SB-OEDWB-22-002 | SB OEDWB 22 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for SB OEDWB 22 002

SB-OEDWB-22-002 is a Small Business Administration (SBA) discretionary grant opportunity (CFDA 59.043) focused on expanding entrepreneurial development services for women in Alaska, particularly women who are socially and economically disadvantaged. The core goal is to fund services in parts of Alaska that fall outside the geographic coverage areas of existing Women Business Centers (WBCs), helping close access gaps for training, counseling, and other small business support where it is currently limited or unavailable.

This funding opportunity will make up to one award, with an award ceiling of $150,000, to a private, nonprofit organization that will deliver these entrepreneurial development services statewide in Alaska with the required emphasis on underserved women entrepreneurs. Eligible applicants must be private nonprofit organizations and must have 501(c) tax-exempt status from the IRS. The opportunity also notes additional eligible applicant categories consistent with SBA WBC program rules, but the central eligibility requirement highlighted is the private nonprofit, tax-exempt status and the capacity to provide services to Alaska.

The SBA signals that if the selected organization is currently operating, or has operated, an SBA-funded WBC within the last five years, the award would be structured as an "Initial Phase Project." Similarly, if an organization previously operated an SBA-funded WBC but no longer operates one, and is otherwise eligible, it may apply and, if selected, would also receive an Initial Phase Project award because the application would be treated as an effort to re-establish a WBC presence. In other words, the competition is set up to support either expansion into underserved Alaska areas or re-establishment/initial-phase development tied to WBC programming, depending on the applicant's WBC operating history.

The announcement strongly encourages applications from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and their auxiliary entities, based on their role in reaching disadvantaged markets. Examples listed include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) including those associated with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Institutions (AANAPISIs). Religious organizations are also explicitly encouraged to apply, with the notice clarifying that such organizations do not have to change their religious character to participate, do not have to stop engaging in explicitly religious activities outside the program, and do not have to give up federal statutory protections related to religious hiring decisions. Beyond these groups, the SBA also welcomes proposals from other organizations that meet WBC program eligibility criteria or that otherwise serve socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs.

Applications had to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, with no alternative submission methods allowed. The deadline specified in the notice was March 14, 2022, by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Late submissions were to be rejected without evaluation, except in the narrow circumstance where an applicant could clearly document, using evidence obtained from Grants.gov, that they attempted to submit on time but were prevented solely due to a Grants.gov system issue. The opportunity was created on February 2, 2022, and the original closing date was March 14, 2022.

• The Small Business Administration in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "SB-OEDWB-22-002" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 59.043.
• This funding opportunity was created on Feb 02, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 14, 2022 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $150,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for SB OEDWB 22 002

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