Portfolio Companies
By the Numbers
Real Impact.
Real Change.
6
Years of Community Impact
30
Businesses Funded
93K+
Cash Prizes awarded
$360K+
Techinical Assistance given
CoreScience BioDiagnostics, LLC
Sharnelle Shelton
A minority-owned, community-based health diagnostics and workforce compliance company in North Omaha, operating as a CLIA-waived laboratory. Founded by Sharnelle Shelton — who brings 20+ years across healthcare operations, emergency communications, and regulatory compliance, and currently serves as elected Board Chair of the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy County overseeing a $22M budget. CoreScience provides health testing, DOT and non-DOT drug testing, DNA testing, background checks, and notary services, while integrating free Narcan distribution and substance use education — positioning the business at the intersection of healthcare, workforce development, and harm reduction.
Zuri and Me
Shinnice Preston
A lifestyle hair-care brand offering high-quality, satin-lined bonnets, headwear, and matching accessories for adults and children. Founded by Shinnice Preston, a corporate leader who channels business discipline and personal insight into products that prioritize comfort, confidence, and representation. Zuri and Me supports protective styling and gentle hair care routines, while also serving individuals experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions, postpartum changes, or personal journeys. With over 1,000 five-star reviews, the brand is grounded in healing, family connection, and inclusive design.
ART of Homecare Training Center
Regina Tate
Founded by Registered Nurse Regina Tate, who brings over 15 years of clinical experience across multiple care settings. ART of Homecare Training Center provides instructor-led healthcare training programs — including Nursing Assistant Training, 40-Hour Medication Aide Training, CPR & First Aid Certification, and BLS for Healthcare Providers — designed to prepare students for careers in homecare, assisted living, and healthcare facilities. With flexible scheduling, accelerated learning, and real-world skill development, the center strengthens the regional healthcare workforce while creating accessible career pathways for aspiring CNAs and healthcare professionals.
UpStitch Studio
Rachel Gai & Destiny Williams
A sewing education and upcycling studio founded by Rachel Gai — a self-taught sewing designer with 15+ years of experience and a community of over 80,000 followers — and Co-Founder & COO Destiny Williams, a creative director and brand consultant rooted in visual storytelling. UpStitch offers community sewing workshops, school and youth partnerships, custom upcycle projects, and alteration services. Education-first and community-centered, the studio empowers people with lifelong skills in repair and creativity while keeping clothing in circulation — weaving sustainability, cultural storytelling, and creative confidence into every stitch.
Nava Living Co.
Shatice Jones
An Ayurvedic-inspired herbal tea brand formulating blends designed to support stress relief, sleep, digestion, and overall wellness. Founded by Shatice Jones, who studied and applied Ayurvedic herbal methodologies long before launching the company. Nava Living has expanded into retail distribution, secured a $20,000 GROW Nebraska grant, completed the MAC Xcelerator cohort, and is set to exhibit at NY NOW 2026. Each blend is crafted to balance flavor and function — offering a modern, beautifully presented take on herbal wellness that feels personal, culturally connected, and grounded in daily life.
Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn
Dr. Orlanda Whitfield · Champion
Still Poppin offers a wide variety of gourmet popcorn flavors made with quality ingredients and a commitment to exceptional taste. Founded by Orlanda, the business is rooted in community, creativity, and connection, bringing joy to schools, events, fundraisers, and celebrations. Beyond her popcorn business, Orlanda is a mentor and advocate for entrepreneurship, inspiring women, youth, and diverse communities to pursue their dreams. Through her passion, leadership, and dedication, she has built more than a successful brand—she has created a positive impact that extends far beyond the snack itself.
Sensiil Studios
Basi Affia
Sensiil Studios, founded on February 1, 2022, is Iowa and Nebraska’s first Black comic book publisher. The company creates science fiction and fantasy stories that provide authentic representation and positive future-focused narratives for Pan-African communities. By featuring Black lead characters, Sensiil Studios aims to inspire readers and showcase diverse stories beyond historical trauma and stereotypes.
Gimme The Scoop
Destiny Atkins & Shantell Girres
Gimme The Scoop is a family-owned Italian ice business in Omaha, founded by Destiny Atkins in 2022. Inspired by her grandmother’s support and legacy, the company serves authentic Italian ice and dairy-free soft serve with 13 rotating vegan-friendly flavors. Operating from both a mobile trailer and a location inside Huskerland Popcorn, Gimme The Scoop is dedicated to bringing people together through delicious treats while celebrating family, resilience, and community.
Gamble Tech Firm
Tiffany Gamble
Gamble Tech Firm is a workforce development company dedicated to empowering Black women in technology through its innovative platform, GambleHer. Through culturally relevant training, AI-powered mentorship, and career development resources, the firm has helped more than 500 women launch and grow successful careers in tech. Founder Tiffany Gamble also leads Emerging Ladies Academy, where she mentors and prepares the next generation of young women leaders for success.
Patron Senior Living LLC
Haji Salad
Patron Senior Living is an Omaha-based in-home healthcare company founded in October 2024 by CEO Haji Salad. The company provides compassionate, personalized care that helps seniors and individuals with care needs maintain their independence while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. Through customized care plans and a dedicated team of professional caregivers, Patron Senior Living offers services such as personal care, companionship, medication reminders, mobility assistance, meal preparation, and light housekeeping, all focused on promoting dignity, safety, and quality of life.
Caring Expertise Homecare LLC
Shanae Nared, Breonna Kellogg & Sheree Nelson
Caring Expertise Homecare provides exceptional non-medical home care services with a focus on compassion, expertise, and personalized attention. They are dedicated to enriching the lives of clients by offering reliable and supportive care tailored to their unique needs, fostering a comfortable and thriving home environment. They are a TBI Medicaid waiver-approvedits provider.
