If you’re looking to grow your business in the Midwest, understanding B2B Omaha is essential. This vibrant ecosystem offers unmatched opportunities for networking, innovation, and scalable growth—all within a supportive, business-friendly environment.
B2B Omaha: The Rise of a Midwestern Business Powerhouse
Omaha, Nebraska, once known primarily for its agricultural roots and insurance industry, has evolved into a thriving hub for B2B (business-to-business) commerce. The city’s strategic location, low cost of living, and strong workforce have attracted a wave of entrepreneurs, startups, and enterprise-level companies focused on B2B solutions. This transformation hasn’t happened overnight—decades of investment in infrastructure, education, and innovation have laid the foundation for what we now recognize as B2B Omaha.
Historical Evolution of B2B in Omaha
Omaha’s journey into the B2B space began with its dominance in the insurance and financial sectors. Companies like Mutual of Omaha and Berkshire Hathaway, headquartered in the city, created a culture of corporate stability and long-term planning. As digital transformation swept across industries, Omaha’s established firms began investing in technology, logistics, and data analytics—key components of modern B2B operations.
The rise of the gig economy and remote work has further accelerated Omaha’s appeal. With affordable office spaces and a high quality of life, B2B companies from across the U.S. are relocating or expanding operations here. According to a 2023 report by the Greater Omaha Chamber, over 120 new B2B tech firms have set up shop in the metro area in the past five years alone.
- Omaha ranked #3 in “Top Mid-Sized Cities for Tech Startups” by Forbes in 2022.
- The city’s unemployment rate remains below 3%, indicating a robust labor market.
- Over $400 million in venture capital has flowed into Omaha-based B2B startups since 2020.
Key Industries Driving B2B Omaha
While finance and insurance remain central, several other industries are fueling the B2B Omaha movement. These include:
Agri-Tech: Leveraging Nebraska’s farming heritage, companies like Plenty Ag are developing B2B platforms for precision agriculture and supply chain logistics.Healthcare Technology: With institutions like CHI Health and Methodist Health System investing in digital health, B2B SaaS solutions for patient management and telehealth are booming.Logistics & Distribution: Omaha’s central U.S.location makes it ideal for warehousing and distribution.
.Companies like Werner Enterprises and Union Pacific are partnering with B2B software providers to optimize routing and inventory.”Omaha isn’t just a hidden gem—it’s becoming a blueprint for how mid-sized American cities can lead in B2B innovation.” — Sarah Lin, Tech Analyst at Midwest Business Review
Top B2B Omaha Networking Events and Organizations
One of the biggest advantages of being part of B2B Omaha is access to a tightly-knit, collaborative business community.Unlike larger markets where networking can feel transactional, Omaha’s scene thrives on trust, long-term relationships, and mutual growth..
Omaha Chamber of Commerce & B2B Initiatives
The Greater Omaha Chamber plays a pivotal role in connecting B2B professionals. Through its Business Growth Network, the Chamber hosts monthly roundtables, pitch sessions, and industry-specific meetups. These events are designed to foster partnerships, attract investment, and support scaling businesses.
In 2023, the Chamber launched the B2B Omaha Accelerator, a six-month program for early-stage B2B companies. Participants receive mentorship, access to investors, and co-working space in downtown Omaha. The program has already helped 27 startups secure over $15 million in funding.
- Monthly B2B Connect Luncheons with keynote speakers from Fortune 500 companies.
- Annual Omaha B2B Summit, drawing over 1,200 attendees from 30+ states.
- Partnerships with Creighton University and UNO for research and talent pipelines.
Techstars Nebraska and Startup Collaboratives
Techstars, the global accelerator, established a presence in Omaha in 2019 with a focus on B2B innovation. The program accepts 10 startups per cohort, offering $120,000 in funding, mentorship, and access to a vast investor network. Many of these startups go on to become key players in the B2B Omaha ecosystem.
Other notable organizations include:
- The Startup Collaborative: A nonprofit supporting early-stage founders with workshops, legal advice, and investor introductions.
- Method Midwest: An annual conference that brings together B2B leaders, designers, and developers to discuss innovation and customer experience.
- Omaha Tech Meetup: A grassroots group with over 2,000 members, hosting bi-weekly events focused on SaaS, AI, and B2B marketing.
How to Build a Successful B2B Company in Omaha
Starting a B2B business anywhere requires strategy, but Omaha offers unique advantages that, if leveraged correctly, can accelerate growth. From talent acquisition to funding, here’s how to build a winning B2B Omaha company.
Access to Skilled Talent and Universities
Omaha is home to several higher education institutions that produce a steady stream of skilled graduates. The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and Creighton University offer strong programs in business, computer science, and engineering. Both schools have active career placement offices and partnerships with local B2B firms.
UNO’s College of Information Science & Technology (IS&T) is particularly notable, producing over 500 tech graduates annually. Many of these students intern or begin full-time roles at B2B companies like Hudl, Flywheel, and Buildertrend—three Omaha-based success stories.
