MBDA Women’s Entrepreneurship Program
ID: 358216Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Minority Business Development Agency (DOC-MBDA)

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is offering a funding opportunity through the Women's Entrepreneurship Program aimed at enhancing the growth of minority business enterprises (MBEs), with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs. Eligible applicants, specifically private nonprofit organizations that provide services to MBEs, are invited to submit proposals that address barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and include evidence-based approaches for capacity building. This initiative, which has a funding pool of approximately $2 million for fiscal year 2025, seeks to support activities that facilitate access to capital, promote participation in high-growth industries, and increase capacity for government contracting. Interested organizations must submit a letter of intent by February 12, 2025, with final applications due by March 17, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Nakita Chambers at nchambers2@mbda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The MBDA Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, overseen by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is opening a funding opportunity for eligible non-profit organizations to enhance the growth of minority business enterprises (MBEs), particularly focusing on women entrepreneurs. This initiative allows for the issuance of four-year cooperative agreements, with an available funding pool of approximately $2 million for fiscal year 2025, targeting services to launch, sustain, and expand MBEs. Key aspects include: - Applications must address barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and engage in evidence-based approaches for capacity building. - Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) non-profits primarily serving MBEs. - Proposals must include activities that facilitate access to capital, support participation in high-growth industries, or increase capacity for government contracting. - Deadlines for applications start from February 12, 2025, for an email of intent, and the final applications are due by March 17, 2025. Through structured support and collaboration, the program aims to boost economic contributions from women-led businesses, ultimately leading to a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape. Evaluation of proposals will be based on project effectiveness, organization capability, and performance metrics.
    Similar Opportunities
    MBDA Rural Business Center Program
    Minority Business Development Agency
    The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is offering funding through the Rural Business Center Program to support Rural Minority Business Enterprises (RMBEs) with technical assistance and entrepreneurial development services. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity and sustainability of RMBEs at all stages of business development, from ideation to maturity, particularly in rural areas. The MBDA plans to award approximately $4 million through five-year cooperative agreements, primarily to minority-serving institutions or consortia led by such institutions, with applications due by March 17, 2025. Interested applicants can reach out to Nakita Chambers at nchambers2@mbda.gov for further information and are encouraged to submit optional Emails of Intent by February 12, 2025.
    MBDA Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship
    Minority Business Development Agency
    The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is offering the Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship Education program, aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship training through the development of evidence-based curricula. This initiative seeks to empower eligible higher education institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-serving institutions, to provide practical and widely accessible training that equips entrepreneurs with essential skills for success. The program anticipates funding approximately $5 million to support up to 10 cooperative agreements, each valued at around $500,000 annually over four years. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by March 17, 2025, via Grants.gov, and can direct inquiries to Nakita Chambers at nchambers2@mbda.gov.
    FY25 Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Technical Assistance Grant Program
    Womens Bureau
    The Women's Bureau is offering the FY25 Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Technical Assistance Grant Program to provide funding for community-based organizations (CBOs) that support women's participation in apprenticeable and nontraditional occupations. The program aims to develop and enhance training programs, provide resources for employers and labor unions, and establish support networks for women in industries where they are historically underrepresented, such as advanced manufacturing, construction, and healthcare. With an estimated total funding of $6 million, the program anticipates awarding 17 grants ranging from $350,000 to $750,000. Interested applicants must submit their proposals electronically by June 10, 2025, and can reach out to the grantor at WB.OGM@dol.gov for further information.
    Academy for Women Entrepreneurs 2024
    U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe
    The U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe is inviting proposals for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program for 2024, aimed at empowering women business owners in Zimbabwe. The program seeks to integrate the online DreamBuilder course and the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation, while fostering connections with U.S. business experts and creating a supportive network for female entrepreneurs. With a funding range of $10,000 to $35,000 and an estimated total program funding of $35,000, proposals are due by December 15, 2023, with the award expected to be announced by May 1, 2024. Interested applicants can contact Rebecca Archer-Knepper at PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov for further information.
