Start a Business in Lincoln, NE
Starting a business is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—things you can do. This guide walks you through the key steps to get your business legally set up and running in Nebraska. You don't have to do it all at once, but this page will help you make a plan.
Build Your Business
Click below to jump to a sectionAdditional Resources
Click below to jump to a sectionBefore anything is official, get clear on what you're building and whether it's viable.
Write a business plan. A business plan doesn't have to be a 40-page document — start simple. Cover your idea, your target customer, how you'll make money, what it costs to get started, and who you're competing with. You'll refine it as you go. A plan is also typically required by lenders and investors, so building the habit early pays off.
Write a Business Plan
These two decisions shape everything else — your taxes, your liability, and your paperwork.
Choose a business structure. The most common options for small businesses in Nebraska are:
Sole Proprietorship — simplest to start, no state filing required, but no separation between your personal and business liability
Partnership — two or more owners; general partnerships need no state filing, but a partnership agreement is strongly recommended
LLC (Limited Liability Company) — the most popular choice for small businesses; separates personal and business liability, flexible tax treatment
Corporation — more complex, better suited for businesses planning to raise outside investment
Choose Your Structure & Name
Choose your business name. Once you know your structure, you'll need to check availability and register your name.
Sole proprietors and partnerships operating under a name other than their own can file a Trade Name Application with the Nebraska Secretary of State. Trade names are valid for 10 years.
LLCs and corporations must use a name that meets state requirements (e.g. "LLC" must appear in the name). Search existing names on the Nebraska SOS business search before filing.
LLCs and corporations can also file a Trade Name if they want to operate publicly under a name different from their legal entity name. For example, "Smith Holdings LLC" operating as "Lincoln Coffee Co." would file a Trade Name Application for the public-facing name.
Now make it official. What you file depends on your structure.
Choose your structure:
Register Your Business
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No state filing required
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No state filing required (partnership agreement recommended)
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Certificate of Organization + appoint a registered agent
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Articles of Incorporation + appoint a registered agent
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Articles of Incorporation + appoint a registered agent
And IRS Form 2553
Get a Federal EIN. If you'll have employees or need a business bank account, you'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. It's free and takes about 10 minutes online.
Register with the Nebraska Department of Revenue. If you'll have employees, sell taxable goods, rent property, or provide taxable services, register your business using Form 20. Questions? Call 1-800-742-7474.
Licenses and permits. Depending on your industry, you may need state or local licenses to operate legally.
Check Nebraska's Business Licensing Resources for state-level requirements
Healthcare, law, accounting, architecture, engineering, and other regulated professions: check with the Nebraska DHHS or your profession's regulatory board
For local permits and requirements, contact the City of Lincoln directly
Pick a location. Whether you're opening a storefront or working from home, confirm your location is properly zoned for your business type. Contact Lincoln's Planning Department with questions, or check the City of Lincoln zoning resources. If you rent, review your lease — some agreements restrict commercial activity.
Get insured. At minimum, most businesses need general liability insurance. If you have employees, you're required to carry workers' compensation coverage. Contact the Nebraska Department of Labor (402-471-9898) to understand your obligations.
Get License, Insured, and Located
Open a business bank account. Keep your business and personal finances separate from day one — it makes accounting easier and protects your liability if you're an LLC or corporation. Most banks require your EIN and formation documents to open a business account.
Set Up Your Finances & Taxes
Understand your tax obligations. Nebraska businesses are subject to both state and federal taxes. What you file depends on your structure:
Sole Proprietors — report business income on your personal state return (Form 1040N)
Partnerships — partners report income on personal returns; some file Form 1065N
LLCs — members report on personal returns; LLCs file a biennial report in odd-numbered years
Corporations — subject to Nebraska corporate income tax; file a biennial report in even-numbered years
→ IRS Publications 334 and 583 are good federal tax starting points for small businesses
Click below to see more comprehensive, printable business planning maps.
Printable Business Planning Map
One-on-One Support
These businesses offer free, one-on-one guidance for entrepreneurs.
Free one-on-one advising for Nebraska small businesses and entrepreneurs — business planning, market research, financial analysis, and more.
Free mentoring from experienced business professionals. Good for early-stage founders who want a sounding board.
UNL Extension Helps entrepreneurs and existing business owners in rural Nebraska with business plan development, marketing, legal and financial compliance, networking, and one-on-one technical assistance.
Support for Immigrants & Multicultural Business Owners
These contacts offer free, one-on-one guidance for entrepreneurs, including those from underrepresented communities.
Connects and empowers refugee and immigrant women with opportunities for personal growth and cross-cultural community.
Raul Sarmiento — UBT Multicultural Banking Officer A bilingual advocate for immigrant entrepreneurs, Raul helps multicultural business owners access the right banking and lending tools — including a lending program for non-resident individuals at UBT. Services available in English and Spanish.
Sandra Barrera - UNL Extension Helps entrepreneurs and existing business owners in rural Nebraska with business plan development, marketing, legal and financial compliance, networking, and one-on-one technical assistance.