The Greater Omaha region is a multicultural area with a strong business community and diverse economic base that attracts companies and individuals from all over the world. The region includes the Omaha and Lincoln metropolitan areas, connected by the Interstate 80 corridor, and provides international businesses an ideal central location for U.S. operations. From importers and exporters to the headquarters of global operations, the growth and success of these international organizations has contributed to the overall growth and development of Greater Omaha.

Companies from all over the world have invested in the region. More than 350 foreign-owned businesses employ more than 19,000 workers in Nebraska, with international trade directly sustaining more than 56,000 jobs and creating more than $5 billion in new yearly revenue.

From 2005-2010, exports increased from $3 billion to $5.8 billion. Exports to China, in particular, increased from $111 million in 2005 to $279 million in 2010 — nearly 150 percent in five years. China now ranks as Nebraska’s fourth largest trading partner behind Canada, Mexico and Japan, and followed by Australia.

Nebraska has a pro-business tax climate. According to Moody’s Economy.com North American Business Cost Review, Nebraska has a cost of doing business that is 15 percent below the national average and energy costs that are approximately 40 percent below the national average. More info.

There are more than 43,000 businesses located in Greater Omaha. While being the headquarters location for five Fortune 500 companies, over 60 other Fortune 500 companies have manufacturing plants or service centers in the metro area. More info.

Through the use of targeted business tax incentives and exemptions, and relatively low tax rates, Nebraska has fostered a tax structure that is equitable to both businesses and individuals. At a time when many cities are in financial trouble, Omaha and Lincoln can boast a AAA credit rating, one of only a few cities to earn this rating from Standard & Poor’s. Additionally, Nebraska has the lowest per-capita state debt and allows no state deficit financing. More info.

Greater Omaha’s employment base is well diversified and reflects the city’s status as a regional service and trade center. The labor force, within a 60 mile radius of central Omaha totals more than 710,000 people. More info.

Located where Interstate 80 intersects with Interstate 29, Greater Omaha is at the crossroads for regional, national and NAFTA-related commerce. This makes it possible to reach the majority of U.S. destinations within two to three days by truck. More info.

The region’s two foreign-trade zones (19 and 59) provide a competitive advantage when doing international business by reducing, deferring or even eliminating duties on goods imported into the zones. More info.

7.7 percent of the regions population is foreign-born, and approximately 72 languages are spoken in the state of Nebraska, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and students from 140 countries attend the region’s colleges and universities. Greater Omaha has a Japanese school and two Chinese schools. The University of Nebraska’s Confucius Institute in Lincoln teaches Chinese language and culture. More info.

Greater Omaha has a Mexican Consulate, as well as honorary Consuls from Canada, Denmark, France, Japan and Norway.

Omaha is also actively involved in Sister Cities International, with six sister city relationships to date including Yantai, China; Braunschweig, Germany; Shizuoka, Japan; Naas, Ireland; Siauliai, Lithuania; and Xalapa, Mexico.

Here to Help You

We can help! The 20 staff members of the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership offer full-service economic development resources and nearly 250 years of combined economic development experience to serve you. We, use a consultative approach, listening to your business needs and working closely with your company to find the best resources to meet those needs. Contact Marisa Ring, manager-international business development, Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, mring@selectgreateromaha.com, +1-402-346-5000. We will help you:

Search available sites and buildings to find the right location for your business.

Meet appropriate business incorporation and immigration attorneys.

Understand human resources laws that may differ from laws in your home country.

Determine tax incentive, training and other business-assistance program eligibility.

Connect with international bankers, accountants and logistics providers.

Make contacts with government and private sector service providers.

Our staff will work with you on an ongoing basis to assure that your business benefits from all resources available in Greater Omaha.