Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) funded through the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition provide focused assistance to STEM/R&D entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses. Often run by experienced entrepreneurs, ESOs help small businesses access seed capital, mentors, counseling, overhead services and networking opportunities. These organizations help accelerate a startup company’s path towards success with targeted advice on revenue growth, job growth and sourcing outside funding. Accelerators also work to ensure entrepreneurs and startups outside of established startup hubs can access needed resources.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Unrestricted by Individual Type
- Unrestricted by Entity Type
This competition is open to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of their submission of an entry (or teams of such individuals); and private entities, such as corporations or other organizations, both for profit and nonprofit, that are incorporated or organized in and maintain a primary place of business in the United States. Individuals submitting on behalf of corporations, nonprofits, or other organizations or groups of individuals (such as an academic class or other team) must meet the eligibility requirements for individual Contestants. Consult www.sba.gov/accelerators and www.sbir.gov/accelerators for further information.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Applicant is notified by an SBA official of award by letter or email.
Awardees must register through www.sam.gov as an entity with an active account to receive award.
Variable: Generally, 90 days from close of application period.
Program details & compliance
Description
Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) funded through the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition provide focused assistance to STEM/R&D entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses. Often run by experienced entrepreneurs, ESOs help small businesses access seed capital, mentors, counseling, overhead services and networking opportunities. These organizations help accelerate a startup company’s path towards success with targeted advice on revenue growth, job growth and sourcing outside funding. Accelerators also work to ensure entrepreneurs and startups outside of established startup hubs can access needed resources.
Mission Categories
Primary: Small Business
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Award funds are intended for accelerators and other entrepreneurial ecosystem models to fund operating budgets, not for direct investing in the entrepreneurs’ small businesses. For the purposes of this competition, Growth Accelerators include accelerators, incubators, co-working startup communities, or other models to accomplish similar goals. Consult the current funding opportunities, guidelines, or program announcements for complete information (www.sba.gov/accelerators).
Required Documentation
An SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Application must be completed online. Additional documentation may be included at the applicant’s discretion. Awardees must be registered as an entity through www.SAM.gov and have an active account. Consult www.sbir.gov/accelerators for further information on accessing the application. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87 and is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles.
Matching Requirements
This program has a statutory formula or matching requirements.
Awardees must demonstrate the ability to raise (or have plans to raise) a 4 to 1 match of funds awarded.