- 78% of B2B Omaha companies report hiring from local universities.
- Internship-to-hire conversion rate in Omaha is 65%, above the national average.
- Low employee turnover due to high job satisfaction and cost of living.
Funding and Investment Landscape
While Omaha may not have the density of venture capital found in Silicon Valley, the city’s investment scene is growing rapidly. Local angel groups like Nebraska Ventures and the Omaha Angel Network actively fund B2B startups. Additionally, regional banks and credit unions offer favorable loan terms for small businesses.
State and city incentives also play a role. The Nebraska Economic Development Tax Act provides tax credits for companies that create high-paying jobs, especially in technology and manufacturing. B2B Omaha firms that qualify can receive up to $5,000 per new employee annually for five years.
“We raised our seed round in just eight weeks—mostly from local investors who believed in our mission. That kind of community support is rare.” — Mark Tran, CEO of LogiCore, a B2B supply chain platform based in Omaha
B2B Omaha Success Stories: Companies That Made It Big
Nothing illustrates the potential of B2B Omaha better than the companies that have emerged from it. These success stories not only inspire new entrepreneurs but also attract outside attention and investment.
Hudl: From Startup to Global B2B Leader
Hudl began in 2006 as a video analysis tool for high school sports teams. Based in Lincoln but with major operations in Omaha, the company quickly pivoted to serve college and professional teams. Today, Hudl is a B2B powerhouse, offering cloud-based video editing, performance analytics, and recruiting software to over 180,000 teams worldwide.
The company’s success is rooted in its deep understanding of customer needs and its ability to scale. In 2021, Hudl was acquired by Fenway Sports Group (owners of the Boston Red Sox) for a reported $500 million. Despite the acquisition, Hudl maintains its headquarters in the Omaha metro area, employing over 700 people.
- Used by NFL, Premier League, and NCAA teams.
- Generates over $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR).
- Ranked #1 in “Best Places to Work in Tech” by Inc. Magazine in 2023.
Buildertrend: Revolutionizing Construction Management
Founded in 2005, Buildertrend is a SaaS platform that helps homebuilders and contractors manage projects, communicate with clients, and track finances. Headquartered in Omaha, the company serves over 70,000 users across North America.
In 2021, Buildertrend was acquired by Tyler Technologies for $1.1 billion—one of the largest tech exits in Nebraska history. The acquisition validated the potential of B2B Omaha companies to compete on a national scale.
What sets Buildertrend apart is its focus on usability and customer support. Unlike many enterprise tools, Buildertrend is designed for non-technical users, making it a favorite among small to mid-sized construction firms.
- 95% customer retention rate.
- Over 10 million projects managed on the platform.
- Named a “Leader” in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Construction Software.
Challenges Facing B2B Omaha Companies
Despite its many advantages, B2B Omaha is not without challenges. Understanding these obstacles is crucial for long-term success.
Talent Retention and Competition
While Omaha produces skilled graduates, some of the top talent still migrates to larger tech hubs like Austin, Denver, or Seattle. The perception that bigger cities offer more career opportunities and excitement can be hard to overcome.
To combat this, B2B Omaha companies are investing in workplace culture, remote work flexibility, and professional development. Companies like Flywheel and Flyover Labs offer tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and international travel opportunities to keep employees engaged.
- 30% of tech graduates leave Nebraska within three years of graduation.
- Companies offering remote work options see 40% higher retention.
- Local initiatives like “Stay in NE” are promoting career opportunities in-state.
Access to Later-Stage Funding
While seed and early-stage funding is available, Series B and beyond can be harder to secure in Omaha. Many companies must look to Chicago, Minneapolis, or Kansas City for larger investment rounds.
This gap is slowly closing. In 2023, the state launched the Nebraska Scale-Up Fund, a $50 million initiative to support high-growth B2B companies. The fund is managed by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority and prioritizes companies with proven revenue and expansion plans.
“We had to fly to three different cities to close our Series B. It’s doable, but it slows momentum.” — Lisa Chen, CFO of DataPulse, an Omaha-based B2B analytics firm
Marketing Strategies for B2B Omaha Businesses
Even the best product won’t succeed without effective marketing. B2B Omaha companies are adopting a mix of digital and community-driven strategies to build brand awareness and generate leads.
Content Marketing and SEO
Many successful B2B Omaha firms use content marketing to establish thought leadership. Blogs, whitepapers, webinars, and case studies help them rank higher on search engines and attract qualified leads.
For example, Buildertrend’s blog on construction trends receives over 200,000 monthly visits. Their SEO strategy focuses on long-tail keywords like “best construction CRM software” and “how to manage subcontractors,” which align with customer pain points.
- Top-performing B2B Omaha sites average 3.5x more organic traffic than industry benchmarks.
- Video content increases engagement by 70% on B2B landing pages.
