OMAHA- Inspired by the number of North Omaha merchants seeking State of Nebraska grants to rev up business, City Councilwoman Juanita Johnson asked the City Council to commit $1 million for a city effort. The request got no traction from fellow council members, who said it came too late in the city budget approval process. Council Vice President Aimee Melton said she could not support “moving a million dollars around at the last minute.”

Johnson’s request called for shifting funds in the proposed annual budget — away from places such as library and park allocations — to support the small business development initiative she said is key to her district and overall city economic growth. Under Johnson’s proposal, the $1 million was to go to the Omaha 100 nonprofit, which would use and distribute the funds to help minority businesses grow.

Malinda Williams, president and CEO of Omaha 100, said her research showed only 53 minority-owned businesses received a PPP loan in 2020, or 1.27% of the total Nebraska-based business recipients. Businessman James Overton said that while the request made by Johnson would not cover the need, “It’s still a boost.”

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