The greater Omaha area is home to over one million residents, known for its low cost of living, and wages competitive enough to boost our collective spending power 2.5% above the national average. And Omaha’s business-friendly climate, stable and diversified business environment, and midwestern charm have kept the cost of doing business here a full 12% below the national average. The Greater Omaha Chamber does a tremendous job keeping us all up to date on local economic development efforts, but there are still plenty of people among us who have yet to experience the sheer amount of entrepreneurial resources available to them right here at home.

Thanks to a stable U.S. economy that’s thriving in many sectors, unprecedented low unemployment, and retreating inflation rates, this continues to be a favorable environment for investigating entrepreneurial business ventures – especially franchise opportunities. If you’ve always dreamed of owning a business of your own, or perhaps have seriously considered a career transition, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the free entrepreneurial tools and local resources available to Omahans, most of which are right here in our own backyard. Below is a hyperlinked list of a few nonprofits, incubators, forums, programs, and collaboratives that can help you begin your own personal journey to establishing an entrepreneurial life.

SCORE Greater Omaha

As part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’ s national network of SCORE Chapters, SCORE Greater Omaha offers free mentorship and business counselling services to start-up entrepreneurs and small businesses owners. There are various workshops and events to attend, and dozens of business development templates you can use to get your affairs in order. For those concerned about funding a business of their own, there are mentors who specialize in low cost franchise opportunities

SourceLink Nebraska

A subsidiary of the statewide Nebraska Small Business Development Center, SourceLink Nebraska describes itself as a “one-stop shop” for entrepreneurs, existing business owners, and resource partners. It’s a centralized hub for those seeking helpful connections and resources – everyone from entrepreneurial candidates who are just getting started to established business owners looking to grow and expand their operations. SourceLink Nebraska is also home to the Entrepreneurs Education Collaborative, which provides educational resources and advocacy through training programs and networking events that can help you make the right connections.

1 Million Cups

Funded by a grant from the national Ewing Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups is a localized community program designed to help entrepreneurs by empowering them with the tools, resources, and networking they need to bring their business startup ideas to life. The cornerstone of Omaha’s 1 Million Cups chapter can be found in their weekly gatherings – which occur each Wednesday morning from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. at The Dock, located in the Ashton Building at 1229 Millwork Ave., Omaha, NE 68102. Each session features a keynote speaker who gives a six-minute presentation on their own entrepreneurial venture – and how others can learn from it.

SBA Omaha

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) maintains a district office in Omaha to connect entrepreneurs with one-on-one counseling, assistance, and various small business loan programs designed to help you access the capital you need to become your own boss. Several of the SBA’s lending programs specifically address the funding of franchise opportunities.

While this column is much too short to list all of the available resources in the greater Omaha area, it should be a fairly decent start. But keep in mind, these resources won’t come to your door and seek you out. The all-important first step to establishing an entrepreneurial life begins with you.

Blake Martin is the owner of FranNet of The Heartland, an Omaha-based franchise brokerage, sales, and consulting firm that provides no-cost coaching and consultation for entrepreneurs and small business owners. As a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Psychology Program, he provides practical advice that helps entrepreneurial clients become small business owners, including franchise opportunities. He can be reached at bmartin@frannet.com.