Nebraska SBDC director offers free advice

Tony Schultz serves as the State Director for the Nebraska Small Business Development Center, a unit operating under the Nebraska Business Development Center. The organization is headquartered at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and provides consulting services to entrepreneurs across the state. Schultz describes the center as a resource for business creation and growth, open to founders at any stage of development.

The consulting services offered by the Nebraska Business Development Center are provided to clients at no cost. Schultz cites his upbringing in a small Nebraska town as the foundation for his professional focus. He recalls how local establishments, such as grocery stores, cafes, and hardware shops, served dual roles. These businesses generated local employment while also providing essential services to the wider community.

Schultz’s personal history also shaped his career path. His father operated a farm and ranch, while his mother worked as a teacher. Schultz says these experiences led him toward education and supporting business development in Nebraska. He expresses a desire for all areas of the state to succeed in economic development and innovation, creating a strong environment for residents.

When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Schultz emphasized the value of mentorship. He stated that he would seek out a mentor every chance he could. He explained that learning from the experience of others is easier than trying to navigate a career alone. Schultz noted that he has been fortunate to find good mentors in every step of his career, but he believes actively seeking that guidance is a vital part of the journey.

Schultz encourages the public to support organizations that provide technical assistance to Nebraska entrepreneurs. He listed specific scenarios where the Nebraska Business Development Center can help. These include businesses in expansion mode, startups needing help with financial projections and business planning, and companies looking to grow through government contracting. He also mentioned assistance for entrepreneurs interested in Small Business Innovation Research and Small Technology Transfer Program funding for new innovations.

The Nebraska Small Business Development Center functions as a statewide organization. It operates as a program of the Nebraska Business Development Center. The initiative enables entrepreneurs to access consulting services for small business creation and growth. The center is based at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and supports entrepreneurship throughout the state.