Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0010258
The U.S. Department of State (DoS), through its WHA/PPC office, is offering a discretionary grant competition titled "Strengthening Inclusive Small Business Growth in Central America" (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0010258). The award will be made as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the Department of State expects to be more actively involved than it would be under a standard grant, often through collaboration on planning, implementation, or monitoring.
The core purpose of the opportunity is to strengthen Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in Central America so they can become accredited, financially and operationally sustainable, and better equipped to provide high-quality support to local small businesses. A key emphasis is on improving the ability of these local businesses to build capacity and compete beyond their immediate communities, including positioning them to enter larger markets. The overall development logic is that stronger SBDCs can serve as durable local institutions that deliver training, advising, and other business services that help small firms grow, withstand economic shocks, and contribute to broader economic resilience and regional stability.
The funding activity category is listed as Employment, Labor and Training (CFDA 19.750), which signals the program is oriented toward practical workforce and enterprise support outcomes rather than purely academic research or infrastructure. The award ceiling is $1,677,050, indicating the maximum amount available per award under this announcement. The opportunity was created on February 20, 2024, and the original application closing date was April 19, 2024.
Eligibility is open to a range of organizational types. U.S.-based nonprofit and non-governmental organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status are eligible, as are overseas-based NGOs. Institutions of higher education may apply, along with U.S.-based SBDCs or SBDC associations. Public international organizations are also eligible. The announcement explicitly notes that locally based NGOs are strongly encouraged to apply, which suggests the Department of State is looking for implementers with strong on-the-ground presence, local relationships, and contextual understanding across Central America.
In practical terms, a competitive proposal would likely focus on upgrading SBDC systems and services so they meet recognized accreditation standards, strengthening governance and operational processes to ensure long-term sustainability, and expanding the quality and reach of advising and training for small businesses. The opportunity is framed around inclusive small business growth, so strong applications would generally be expected to describe how support will reach diverse entrepreneurs and strengthen local economic participation while also helping firms become more competitive, more connected to value chains, and more capable of scaling into broader markets.Apply for SFOP0010258
- The Department of State in the employment, labor and training sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Strengthening Inclusive Small Business Growth in Central America" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.750.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-02-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-04-19. (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 $1,677,050.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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