The Startup Incubator Innovate757 Women Entrepreneurs initiative has received a significant boost, with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announcing the availability of $1.5 million for 10 new grant opportunities. The funding is aimed at established Minority Serving Institutions that aspire to host a Women’s Business Center (WBC), with the goal of providing local, outcome-oriented business services for women entrepreneurs. The initiative is part of the SBA’s commitment to increasing equity for small business owners, a priority under Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. Eligible applicants for the funding include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and University (TCUs), Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (NHSIs), and Alaska Native Serving Institutions (ANSIs).

Introduction

$1.5M Will be Awarded to Support the Expansion of the Agency’s Women’s Business Centers Across HBCUs and Higher Education Institutions Serving Hispanic, Tribal and AAPI Communities

From U.S. Small Business Administration

Announcement of Funding

WASHINGTON – Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America’s 32.5 million small businesses in President Biden’s Cabinet, announced the availability of $1.5 million for 10 new grant opportunities for established Minority Serving Institutions aspiring to host a Women’s Business Center (WBC) to provide local outcome-oriented business services for women entrepreneurs.

Importance of Funding

As Black History Month gets underway, the announcement highlights the Agency’s commitment to creating funding opportunities that increase equity for small business owners – a priority under Administrator Guzman. Through the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership’s (OWBO), the WBCs will help entrepreneurs pivot, grow and navigate new opportunities created through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include the following institutions of higher education or their affiliates:

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)(as defined in 20 USC §1061)
  • Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)(as defined in 20 USC § 1101a)
  • Tribal Colleges and University (TCUs) (as defined in 20 USC 1059c)
  • Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (NHSIs)(as defined in 20 USC § 1059d(b))
  • Alaska Native Serving Institutions (ANSIs)(as defined in 20 USC § 1059d(b)) of higher learning with existing minority entrepreneurship or related programs

Expansion of Women’s Business Centers

“Under the leadership of Administrator Guzman, the Office of Women’s Business Ownership continues to work to advance the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration.  Our office looks forward to supporting initiatives to ensure that multicultural women and the academic institutions that support them across the nation, have access to resources and support to advance entrepreneurial opportunities and preparation,” said Natalie Madeira Cofield, Assistant Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Eligible applicants must be private, non-profit organizations with 501(c) tax-exempt status from the U.S. Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service and must or be affiliated with a Minority Serving Institution.

The application acceptance period for this grant opportunity is Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, through Monday, March 14, 2022. Proposals responding to this program must be submitted through www.grants.gov by Monday, March 14, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). No other methods of submission will be permitted. Proposals submitted after the stipulated deadline will be rejected without being evaluated.

About the Office of Women’s Business Ownership’s (OWBO)

About the Office of Women’s Business Ownership’s (OWBO)

The Office of Women’s Business Ownership’s (OWBO) mission is to enable and empower women entrepreneurs through advocacy, outreach, education, and support.  Since it was established in response to an Executive Order in 1979, OWBO has provided training, counseling, technical assistance, access to credit and capital, as well as marketing opportunities to women.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Question & Answer

What is the purpose of the $1.5 million funding announced by the U.S. Small Business Administration?

The $1.5 million funding is aimed at established Minority Serving Institutions that aspire to host a Women’s Business Center (WBC) to provide local, outcome-oriented business services for women entrepreneurs.

Who are eligible applicants for the funding announced by the U.S. Small Business Administration?

Eligible applicants for the funding include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and University (TCUs), Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (NHSIs), and Alaska Native Serving Institutions (ANSIs).

What is the application acceptance period for the grant opportunity announced by the U.S. Small Business Administration?

The application acceptance period for this grant opportunity is Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, through Monday, March 14, 2022.

What is the mission of the Office of Women’s Business Ownership’s (OWBO)?

The mission of the Office of Women’s Business Ownership’s (OWBO) is to enable and empower women entrepreneurs through advocacy, outreach, education, and support.