Tippl LLC
Michael Friedman PhD & Mark Wong
Tippl cultivates a sense of belonging with their members, providing complimentary drinks at partnering venues. For their partner businesses, Tippl champions seamless integration with community-driven platforms, offering cost-effective marketing solutions.
Chalice Health LLC
Eddy & Bimpe Airiohuodion
Chalice Health is a Nebraska-based telehealth provider offering free online consultations and optimized medication management to help reduce healthcare costs. In partnership with NuCara Pharmacy, they provide convenient prescription delivery and affordable, personalized healthcare solutions designed to improve health outcomes and expand access to quality care.
Love Yo Pup LLC
Nina Austin
Love Yo Pup is a pioneering brand in the pet treats industry, revolutionizing the market with its commitment to natural and organic ingredients sourced from local farmers, homesteaders, and growers. By prioritizing human-grade, environmentally sustainable ingredients, Love Yo Pup ensures that every treat is crafted with care, from farm to paw.
SunFlare Brands Company LLC
Rodney Bennett
SunFlare Brands Company makes handcrafted candles with a unique blend of passions; emphasizing quality, social impact, and community involvement, setting itself apart from typical candle companies and aiming to make a positive impact on the community through its products.
The Local Art Plug
Xavier Jackson
Local Art Plug was founded to connect local artists, art lovers, and businesses through an easy-to-use platform. Users can discover local creatives, explore unique artwork, find events, and build meaningful community connections. By increasing visibility and opportunities for artists, Local Art Plug helps strengthen and grow thriving local creative ecosystems.
Cherish Perkins, LLC
Cherish Perkins
Founded by Cherish Perkins, the company offers distinctive clothing designed to make every customer feel fantastic in their attire — rooted in self-expression and celebrating individual style.
Serenity Home Solutions, LLC
Vera Mahadi & Hakim Lado
Serenity Home Solutions, LLC is an Omaha, Nebraska-based mental health services provider specializing in transitional housing and group residential care. The organization supports adults and families dealing with mental and behavioral disorders by fostering wellness and stable community integration.
Island Chill, LLC
Deshawn Hernandez
Island Chill, LLC is a food truck business specializing in slushies, fruit bubble teas, frozen lemonades, charcuterie cups, and salad cups. Serving customers at events, private gatherings, fairs, and markets, Island Chill offers a refreshing alternative to traditional beverage vendors and operates a 24/7 online store.
GreenLexi
Artez & Dorinda Young
GreenLexi is an informational hub focused on connecting socially-conscious consumers with diverse business owners that are seeking to purchase their products and services.
Okra African Grill LLC
Nina Sodji
Okra African Grill LLC celebrates African culture and the rich culinary traditions of Togo. Inspired by her passion for cooking and sharing authentic flavors, Nina created a welcoming restaurant that introduces the Omaha community to African cuisine. The restaurant blends traditional West African recipes with global influences that have shaped Togolese cooking. Through its food and hospitality, Okra African Grill brings people together while promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.
Ital Vital Living
Imani Murray
Ital Vital Living is an Omaha-based juice and plant-focused food business offering cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and vegan-friendly options inspired by Ital wellness traditions. The business focuses on fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients designed to support healthy living and everyday wellness in the local community.
Topkifer, Inc.
Robert Epai
Topkifer, Inc.
is a cross-border commerce platform that connects African sellers with global buyers, making it easier to showcase and sell products internationally. It enables seamless cross-border payments and reliable fulfillment services, helping African products reach new markets worldwide.
Finally Voyage LLC
Fatou Jean-Luc
Finally Voyage LLC is a travel technology company that provides virtual tours around the world through a mobile app, allowing users to explore destinations remotely by connecting with local hosts for an immersive, guided experience from home.
Meraki Montessori
Ty and Radell Nared
Meraki Montessori is a Montessori-inspired brand founded by Ty and Radell Nared that creates sustainable, eco-friendly toys and children’s decor. The company focuses on simple, natural designs that support early childhood learning, creativity, and independent play.
House of Bah
Jamil Djibril-Bah-Traore
House of Bah is an Omaha-based catering company with a unique twist. It promotes diversity and inclusiveness in the US hospitality marketplace, serving innovative fusion cuisine combining emergent African flavors with modern techniques.
Islasimone Candle LLC
Shereece DendySanders and Kalisha Reed
Islasimone Candle LLC is a Black-owned, women-led luxury candle brand based in Omaha, Nebraska, specializing in hand-poured candles crafted with intention, self-respect, and self-love. Each candle is thoughtfully created and named to reflect essential qualities and affirming themes that inspire mindfulness and personal well-being.
Gifted Minds Learning Center
Dr. Danita Webb and Mrs. Beverly Tate
Gifted Minds Learning Center is a haven for children dedicated to building a strong cradle-to-career pathway within the community. The center provides quality care from birth through preschool, along with structured before- and after-school programs designed to support learning, development, and long-term success.
English Language Network
Pierre Sagitteh
Now known as the Heartland Integration Center (HIC), the organization was established to address the challenges immigrants and refugees face in fully integrating into new communities. HIC promotes an integrated diversity model that supports language acquisition, fosters cultural understanding, and works to break down “us vs. them” barriers.
The One Security Solutions LLC
Tony Cannon Jr
The One Security Solutions LLC is a professional security company providing trained uniformed officers for business and personal protection needs. Its team includes former military personnel, correctional officers, armed security specialists, bodyguards, and retired law enforcement, and it is accredited by organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.