Opportunity Information: Apply for PRIME 2015 01
Apply for PRIME 2015 01
- The Small Business Administration in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 59.050 Prime Technical Assistance.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 20, 2015 and posted on May 18, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 29, 2015 The closing date is 06/29/2015 at 1159 P.M. EST.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $5,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 35 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- An applicant must clearly demonstrate that it is one of the following A microenterprise development organization or program (or group or Collaborative thereof) such as a non profit Community Development Financial Institution or similar entity, that has a demonstrated record of delivering microenterprise services to disadvantaged entrepreneursor An Intermediary (as defined in Section 8.1) which has experience in delivering technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs or A microenterprise development organization or program (as defined in Section 8.1) that is accountable to a local community, working in conjunction with a State or local government or Indian Tribe or An Indian tribe acting on its own, if it can certify that no private organization or program referred to in paragraph in paragraphs (1) exists within its jurisdiction.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME), announced by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under Program Announcement No. PRIME 2015 01, is a discretionary federal grant program designed to strengthen microenterprise support systems for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. The SBA uses this opportunity to fund training, technical assistance, and organizational capacity building that helps very small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs improve their skills, operations, and long-term sustainability. A central theme of the solicitation is that proposed projects should be mission-driven and culturally competent, with services that reflect the demographics and needs of the local communities being served. Applications are evaluated using criteria laid out in the announcement (notably Section 5.0), with an emphasis on how well the applicant can demonstrate alignment with the PRIME Act purposes and deliver effective, community-relevant programming.
The program is structured around two separate funding tracks. Track 1 focuses on direct support to disadvantaged entrepreneurs through training and technical assistance. This can include practical business education and hands-on help in areas that are often barriers to growth for very small firms, such as adopting automated financial accounting systems, producing reliable financial reports, and improving inventory management processes. In other words, Track 1 is about improving day-to-day business capability at the entrepreneur level, especially by strengthening back-office systems that support better decision-making, compliance, and operational control.
Track 2 is a capacity-building track aimed at strengthening the organizations that deliver microenterprise services. Instead of primarily funding direct client training, Track 2 supports training and capacity building services for microenterprise development organizations (MDOs), microenterprise development programs, or groups and collaboratives of such organizations. The goal is to help these entities expand and improve the microenterprise training and support they provide, including upgrading their ability to deliver higher-quality business training and technical assistance that ultimately improves small business outcomes. This track is geared toward building institutional effectiveness, scalability, and service quality across the local or regional ecosystem of microenterprise support providers.
Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, which generally means the SBA expects a more engaged relationship than a standard grant, potentially including ongoing coordination, reporting, and federal involvement consistent with the terms of the award. The opportunity anticipated about 35 awards, with an estimated total program funding level of $5,000,000. Individual award amounts range from a floor of $50,000 to a ceiling of $250,000. A cost-sharing or matching requirement applies, so applicants must plan for non-federal contributions as part of their overall project budget.
Eligible applicants are specialized entities involved in microenterprise development and support for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. This includes microenterprise development organizations or programs (or collaboratives) such as nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) or similar organizations with a demonstrated track record of delivering microenterprise services. The program also allows applications from intermediaries (as defined in the announcement) that have experience delivering technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Additionally, an MDO or program that is accountable to a local community may apply when working in conjunction with a state or local government or an Indian Tribe. Indian Tribes may apply on their own if they can certify that no qualifying private organization or program exists within their jurisdiction. These eligibility categories reflect PRIME's intent to fund organizations that are either already embedded in microenterprise service delivery or positioned to strengthen that delivery at a systems level.
Key administrative details include a posting date of May 18, 2015, with the application closing date set for June 29, 2015 at 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time, and an archive date of July 1, 2015. The assistance listing associated with this opportunity is CFDA 59.050 (PRIME Technical Assistance). For applicants needing help accessing the full announcement or with questions, the SBA listed the Community Advantage Division as the point of contact, including Jamie Davenport (PRIME@sba.gov, phone 202-205-7516, and Jamie.Davenport@SBA.gov).
PRIME (Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs) Grant - FAQs
What is the PRIME grant program?
The Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME) is a discretionary federal grant program announced by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under Program Announcement No. PRIME 2015 01. It is designed to strengthen microenterprise support systems for disadvantaged entrepreneurs by funding training, technical assistance, and organizational capacity building.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is intended to support projects that help very small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs improve business skills, strengthen operations, and increase long-term sustainability. A central theme is providing mission-driven, culturally competent services that reflect the demographics and needs of the local communities being served.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are evaluated using criteria described in the program announcement, notably Section 5.0. The SBA places emphasis on how well the applicant demonstrates alignment with the PRIME Act purposes and the ability to deliver effective programming that is relevant to the local community.
What are the two funding tracks under this solicitation?
The program is structured around two tracks: Track 1 and Track 2. Track 1 focuses on direct training and technical assistance for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Track 2 focuses on building the capacity of organizations that deliver microenterprise services.
What does Track 1 fund?
Track 1 supports direct services to disadvantaged entrepreneurs through training and technical assistance. It can include practical business education and hands-on help with common growth barriers for very small firms, such as adopting automated financial accounting systems, producing reliable financial reports, and improving inventory management processes.
What types of business improvements are emphasized under Track 1?
Track 1 emphasizes improving day-to-day business capability at the entrepreneur level, particularly by strengthening back-office systems that support better decision-making, compliance, and operational control.
What does Track 2 fund?
Track 2 is a capacity-building track. It supports training and capacity building services for microenterprise development organizations (MDOs), microenterprise development programs, or groups and collaboratives of such organizations, with the goal of expanding and improving the services they provide.
How is Track 2 different from Track 1?
Track 1 primarily funds direct client training and technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Track 2 primarily funds efforts that strengthen the organizations delivering microenterprise services, improving institutional effectiveness, scalability, and service quality across a local or regional support ecosystem.
What type of award does SBA provide under PRIME?
Funding is provided through cooperative agreements. This typically indicates a more engaged relationship than a standard grant, potentially including ongoing coordination, reporting, and federal involvement consistent with the terms of the award.
How many awards were anticipated?
The opportunity anticipated about 35 awards.
What is the estimated total funding amount for the program?
The estimated total program funding level was $5,000,000.
What is the minimum and maximum award size?
Individual award amounts range from a minimum (floor) of $50,000 to a maximum (ceiling) of $250,000.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. A cost-sharing or matching requirement applies, so applicants must plan for non-federal contributions as part of the overall project budget.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include specialized entities involved in microenterprise development and support for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. This includes microenterprise development organizations (MDOs) or programs (or collaboratives) such as nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) or similar organizations with a demonstrated track record of delivering microenterprise services.
Are intermediaries allowed to apply?
Yes. The program allows applications from intermediaries (as defined in the announcement) that have experience delivering technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
Can a microenterprise development organization apply in partnership with government or a Tribe?
Yes. An MDO or program that is accountable to a local community may apply when working in conjunction with a state or local government or an Indian Tribe.
Can an Indian Tribe apply directly?
Yes. Indian Tribes may apply on their own if they can certify that no qualifying private organization or program exists within their jurisdiction.
What is the program looking for in proposed projects?
Proposed projects should be mission-driven and culturally competent, with services that reflect the demographics and needs of the local communities being served. The SBA emphasizes alignment with the PRIME Act purposes and delivery of effective, community-relevant programming.
What is the posting date for this opportunity?
The posting date was May 18, 2015.
What is the application deadline?
The application closing date was June 29, 2015 at 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time.
What is the archive date for the opportunity?
The archive date was July 1, 2015.
What is the CFDA number (Assistance Listing) for this program?
The assistance listing associated with this opportunity is CFDA 59.050 (PRIME Technical Assistance).
Who can applicants contact with questions?
The SBA listed the Community Advantage Division as the point of contact. Contact information included Jamie Davenport at PRIME@sba.gov, phone 202-205-7516, and Jamie.Davenport@SBA.gov.
What kinds of organizations are specifically mentioned as examples of eligible applicants?
The opportunity specifically mentions microenterprise development organizations or programs (or collaboratives), including nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) or similar organizations with a demonstrated track record of delivering microenterprise services.
What is the official program announcement identifier?
The opportunity was announced under Program Announcement No. PRIME 2015 01.
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Small Business Administration
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Business and Commerce
Next opportunity: OVC FY 15 Services for Family Members of Victims of Kidnapping and Hostage Taking and Returned Hostages
Previous opportunity: Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Landscape Conservation Cooperative
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 PRIME 2015 01
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PRIME 2015 01) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant Apply for RDBCP SDGG 2015 Funding Number: RDBCP SDGG 2015 Agency: Business and Cooperative Programs Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $175,000 |
| Capacity Building to Aid the Government of Guyana in Achieving Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Candidacy. Apply for WHA 15 GR 004 WHA GUYANA 05272015 Funding Number: WHA 15 GR 004 WHA GUYANA 05272015 Agency: Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $297,000 |
| Office of Small Business Development Centers Apply for OSBDC 2016 01 Funding Number: OSBDC 2016 01 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $6,500,000 |
| Office of Small Business Development Centers Apply for OSBDC 2016 02 Funding Number: OSBDC 2016 02 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $6,500,000 |
| Native American Micro Enterprise Business Services NAEBS Apply for ONAA 7J 2015 01 Funding Number: ONAA 7J 2015 01 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $234,000 |
| Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) Apply for DLA PTAP OPTION FY16 Funding Number: DLA PTAP OPTION FY16 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| The ZRDA Activity in Georgia Apply for RFA 114 15 000014 Funding Number: RFA 114 15 000014 Agency: Georgia USAID Tbilisi Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| Office of Womens Business Ownership Program Announcement Apply for OWBO 2008 028 Funding Number: OWBO 2008 028 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Office of Womens Business Ownership Program Announcement Apply for OWBO 2008 029 Funding Number: OWBO 2008 029 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Office of Womens Business Ownership Program Announcement Apply for OWBO 2008 030 Funding Number: OWBO 2008 030 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| SBA Emerging 200 Initiative Apply for GCBD 2008 01 Funding Number: GCBD 2008 01 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Portable Assistance Project Apply for SBDC 2008 04 Funding Number: SBDC 2008 04 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Portable Assistance Project Apply for OSBDC 2008 04 Funding Number: OSBDC 2008 04 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Veterans Business Outreach Center Program Apply for VBOC 2008 003 Funding Number: VBOC 2008 003 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Womens Business Center Program Renewable Grant Apply for OWBO 2008 031 Funding Number: OWBO 2008 031 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Small Business Development Center Apply for OSBDC 2009 01 Funding Number: OSBDC 2009 01 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $5,820,330 |
| Small Business Development Center Apply for OSBDC 2009 02 Funding Number: OSBDC 2009 02 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $5,820,330 |
| Small Business Sustainability Initiative Apply for OSBDC 2008 06 Funding Number: OSBDC 2008 06 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| The Small National Information Clearinghouse Apply for OSBDC 2009 03 Funding Number: OSBDC 2009 03 Agency: Small Business Administration Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Afghan Womens Empowerment through a Sub Grant Umbrella Mechanism (AWESUM) Apply for RFA306 09 0500 Funding Number: RFA306 09 0500 Agency: Afghanistan USAID Kabul Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $26,300,000 |
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 "PRIME 2015 01", 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.