    FY 25 Fostering Access, Rights and Equity (FARE) Grant Program
    Womens Bureau
    The Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor is offering the FY 25 Fostering Access, Rights and Equity (FARE) Grant Program to support projects aimed at assisting marginalized and underserved women workers affected by gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in the workplace. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status that demonstrate strong community ties and the capacity to implement trauma-informed, survivor-centered strategies to address GBVH. This grant program is crucial for enhancing workplace safety and economic security for women, with a total funding pool of $1 million, awarding between $250,000 and $350,000 to an expected four recipients. Interested organizations should submit their applications electronically by June 10, 2025, and can direct inquiries to WB.OGM@dol.gov.
    Women in CHIPS Initiative
    Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
    The Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Women in CHIPS Initiative," aimed at enhancing the role of women in the semiconductor industry through a professional network and mentorship program. The initiative seeks to establish a community of practice that provides technical training, workshops, and a study tour for early to mid-career women from specified beneficiary countries, including Mexico, India, and the Philippines, thereby promoting diversity and inclusion in strategic trade. With a funding ceiling of $493,339 and a closing date for applications set for March 31, 2025, interested organizations, including domestic and foreign non-profit and for-profit entities, are encouraged to apply. For further details, applicants can reach out via email at ECCGrants@state.gov or visit the provided link for additional information.
    Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) - Development
    Administration for Community Living
    The Administration for Community Living is offering a grant opportunity through the Field Initiated Projects Program specifically targeting Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) for fiscal year 2025. This program aims to support research and development projects that enhance the inclusion and self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, particularly those from minority communities, by generating new knowledge and developing innovative methods and technologies. Eligible applicants include historically black colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal colleges, with a total funding pool of approximately $500,000 available for awards ranging from $245,000 to $250,000 over a 36-month project period. Interested parties must submit their applications electronically by March 17, 2025, and are encouraged to participate in an informational conference call prior to the application deadline. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Shelley Reeves at shelley.reeves@acl.hhs.gov.
    Building a Community of Practice for Women in Strategic Trade
    Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
    The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation at the Department of State is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Building a Community of Practice for Women in Strategic Trade" (WiST). This initiative aims to enhance women's representation and leadership in strategic trade and export control through a cooperative agreement that focuses on sustained mentorship for early- to mid-career women in the field. The program aligns with U.N. Security Council resolutions and the U.S. Women, Peace, and Security Act, emphasizing the development of best practices and international cooperation in strategic trade norms. The total funding available for this opportunity is approximately $450,000, with a proposal submission deadline of March 31, 2025. Interested applicants can reach out to ECCGrants@state.gov for further information and guidance.
    Risk Management Education Partnership Program
    Risk Management Agency
    The Risk Management Agency (RMA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering the Risk Management Education Partnership Program, which provides up to $2 million in funding for fiscal year 2025 to enhance risk management training for agricultural producers. This program aims to deliver education on crop insurance and risk management strategies, particularly focusing on underserved sectors, specialty crops, and commodities with limited insurance options. The initiative emphasizes collaboration among government entities, nonprofits, and educational institutions to develop innovative training and outreach initiatives that improve the financial stability of U.S. agriculture. Interested applicants, including small businesses, must submit their proposals electronically via the Results Verification System by March 11, 2025, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 for projects lasting 18 months. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Dennisse Bedard at dennisse.bedard@usda.gov.
    Technologies for Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R41/R42- Clinical Trial Optional)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a funding opportunity through the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, aimed at developing technologies to improve minority health and eliminate health disparities. Eligible applicants, specifically United States small business concerns (SBCs), are invited to submit grant applications for the R41/R42 program, which may include clinical trials, focusing on innovative solutions that are effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable for underserved populations. This initiative emphasizes the importance of addressing health inequities through technology, including disease self-management tools and mobile health solutions, with applications due by December 9, 2026. For further details, applicants can refer to the full announcement at NIH Grants or contact NIH Grants Information at grantsinfo@nih.gov.