- Local SEO is critical—“B2B software Omaha” and “Omaha SaaS companies” are high-intent keywords.
Leveraging Local Partnerships and Events
Omaha’s tight-knit business community makes partnership marketing highly effective. B2B companies often co-host events, sponsor local sports teams, or collaborate on industry reports.
For instance, Hudl partners with the Nebraska High School Sports Association to provide free tools to schools. This not only builds goodwill but also creates a pipeline of future customers as athletes become coaches and administrators.
- 85% of B2B decision-makers in Omaha trust referrals from local peers.
- Sponsoring events like the College World Series increases brand visibility.
- Joint webinars with complementary services (e.g., accounting + HR software) boost lead generation.
The Future of B2B Omaha: Trends to Watch in 2024 and Beyond
The B2B Omaha ecosystem is poised for even greater growth. Several emerging trends will shape its trajectory in the coming years.
AI and Automation in B2B Solutions
Artificial intelligence is no longer a buzzword—it’s a necessity. B2B Omaha companies are integrating AI into customer service, sales forecasting, and operations. For example, DataPulse uses machine learning to predict client churn and recommend retention strategies.
The University of Nebraska is also investing in AI research, with a new $20 million center focused on ethical AI applications in business. This collaboration between academia and industry will fuel innovation for years to come.
- 60% of B2B Omaha firms plan to adopt AI tools by 2025.
- AI-powered chatbots reduce customer service costs by 30%.
- Nebraska’s AI job market grew by 140% from 2020 to 2023.
Expansion of Remote and Hybrid Work Models
The pandemic permanently changed how B2B companies operate. In Omaha, hybrid work models are now the norm, allowing firms to hire talent from across the country while maintaining a physical presence for collaboration.
This flexibility has made B2B Omaha companies more competitive. A 2023 survey by the Omaha Business Journal found that 72% of B2B firms offer remote roles, up from 28% in 2019.
“We’re no longer limited by geography. We can hire the best sales engineer in Texas and the top product designer in Oregon—while keeping our HQ in Omaha.” — Jordan Lee, COO of CloudShield, a cybersecurity firm
How to Get Involved in the B2B Omaha Ecosystem
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or professional looking to grow your career, there are multiple ways to engage with B2B Omaha.
Joining B2B Omaha Meetups and Associations
The easiest way to get started is by attending local events. Groups like the Omaha Tech Meetup, Women in Tech Nebraska, and B2B Growth Omaha host regular gatherings. These are low-pressure environments to meet founders, share ideas, and learn from others.
- Check Meetup.com for upcoming B2B events in Omaha.
- Follow the Greater Omaha Chamber on LinkedIn for announcements.
- Volunteer as a mentor for startup accelerators.
Starting or Scaling Your Own B2B Company
If you’re ready to launch, consider applying to programs like Techstars Nebraska or the B2B Omaha Accelerator. These provide structure, funding, and mentorship. Even if you don’t get accepted, the application process forces you to refine your business model.
For scaling companies, explore partnerships with local universities for R&D, or apply for state grants to support expansion. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development offers a free consultation service to help businesses navigate incentives.
- Register your business with the Nebraska Secretary of State online.
- Use SBA.gov to access federal and state resources.
- Attend pitch competitions to gain visibility and funding.
What is B2B Omaha?
B2B Omaha refers to the network of business-to-business companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and support organizations located in or connected to Omaha, Nebraska. It encompasses industries like SaaS, logistics, healthcare tech, and agri-tech, all operating within a collaborative, growing ecosystem.
Why is Omaha good for B2B companies?
Omaha offers a low cost of doing business, a skilled workforce, strong university partnerships, and access to funding. Its central U.S. location makes it ideal for logistics, and the community-driven culture fosters collaboration and long-term growth.
How can I network in B2B Omaha?
Attend events hosted by the Greater Omaha Chamber, join Techstars Nebraska, participate in the Omaha Tech Meetup, or enroll in accelerator programs. Online platforms like LinkedIn and Meetup.com are also great for connecting with local professionals.
Are there success stories from B2B Omaha?
Yes. Notable success stories include Hudl, a sports tech company acquired for $500 million, and Buildertrend, a construction software firm sold for $1.1 billion. These companies prove that B2B Omaha can produce nationally competitive businesses.
What industries are growing in B2B Omaha?
Key growing industries include SaaS, healthcare technology, agri-tech, logistics, and AI-driven analytics. The city’s focus on innovation and infrastructure is attracting investment in these high-growth sectors.
From its roots in insurance and agriculture to its current status as a rising tech hub, B2B Omaha has proven that innovation can thrive outside traditional coastal centers. With a supportive community, access to talent, and a growing investment landscape, the city is well-positioned to become a national leader in B2B innovation. Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling a company, or looking to collaborate, B2B Omaha offers the tools, networks, and opportunities to succeed. The future is bright—and it’s being built right here in the heartland.
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