OSBDC Funding Opportunity | OSBDC 2022 05

Opportunity Information: Apply for OSBDC 2022 05

The OSBDC Funding Opportunity is a discretionary grant competition run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support the delivery of Small Business Development Center (SBDC) services in the Territory of American Samoa. The funding is offered through a cooperative agreement, which means the SBA is not only providing financial support but also expects to have an ongoing role in program oversight, coordination, and performance management as the project operates. The underlying purpose is to strengthen the local small business support system by funding an organization (or partnership of organizations) that can provide consistent, high-quality counseling, training, and business development assistance to small businesses and early-stage entrepreneurs.

This opportunity is tied to the SBA SBDC Program, described as the agency's largest matching grant program. The SBDC model is meant to function as a service delivery network that helps small firms and aspiring entrepreneurs improve management capacity, increase productivity, pursue innovation, and ultimately grow or expand. In practical terms, SBDCs typically offer one-on-one advising, workshops, and technical assistance on topics such as business planning, financial management, marketing, operations, and other core areas that influence business survival and growth. The notice emphasizes that SBDCs operate as a partnership system: the SBA provides federal leadership and oversight through the Office of Small Business Development Centers (OSBDC) and coordinates with SBA District Offices, while the funded recipient works alongside state, local, educational, and private-sector partners to deliver services that align with both SBA goals and local economic development priorities.

Eligibility is focused on institutions and organizations that can credibly serve as an SBDC host or lead entity in American Samoa. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and certain nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education). The narrative also specifies additional eligible entity types, including land-grant colleges or universities; colleges or schools of business, engineering, commerce, or agriculture; community or junior colleges; and currently operating Women's Business Centers authorized under section 29 of the Small Business Act. A combination of two or more of these entities may apply together. A key geographic requirement is that the applicant must conduct a majority of its operations within, and be physically headquartered in, the Territory of American Samoa, ensuring the funded program is locally based and locally managed.

From the funding details provided, the opportunity is listed under CFDA (now Assistance Listing) 59.037 and categorized within Business and Commerce. The award ceiling is $750,000, and the SBA expected to make one award. The notice data shows a creation date of August 25, 2021, with an original closing date of September 25, 2021, indicating a defined application window for that cycle. Because the SBDC program is described as a matching grant program, applicants should be prepared to document non-federal matching resources or partner contributions consistent with SBDC requirements (the specific match rules and allowable sources are typically detailed in the full notice and program guidance).

Operationally, the SBA frames the SBDC program as a bridge connecting federal, state, and local government resources with the educational community and private sector. Even though SBA retains responsibility for overall program management and compliance, the funded recipient organization is treated as a partner responsible for executing service delivery and meeting performance expectations. Applicants should therefore expect that a successful proposal would need to show strong program design, staffing capacity, partnerships, service coverage, and the ability to track outcomes tied to small business development and economic impact.

For questions about the Notice of Funding Opportunity, the SBA directs applicants to contact the Office of Small Business Development Centers at SBDCGrantsq@sba.gov. The full 2021 Notice of Funding Opportunity is linked at https://www.sba.gov/document/information-notice-sbdc-funding-opportunity-announcement, which is where an applicant would find the official requirements, application instructions, evaluation criteria, matching fund details, reporting expectations, and other compliance terms associated with the cooperative agreement.

• The Small Business Administration in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "OSBDC Funding Opportunity" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 59.037.
• This funding opportunity was created on Aug 25, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 25, 2021. (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 $750,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for OSBDC 2022 05

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: