Opportunity Information: Apply for EDA HDQ OIE 2016 2004868
Apply for EDA HDQ OIE 2016 2004868
- The DOC in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification), regional development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY2016 Regional Innovation Strategies Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.020.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 11, 2016 and posted on Apr 11, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 24, 2016. (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 $500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 40 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), 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, Private institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The FY2016 Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), administered through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), aimed at strengthening regional innovation ecosystems and helping ideas move from research and development into real-world products, companies, and jobs. The program is grounded in the belief that regions become more globally competitive when they build connected, innovation-focused sectors where universities, entrepreneurs, investors, industry, and public partners coordinate their efforts rather than working in isolation. In line with the DOC FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan, RIS supports the development of regional innovation strategies and clusters that can translate innovation into commercialization outcomes and long-term economic growth.
RIS funding in FY2016 is organized around two separate competitive tracks, and applicants can apply to one or both. The first is the 2016 i6 Challenge, which focuses on capacity-building efforts that help innovators and entrepreneurs bridge the gap between early research and market-ready products or services. This includes activities like proof-of-concept support, commercialization assistance, and related programming that increases the likelihood that new technologies or ideas can become viable businesses. The second track is the Seed Fund Support (SFS) Grant competition, which provides operational support to organizations that deliver essential early-stage capital to startups. In practice, this track is designed to strengthen seed and pre-seed funding mechanisms that young companies rely on when they are too early for traditional financing but need resources to validate products, hire talent, and reach initial customers.
A notable feature of the FY2016 RIS Program is its authorization under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act (SWTIA), Section 27. Because of this authorization, RIS is not limited to projects located in economically distressed communities, which distinguishes it from some other EDA programs that prioritize distress-based eligibility or targeting. The emphasis here is on innovation-led growth and the effectiveness of the regional strategy, regardless of whether the applicant region meets traditional economic distress criteria.
The opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number EDA-HDQ-OIE-2016-2004868) was posted and created on April 11, 2016, with an application deadline of June 24, 2016. Awards under this program could be as high as $500,000, and EDA anticipated making about 40 awards. The funding instrument is a grant, categorized under regional development and related activities, and it falls under CFDA 11.020.
Eligibility is broad and reflects the cross-sector nature of innovation ecosystems. Eligible applicants include state, county, and municipal governments; special district governments; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities); and other applicants as specified in the official eligibility guidance. Overall, the FY2016 RIS Program is designed to help regions organize and scale the programs, partnerships, and financing supports that turn innovation into entrepreneurship and job creation, with the i6 Challenge focusing on commercialization capacity and the SFS competition focusing on early-stage funding infrastructure for startups.
FY2016 Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program (EDA) - FAQs
What is the FY2016 Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program?
The FY2016 Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), administered by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). It is intended to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and help move ideas from research and development into real-world products, companies, and jobs.
What is the main goal of RIS?
RIS is designed to support innovation-led economic growth by helping regions build connected, innovation-focused sectors where universities, entrepreneurs, investors, industry, and public partners coordinate their efforts. The emphasis is on improving a region's ability to translate innovation into commercialization outcomes and long-term economic growth.
How does RIS define a strong regional innovation ecosystem?
Based on the program description, a strong regional innovation ecosystem is one where key players (such as universities, entrepreneurs, investors, industry, and public partners) work together in a coordinated way instead of operating in isolation, with the shared aim of converting innovation into market outcomes.
How is RIS aligned with federal strategy?
RIS is described as being in line with the DOC FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan by supporting the development of regional innovation strategies and clusters that can translate innovation into commercialization outcomes and long-term economic growth.
What are the two competitive funding tracks in FY2016 RIS?
FY2016 RIS funding is organized into two separate competitive tracks: (1) the 2016 i6 Challenge, and (2) the Seed Fund Support (SFS) Grant competition. Applicants can apply to one track or to both.
Can an applicant apply to both tracks?
Yes. The opportunity states that applicants can apply to one or both of the two competitive tracks (the i6 Challenge and the Seed Fund Support competition).
What is the 2016 i6 Challenge focused on?
The 2016 i6 Challenge focuses on capacity-building efforts that help innovators and entrepreneurs bridge the gap between early research and market-ready products or services.
What types of activities are supported under the i6 Challenge?
Examples listed include proof-of-concept support, commercialization assistance, and related programming intended to increase the likelihood that new technologies or ideas can become viable businesses.
What is the Seed Fund Support (SFS) Grant competition focused on?
The Seed Fund Support (SFS) Grant competition provides operational support to organizations that deliver essential early-stage capital to startups. It is intended to strengthen seed and pre-seed funding mechanisms for young companies.
Why does SFS emphasize seed and pre-seed financing?
The description explains that young companies may be too early for traditional financing but still need resources to validate products, hire talent, and reach initial customers. SFS is designed to support the infrastructure that provides that early-stage capital.
Is RIS limited to economically distressed communities?
No. A notable feature of FY2016 RIS is that it is authorized under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act (SWTIA), Section 27. Because of this authorization, RIS is not limited to projects located in economically distressed communities, unlike some other EDA programs that prioritize distress-based eligibility or targeting.
What is the statutory authorization mentioned for RIS?
The program notes authorization under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act (SWTIA), Section 27.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this RIS announcement?
The Funding Opportunity Number is EDA-HDQ-OIE-2016-2004868.
When was this opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted and created on April 11, 2016.
What was the application deadline?
The application deadline was June 24, 2016.
What is the maximum award amount mentioned?
Awards under this program could be as high as $500,000.
How many awards did EDA expect to make?
EDA anticipated making about 40 awards.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What is the program category or activity area?
The program is categorized under regional development and related activities.
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 11.020.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include state, county, and municipal governments; special district governments; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities); and other applicants as specified in the official eligibility guidance.
Are both public and private universities eligible?
Yes. The eligibility list includes public and private institutions of higher education.
Are nonprofit organizations eligible even if they are not 501(c)(3) organizations?
Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes nonprofit organizations, including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities.
Are federally recognized tribal governments eligible?
Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are listed as eligible applicants.
What is the overall emphasis of the FY2016 RIS Program?
The emphasis is on innovation-led growth and the effectiveness of a regional strategy. The program is intended to help regions organize and scale programs, partnerships, and financing supports that turn innovation into entrepreneurship and job creation.
How do the two tracks differ in practical terms?
As described, the i6 Challenge focuses on commercialization capacity and programming that helps move innovations from research toward market readiness, while the SFS competition focuses on strengthening early-stage funding infrastructure by supporting organizations that provide seed and pre-seed capital.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification), Regional Development
Next opportunity: INL-16GR0030-INLC-04-25-2016
Previous opportunity: D.5 University Leadership Initiative
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for EDA HDQ OIE 2016 2004868
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "EDA HDQ OIE 2016 2004868", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.