Opportunity Title:
SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
Funder/Agency:
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Description:
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting its 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC), which offers a total of more than $5M in prize awards to organizations seeking to foster a national innovation support ecosystem that advances small business research and development (R&D) from ideas to the commercial market. The application portal is now open.
Stage One offers $50,000 in cash prizes awarded to organizations for ecosystem-building activities, including recruitment of new partners, and strengthening existing alliances among stakeholders (including public, private, non-profit, and academic partners). Contestants work collaboratively with chosen partners to bring additional resources, deepen network connections, and develop strategies to support STEM/R&D-focused entrepreneurs and small businesses. SBA welcomes Stage One submissions from a broad range of organizations with a collaborative vision to nurture a national ecosystem for equitable access to entrepreneurship.
Applicants are asked to align their application with one of the following GAFC Theme Areas:
National and Economic Security, including but not limited to:
National Security and Defense
Artificial Intelligence
Microelectronics
Advanced Computing and Software
Quantum Computing
Human-Machine Interfaces
Other Critical and Emerging Technologies
Domestic Manufacturing and Production, including but not limited to:
Advanced Manufacturing R&D
Supply Chain Resiliency
Critical and Resilient Infrastructure
AgTech and Agricultural Innovation
Other Supply Chain, Infrastructure, and Manufacturing Technologies
Sustainability and Biotechnology, including but not limited to:
Energy and Sustainability
Biotechnology
Climate and Environment
Public Health
Renewable Energy Generation and Storage
Electric Vehicles
Blue Economy
Other Climate, Energy, and Life Science Technologies
Two information webinars will be held to support potential Stage One applicants. The webinars are free and open to the public.
GAFC Pre-Application Webinar: Goals, rules, and how to apply
Jan. 16, 2024 at 2:00pm EST
GAFC Theme Explanation Webinar: A deep-dive into the tech themes with experts from relevant federal agencies.
Jan. 31, 2024 at 2:00pm EST
Award Details:
Total Amount Available:
$5,000,000
Maximum Award:
$200,000
Minimum Award:
$50,000
Deadline:
February 16, 2024
The Stage 2 Submission Period will commence in June.
Grant Management Associates has years of experience with opportunities like this one. Contact us today for a consultation.