Description
The SBA’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) CORE program invites existing SBDC Lead Centers to apply for a cooperative‑agreement grant for FY 2027. Up to 62 awards will be made, each ranging from $200,000 to $8.39 million, to fund a 12‑month period of business counseling, training, and technical assistance for small businesses and nascent entrepreneurs across the United States and U.S. territories. Recipients must match federal funds on a 1:1 basis (50 % cash) and comply with extensive reporting, performance‑metric, and oversight requirements. The award supports a network of Lead and Service Centers that deliver services such as capital access assistance, export counseling, veteran‑business support, women‑business services, and rural development initiatives.
• Eligibility: Only currently funded SBDC Lead Centers may apply.
• Funding: $140 million total, 62 awards, cooperative agreement (substantial SBA involvement).
• Match: 1:1 non‑federal match required (cash ≥ 50 %).
• Performance period: Jan 1 2027 – Dec 31 2027 (12 months).
• Key deliverables: counseling hours, training sessions, client‑outcome metrics (business starts, jobs created, capital infusion, etc.).
• Reporting: Semi‑annual and annual financial/programmatic reports, plus detailed milestones.
• Application deadline: Dec 3 2026; opening date Oct 21 2026.