Engler Program Celebrates 15 Years of Building Nebraska Ventures

More than two hundred student-led ventures have launched through a University of Nebraska–Lincoln initiative that generated over $83 million in gross revenue in 2025, according to a 15-year impact report released by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program marked its 15th anniversary by detailing alumni-owned businesses that supported 213 jobs in 2025. The milestones capture a decade and a half of cultivating student ideas through coaching, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

“For 15 years, students in the Engler program have drawn on passion, creativity, innovation and hard work to pursue opportunities and build businesses,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and vice president for agriculture and natural resources for the University of Nebraska system.

The program extends its approach beyond traditional coursework through initiatives like Summer Build, which invests $5,000 in students to accelerate their ventures rather than pursue traditional summer internships. The 2025 cohort generated $178,300 in gross revenue, while the 2026 cohort surpassed $300,000.

Partnerships with the Nebraska FFA Association and Nebraska FFA Foundation bring similar entrepreneurial learning to younger students by guiding select chapters in operating school-based enterprises. Data from the report shows that 83% of Engler alumni currently live in Nebraska. Among students hailing from rural parts of the state, 91% plan to live or work locally after graduation.

Engler program celebrates 15 years of building people who build Nebraska — Photo: journalstar.com

Alumni success spans multiple sectors, including solo-founded startups and the acquisition of established small-town enterprises. Brandon Nichols took over Don’s Service in Bridgeport, a waste management service, while Vickie Ference acquired Grateful Adventures, an event decorations business in Ord.

Other ventures range from Brody Benson’s broadcast media company SandBox Media in Valentine.

“My Engler experience has given me the confidence to chase after my dreams and live my life to its fullest,” said Ashley Bonifas, a junior agribusiness major.

Survey results within the report indicate that 93% of alumni feel the program increased their confidence to start a business in a rural or small-town community, and 90% report their Engler experience made them more likely to become an employer.