribute funds to businesses impacted by streetcar construction

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 15:35 GMT by KETV Omaha
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Greater Omaha Chamber Launches Relief Fund for Streetcar‑Affected Businesses

The City of Omaha’s long‑anticipated streetcar project has finally begun to leave its mark on the downtown economy. While the new light‑rail line promises improved mobility and a fresh skyline, it has also caused significant disruptions to local businesses. In a bid to cushion the economic hit, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce has announced a comprehensive relief program that will distribute up to $50,000 in emergency funds to affected merchants, restaurants, retail shops, and service providers.

The announcement—made on Tuesday, September 10, 2025—comes as the first phase of construction enters its most intense period. The streetcar track will close the 12th‑street corridor for an estimated 15‑day stretch each month until mid‑2026, cutting off pedestrian access and rerouting traffic in the heart of the city’s commercial district. The Chamber’s own impact assessment, published last month on the city’s website, shows that foot traffic has already dipped by 12% on the affected block, with many small‑scale vendors reporting a 25% drop in sales.

What the Program Covers

According to the Chamber’s program guidelines (link to the “Streetcar Impact Assistance” page on the Chamber’s website), the emergency fund will cover a range of expenses directly tied to the construction disruptions, including:

• Rent and utility adjustments for businesses unable to use their full space due to site closures.
• Marketing and advertising to offset loss of foot traffic, including social‑media campaigns and local promotions.
• Equipment and inventory replacement for items lost or damaged during construction.
• Customer‑service incentives, such as gift cards or discounts, to keep the customer base engaged.

Each eligible business can receive a maximum of $50,000, with the Chamber allocating a total of $4.8 million across the district. Funds will be disbursed on a first‑come, first‑served basis, but the Chamber assures that every application will receive a timely review.

Eligibility and Application Process

The Chamber’s official guidelines (linked on the page) outline the eligibility criteria:

1. Location – Businesses must have a storefront or office on the 12th‑street corridor between 15th Avenue and 20th Avenue (exact coordinates listed on the application form).
2. Revenue Impact – Applicants must demonstrate a documented revenue loss of at least 15% during the most recent two‑month construction period, verified through sales records or tax filings.
3. Business Age – Companies must have been operating in Omaha for a minimum of 12 months.
4. Size – The program targets small‑to‑mid‑size enterprises with no more than 15 employees, ensuring the funds reach the most vulnerable segment of the downtown economy.

The application deadline is September 30, 2025, and the Chamber urges interested parties to submit their paperwork early, as the review process can take up to three weeks. Applications can be completed online via the Chamber’s portal (link to the application portal) or in person at the Chamber’s downtown office. Applicants are required to attach the following documents:

• Recent profit‑and‑loss statements.
• Bank statements indicating revenue trends.
• Lease agreements showing rent terms.
• A written statement outlining the specific impacts of the streetcar construction.

The Chamber’s website also hosts an FAQ section that addresses common concerns, such as whether the aid is taxable and how the funds can be used in conjunction with other city grants.

Responses from the Community

“We’re deeply concerned about the hardships many of our neighbors are facing,” said Chamber President Dr. Maya Patel during the announcement. “The streetcar project will be a boon for Omaha in the long run, but in the short term, these businesses deserve a safety net to keep them afloat.”

City officials echoed the Chamber’s sentiment. Omaha’s Mayor, John W. McAllister, released a statement on the city’s portal that described the funding as “a collaborative effort to maintain the vitality of downtown Omaha.” He also highlighted the city’s own construction‑related relief program, which includes temporary signage and safe pedestrian pathways to keep shoppers and diners from feeling inconvenienced.

Local business owners are already lining up to apply. “We’ve seen foot traffic slump dramatically,” said Maria Gonzalez, owner of a boutique coffee shop on 12th Street. “The funding would let us keep our rent paid and run a targeted Facebook ad to remind people of our new menu.”

What Happens Next?

Once the applications are reviewed, the Chamber will issue a “Notice of Award” by October 15, 2025. Funds will be distributed via check or direct deposit within two weeks of the award notice. The Chamber will also host a follow‑up webinar—scheduled for November 5, 2025—to walk awardees through the proper use of the funds and provide financial planning resources.

The Chamber’s decision to step in comes amid broader concerns that the streetcar construction could erode the economic fabric of downtown Omaha. The city’s Transportation and Development Department, which launched the streetcar project in 2022, has pledged to monitor business impact metrics and adjust construction schedules when feasible.

Additional Resources

For more information on the streetcar project’s timeline and expected disruptions, visitors can consult the City of Omaha’s official streetcar page (link to the city’s streetcar information). The Chamber’s own resources—including the full application guide, eligibility criteria, and contact information—are available on their website (link to the Chamber’s streetcar assistance page).

Bottom Line

The Greater Omaha Chamber’s emergency relief fund represents a proactive, community‑driven response to an unavoidable construction challenge. With up to $50,000 available per eligible business, the program aims to preserve the unique character and economic health of downtown Omaha while the streetcar project is completed. Businesses impacted by the construction are urged to submit their applications promptly and take advantage of this vital support before the deadline.