Opportunity Information: Apply for SB OEDWB 26 003
The SBA WBC Modernization Initiative FY26 - Georgia (Funding Opportunity Number: SB OEDWB 26 003) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity from the U.S. Small Business Administration focused on updating and better coordinating Women s Business Center services across the state of Georgia. The core goal is to fund a modernization and alignment effort that improves how entrepreneurial support is delivered, making it more consistent statewide and better matched to local needs. Rather than funding multiple independent centers in a fragmented way, the SBA is using a Lead Center Model where one Lead Center will coordinate a network of Service Centers, creating a more integrated system for outreach, training, advising, and other business assistance.
The award is structured as a Cooperative Agreement, which typically means the SBA expects substantial involvement during the project period compared with a standard grant. In practical terms, the selected organization should be prepared to work closely with the SBA on implementation, performance expectations, reporting, and ongoing alignment with program priorities. The funded project sits within the Business and Commerce activity category and is associated with CFDA (Assistance Listing) 59.043.
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that hold 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, excluding institutions of higher education. This competition is restricted to Georgia to support a more population-balanced distribution of funding. The applicant that is selected must be located in Georgia and will serve as the statewide Lead Center for the initiative. Only one award is expected, meaning the competition is effectively to choose a single Lead Center organization that will design and run the statewide approach and coordinate the supporting Service Center network.
The selected awardee will be responsible for designing and executing an integrated service delivery strategy that ensures comprehensive coverage across Georgia. That includes building a coordinated model that reduces gaps or duplicative services, aligns resources with the realities of local entrepreneurs, and creates a clearer, more connected pathway for women entrepreneurs to access assistance. The emphasis on modernization and alignment suggests a strong focus on consistent service standards, coordinated referral and partner relationships, and a statewide plan that demonstrates how different regions and communities will be served through the Lead Center and its Service Centers.
Key funding details include an award ceiling of $766,218, with one anticipated award. The opportunity was created on 2026-08-13, and the original closing date for submissions is 2026-09-13.Apply for SB OEDWB 26 003
- The Small Business Administration in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "SBA WBC Modernization Initiative FY26 - Georgia" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 59.043.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-08-13.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-09-13. (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 $766,218.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
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FAQs: SBA WBC Modernization Initiative FY26 - Georgia (SB OEDWB 26 003)
What is the SBA WBC Modernization Initiative FY26 - Georgia opportunity?
This is a discretionary federal grant opportunity from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to modernize and better coordinate Women s Business Center (WBC) services across the state of Georgia. The goal is to improve how entrepreneurial support is delivered so services are more consistent statewide while still fitting local needs.
What is the main purpose of this funding?
The core purpose is to fund a modernization and alignment effort that improves statewide delivery of outreach, training, advising, and other business assistance for women entrepreneurs. A key theme is reducing fragmentation by organizing services under a coordinated statewide approach.
How does the Lead Center Model work in this opportunity?
Rather than funding multiple independent centers operating separately, the SBA will select one Lead Center to coordinate a network of Service Centers across Georgia. The Lead Center is expected to create an integrated system for service delivery, coordination, and statewide coverage.
How many awards will be made?
Only one award is anticipated. This competition is effectively selecting a single organization to serve as the statewide Lead Center for Georgia.
What is the maximum amount of funding available?
The award ceiling is $766,218.
What type of award is this?
The award is structured as a Cooperative Agreement. This typically indicates the SBA expects substantial involvement during the project period compared with a standard grant, including close coordination on implementation, performance expectations, reporting, and alignment with program priorities.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is SB OEDWB 26 003.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this program?
The associated Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 59.043.
What activity category does this opportunity fall under?
This opportunity is categorized under Business and Commerce.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that hold 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. Institutions of higher education are not eligible under this opportunity.
Is this opportunity limited to applicants in a specific location?
Yes. This competition is restricted to Georgia. The selected applicant must be located in Georgia and will serve as the statewide Lead Center.
Why is the competition restricted to Georgia?
The restriction is intended to support a more population-balanced distribution of funding and to establish a statewide coordination model for Georgia.
What would the selected Lead Center be responsible for?
The selected awardee will be responsible for designing and executing an integrated service delivery strategy that ensures comprehensive coverage across Georgia. This includes coordinating a statewide model through a network of Service Centers, reducing gaps and duplicative services, aligning resources with local entrepreneurial realities, and creating a clearer pathway for women entrepreneurs to access assistance.
What types of services are expected to be coordinated under this initiative?
The initiative emphasizes a coordinated system for outreach, training, advising, and other forms of business assistance delivered through the Lead Center and its Service Centers.
What does modernization and alignment mean in the context of this opportunity?
Based on the opportunity description, modernization and alignment refers to improving consistency of service delivery statewide while matching services to local needs. It also points to consistent service standards, coordinated referral and partner relationships, and a statewide plan showing how different regions and communities will be served through the Lead Center and Service Centers.
When was this funding opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on 2026-08-13.
What is the application deadline?
The original closing date for submissions is 2026-09-13.
What does it mean that this is a discretionary federal grant opportunity?
It is a competitive federal funding opportunity where applicants are selected through a competition process, and only one award is expected for this Georgia statewide Lead Center role.
Does the opportunity fund multiple independent Women s Business Centers in Georgia?
No. The stated approach is to avoid funding multiple independent centers in a fragmented way. Instead, SBA is using a Lead Center Model where one Lead Center coordinates a network of Service Centers to form a more integrated statewide system.
What is the expected geographic scope of service delivery?
The scope is statewide across Georgia, with the Lead Center responsible for a strategy that provides comprehensive coverage across regions and communities through its Service Center network.
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