Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly and Nebraska Business Development Center Recognize 2025 Business Award Winners

Lincoln – Thursday, Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly joined the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) in recognizing recipients of the 2025 Business Awards, honoring entrepreneurs and businesses that are strengthening communities and expanding economic opportunity across the state.

“Nebraska’s strength has always been rooted in the determination and ingenuity of its people,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly. “The businesses we’re recognizing today represent the very best of that tradition. They are investing in their communities, creating opportunities for others, and building a stronger future for our state.”

Headquartered at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), NBDC operates nine offices statewide and provides no-cost consulting services to businesses at every stage — from startup to succession planning. NBDC is also home to SourceLink Nebraska, which connects entrepreneurs to critical resources throughout the state.

UNO Chancellor Dr. Joanne Li emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting business growth and innovation.

“At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, we see ourselves not just as participants in economic development, but as catalysts for it,” said Li. “Through NBDC, we empower entrepreneurs to build resilient businesses and prepare students to lead in an evolving economy. By investing in founders, talent, and communities, we are fueling Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and shaping a stronger, more innovative future for workforce development.”

Dan Curran, NBDC Executive Director, underscored the impact of the award recipients and the organization’s mission.

“These award winners reflect the diversity, creativity, and resilience of Nebraska’s business community,” said Curran. “At NBDC, our mission is to walk alongside entrepreneurs as they navigate challenges and seize opportunities. It’s an honor to celebrate the accomplishments of businesses that are making a meaningful difference across our state.”

Nebraska Business Development Center – 2025 Business Award Winners
Champion of Small Business 2025-Jeff and Shae Caldwell (North Platte)

Jeff and Shae Caldwell have turned entrepreneurship into a catalyst for revitalization in downtown North Platte. Through a growing portfolio that includes a screen-printing and personalization shop, a bicycle shop, restaurant ownership, and commercial property renovation, the Caldwells have invested not only in businesses, but in the future of their community. In recognition of their leadership and commitment to strengthening west-central Nebraska, NBDC has named the Caldwells the 2025 Champion of Small Business.

Early in their journey, the Caldwells partnered with the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) to develop a business plan and secure financing, laying the groundwork for long-term growth. Their continued investment in downtown properties, local job creation, and community initiatives reflects a belief that a strong Main Street is the heart of a thriving city — and that building opportunity today helps ensure the next generation will choose to call North Platte home.

Government Contractor of the Year 2025--METGreen Solutions, Inc (Norfolk)

Brian Moore founded METGreen Solutions in 2014 with a clear mission: build a company rooted in service, integrity, and accountability while improving how federal agencies serve veterans and the public. Today, the Norfolk-based firm is a Small Business Administration–certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that designs, integrates, and manages IT solutions for federal customers nationwide. In recognition of its growth and impact, METGreen Solutions has been named NBDC’s 2025 Government Contractor of the Year.

Early in the company’s development, Moore partnered with the Nebraska APEX Accelerator program within the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) to navigate the complexities of federal contracting. With hands-on guidance in procurement systems and contract vehicles, METGreen successfully expanded beyond its initial work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Transportation. Grounded in Nebraska values and a people-first philosophy, METGreen continues to deliver mission-driven IT solutions while investing in veterans and its home community.

Innovation Business of the Year 2025--Mission Accomplished - Sand Canyon Therapy (Hemingford)

Jenilee Woltman turned a mother’s determination into an innovative solution for families across rural Nebraska. After retraining as a speech-language pathologist to better support her own daughter, Woltman founded Sand Canyon Therapy in Hemingford and later developed Mission Accomplished — an app designed to help neurodivergent children build independence through executive-function and emotional-regulation support. In recognition of her innovation and impact, Woltman has been named NBDC’s 2025 Innovation Business of the Year.

With guidance from the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC), Woltman expanded from a single rural clinic into clinical research and app development, pursuing federal grant funding and launching a clinical trial in partnership with UNMC. Today, Sand Canyon Therapy serves more than 100 patients and helps connect parents, teachers, and therapists through a shared digital platform that turns small, achievable goals into meaningful progress. Grounded in community and driven by service, Mission Accomplished is helping children across Nebraska gain confidence — one small win at a time.

SourceLink Nebraska Resource Partner of the Year 2025--Central Community College Entrepreneurship Center (Grand Island)

The Central Community College (CCC) Entrepreneurship Center has become a trusted starting point for entrepreneurs across central Nebraska, offering hands-on guidance from idea to expansion and beyond. Serving 25 counties with a team of local directors and business coaches, the center provides free, expert coaching and resource connections tailored to the needs of both rural and growing communities. In recognition of its collaboration and measurable impact, CCC has been named NBDC’s 2025 SourceLink Nebraska Resource Partner of the Year.

Through a strong partnership with the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) and SourceLink Nebraska, CCC helps ensure entrepreneurs are connected to the right resources at the right time. From one-on-one business planning and financing preparation to pitch competitions that inspire the next generation, the center strengthens Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by choosing collaboration over competition — helping turn ideas into businesses and businesses into lasting community impact.