Opportunity Information: Apply for SB OCAPR 26 001
The PROGRAM FOR INVESTMENT IN MICROENTREPRENEURS (PRIME) FY 2026 grant is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) designed to strengthen support systems for disadvantaged microentrepreneurs. The core goal is to fund organizations that provide hands-on assistance and guidance to very small business owners, as well as to build the capacity of microenterprise development organizations that serve those entrepreneurs. In practical terms, the program targets on-the-ground training, coaching, technical assistance, and related microenterprise support services that help disadvantaged entrepreneurs start, stabilize, or grow microbusinesses.
Eligible applicants center on mission-driven, community-based providers with a proven ability to deliver microenterprise services. This includes private, nonprofit microenterprise development organizations (including nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions or similar entities) that can show a track record of serving disadvantaged entrepreneurs. It also includes intermediaries (as defined in the solicitation) that have experience providing technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs, and community-accountable microenterprise programs that work in conjunction with state or local governments or federally recognized Indian tribes. Federally recognized Indian tribes may apply directly, and a tribe may apply on its own specifically if it can certify that no qualifying private microenterprise organization or program exists within its jurisdiction. Nonprofit eligibility covers both organizations with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (in both cases, other than institutions of higher education). Applicants may apply as a single organization or as part of a Collaborative, but every member of a Collaborative must independently meet the PRIME eligibility requirements rather than relying on another partner's qualifications.
The announcement also clarifies restrictions for religious organizations. If a religious organization is an applicant or partner, it may not use direct federal funds to support or engage in explicitly religious activities. Any explicitly religious activities must be separated from federally funded activities by time or location, and the organization may not discriminate against program beneficiaries or prospective beneficiaries based on religion or religious belief. The solicitation points applicants to additional guidance (referenced as Section 4.1.5 in the notice) on how to document eligibility and comply with these requirements.
From a funding and timing standpoint, the opportunity is listed under the "Business and Commerce" activity category and uses the grant instrument type. The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 59.050. The opportunity number is SB OCAPR 26 001. The SBA expects to make about 27 awards, with an award ceiling of $400,000 per award. The opportunity was created on 2026-07-15, and the original application closing date is 2026-08-12.Apply for SB OCAPR 26 001
- The Small Business Administration in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "PROGRAM FOR INVESTMENT IN MICROENTREPRENEURS (PRIME) FY 2026" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 59.050.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-07-15.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-08-12. (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 $400,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 27 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
PRIME FY 2026 Grant (SBA) - FAQs
What is the PRIME FY 2026 grant opportunity?
The PROGRAM FOR INVESTMENT IN MICROENTREPRENEURS (PRIME) FY 2026 grant is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) intended to strengthen support systems for disadvantaged microentrepreneurs by funding hands-on microenterprise assistance and by building the capacity of organizations that deliver those services.
What is the main purpose of PRIME funding?
The core goal is to fund organizations that provide hands-on assistance and guidance to very small business owners and to strengthen the capacity of microenterprise development organizations that serve disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
What kinds of activities does PRIME focus on supporting?
Based on the notice, PRIME targets on-the-ground microenterprise support services such as training, coaching, technical assistance, and related guidance that helps disadvantaged entrepreneurs start, stabilize, or grow microbusinesses.
Who is PRIME intended to help?
The program is designed to strengthen support for disadvantaged microentrepreneurs and very small business owners by improving access to practical assistance and guidance through community-based providers.
Who can apply for PRIME funding?
Eligible applicants include mission-driven, community-based providers with a demonstrated ability to deliver microenterprise services. The announcement highlights private, nonprofit microenterprise development organizations (including nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions or similar entities), eligible intermediaries (as defined in the solicitation), community-accountable microenterprise programs working with state/local governments or federally recognized Indian tribes, and federally recognized Indian tribes (with specific conditions described in the notice).
Are nonprofit organizations eligible if they do not have 501(c)(3) status?
Yes. The eligibility description includes nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, in both cases other than institutions of higher education.
Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply?
The eligibility language specifies nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status) "other than institutions of higher education," indicating that institutions of higher education are excluded under the nonprofit eligibility category described in the notice.
Can a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) apply?
Yes. The notice explicitly includes nonprofit microenterprise development organizations, including nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) or similar entities, as eligible applicants if they can demonstrate a track record of serving disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
What is meant by an "intermediary" in this opportunity?
The announcement states that intermediaries (as defined in the solicitation) are eligible if they have experience providing technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs. The specific definition of intermediary is referenced as being in the solicitation.
Can federally recognized Indian tribes apply directly?
Yes. Federally recognized Indian tribes may apply directly under this opportunity.
When may a tribe apply on its own under PRIME?
A federally recognized Indian tribe may apply on its own specifically if it can certify that no qualifying private microenterprise organization or program exists within its jurisdiction.
Can applicants apply as a group or partnership?
Yes. Applicants may apply as a single organization or as part of a Collaborative.
If applying as a Collaborative, do all partners need to be eligible?
Yes. The notice states that every member of a Collaborative must independently meet the PRIME eligibility requirements and cannot rely on another partner's qualifications to qualify.
What restrictions apply to religious organizations that apply or participate as partners?
If a religious organization is an applicant or partner, it may not use direct federal funds to support or engage in explicitly religious activities. Any explicitly religious activities must be separated from federally funded activities by time or location, and the organization may not discriminate against program beneficiaries or prospective beneficiaries based on religion or religious belief.
How should religious organizations handle explicitly religious activities if they are involved in a PRIME project?
The notice states that explicitly religious activities must be separated from federally funded activities by time or location, and direct federal funds cannot be used for explicitly religious activities.
Do religious organizations have to serve participants regardless of religious belief?
Yes. The solicitation states that the organization may not discriminate against program beneficiaries or prospective beneficiaries based on religion or religious belief.
Where does the notice point applicants for more guidance on documenting eligibility and compliance for religious organizations?
The announcement references additional guidance in Section 4.1.5 of the notice for how to document eligibility and comply with the stated requirements.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?
The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 59.050.
What is the opportunity number?
The opportunity number is SB OCAPR 26 001.
What type of funding instrument is being used?
The opportunity uses the grant instrument type.
How many awards does SBA expect to make?
The SBA expects to make about 27 awards.
What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling is $400,000 per award.
What activity category is this opportunity listed under?
The opportunity is listed under the "Business and Commerce" activity category.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on 2026-07-15.
What is the original application closing date?
The original application closing date is 2026-08-12.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Business and Commerce
Previous opportunity: English Language Exchange Programs: AI and Educational Technology Integration
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 SB OCAPR 26 001
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SB OCAPR 26 001) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Data Analytics & AI to Counter Global Diversion Apply for DFOP0018157 Funding Number: DFOP0018157 Agency: Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $5,901,000 |
| Pax Silica Artificial Intelligence Assistance Project Apply for DFOP0019193 Funding Number: DFOP0019193 Agency: Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Category: Business and Commerce Funding Amount: $50,000,000 |
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
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
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.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SB OCAPR 26 001", 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.