Omaha, NE – March 4, 2025 – Scale Omaha, a cornerstone of Nebraska’s entrepreneurial community, is entering an exciting new chapter as it aligns with Nebraska Startup Academy (NSA) to create a unified effort in amplifying the voices of founders and fostering a thriving startup ecosystem. Moving forward, the organization will be known as Scale Omaha Powered by The Nebraska Startup Academy.
This transition builds on the foundation set by Jake Burklund, Craig Heron, and the Scale Omaha team, whose leadership and vision have made Scale Omaha a must-attend event for founders, investors, and the startup community. As Jake and his wife, Jacquelyn, focus on scaling their fast-growing startup, Carinara, and Craig continues his work with Vesta, Nebraska Startup Academy is honored to continue their legacy—ensuring that experienced founders can continue to share their stories.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Jake and Craig for everything they’ve built," said Charlie Cuddy, Executive Director of Nebraska Startup Academy. "Scale Omaha is a special event where founders come together each month to learn from those who have been in their shoes, and we are committed to ensuring it remains a vibrant space for the community."
Teresa Friesen, Scale Omaha’s monthly event host, and founder of SheMate, added, "It’s clear Scale has made a real impact on the community, and with Jake and Craig focusing on their startups, getting NSA involved was a no-brainer to keep the mission going."
Jake and Craig will continue to be involved, supporting the direction of Scale Omaha as it evolves under NSA’s leadership. "We’re excited to see Scale Omaha continue to grow with the backing of Nebraska Startup Academy," said Burklund. "It’s been incredible to see the evolution from Startup Grind to Scale Omaha to this new partnership with NSA. We’re confident they’ll build on the momentum and take it even further."
A New Home at Millwork Commons
As part of this evolution, Scale Omaha Powered by The Nebraska Startup Academy will now host its events at The Ashton in Millwork Commons, a neighborhood quickly becoming Omaha’s startup hub. This move strengthens Scale Omaha’s position at the heart of the city’s entrepreneurial activity, surrounded by some of the most innovative startups, investors, and creative minds in the region.
"We also want to extend a sincere thank you to Modus Coworking for their support over the years," added Burklund. "Their generosity and partnership have been instrumental in making Scale Omaha what it is today.”
Cuddy added, “As we transition to Millwork Commons, we’re excited to build on that strong foundation and create even more opportunities for founders to connect and grow."
"Millwork Commons was designed to be a hub for Omaha’s most innovative thinkers and doers, and bringing Scale Omaha into the neighborhood is a perfect fit," said Annette Smith. "Founders thrive when they have access to the right people, spaces, and energy, and we’re thrilled to welcome Scale Omaha to Millwork Commons."
Get Involved
The next Scale Omaha Powered by Nebraska Startup Academy event is set for Thursday, March 20th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at The Dock in The Ashton Building. This month, we’re excited to welcome Mike Jung, Managing Partner at Grit Road Partners, as our featured speaker. Stay tuned for more details and follow Scale Omaha and the Nebraska Startup Academy for the latest updates.
If you’d like to volunteer, help organize events, or recommend speakers, please reach out to Alyssa Cave at [alyssa@nestartupacademy.org]—we’d love to have you involved.
About Scale Omaha Powered by Nebraska Startup Academy
Scale Omaha, powered by the Nebraska Startup Academy, is a premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to connect, learn, and grow. Through monthly interviews and storytelling, Scale Omaha highlights the journeys of experienced founders, fostering a collaborative and thriving startup community in Nebraska.
About Nebraska Startup Academy
Nebraska Startup Academy is dedicated to educating, supporting, and connecting founders, investors, and corporate partners to build a stronger startup ecosystem. With a focus on mentorship, education, and access to resources, NSA is committed to lowering barriers to entry for entrepreneurs in the region and driving innovation across Nebraska and beyond.
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