FOR INVESTMENT IN MICROENTREPRENEURS (PRIME) FY 2026
🏛 Small Business Administration (SBA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofit microenterprise development organizations and programs serving disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Eligible applicants include private nonprofits, CDFIs, intermediaries, and government-run programs that have experience delivering microenterprise services. State/local/tribal governments and Indian tribes may apply directly or partner with nonprofits. Religious organizations may apply but cannot use federal funds for explicitly religious activities and must not discriminate based on religion. Applicants may apply individually or as part of a collaborative, and all collaborative members must meet eligibility requirements.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity is to invite proposals for funding from private, non- profit microenterprise development organizations; microenterprise development programs run by State/Local/Tribal Governments; or Indian tribes interested in providing assistance and guidance to disadvantaged microentrepreneurs and/or microenterprise development organizations for the purposes stated in this Announcement.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Private Foundation
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- CDFI
- Community Land Trust
- Nonprofits
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal Application for Grants and Cooperative Agreements)
- Project narrative describing services and target population
- Organizational capacity statement and track record documentation
- Budget narrative and detailed budget forms
- Cost-share commitment letters
- Organizational documentation (IRS 501(c)(3) letter or government charter)
- Résumés of key staff
Program contact
- 👤 Small Business Administration
- 📧 support@grants.gov
- 📞 202 619 0603
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 59.050 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$400,000
-
$400,000
-
$400,000
-
$400,000
-
$400,000
-
$400,000
-
$400,000
-
$400,000
-
$300,000
-
$300,000
Top States by Funding
- DC 10 awards $2.7M
- CA 6 awards $1.6M
- MN 6 awards $1.4M
- TX 3 awards $1.0M
- WA 5 awards $0.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 59.050). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $6,897,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for PRIME funding?
Nonprofit microenterprise development organizations, CDFIs, intermediaries, and government programs with experience serving disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Indian tribes may also apply independently.
What geographic areas does PRIME serve?
PRIME is a national program with no specific state restrictions. You can apply to serve your region or community.
Can religious organizations apply?
Yes, but federal funds cannot support explicitly religious activities. Religious organizations must keep funded programs separate from religious activities.
What award amounts are available?
Grants typically range from $75,000 to $400,000 depending on your organization's capacity and project scope.
Can nonprofits apply as part of a collaborative?
Yes, you can partner with other organizations. All partners must separately meet PRIME eligibility criteria.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate your track record serving disadvantaged microentrepreneurs with specific examples and outcome data.
- Show strong partnerships with local government, tribal entities, or other microenterprise programs to strengthen your application.
- Clearly outline how you'll provide technical assistance and business guidance tailored to your target population.
- Include a realistic cost-share commitment that shows community investment in your program's success.
- Align your proposed services with SBA priorities like job creation and economic development for underserved entrepreneurs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak documentation of past microenterprise service delivery or lack of measurable client outcomes. Underestimating the cost-share requirement or failing to secure formal commitments from matching fund sources. Vague service design that doesn't address specific barriers disadvantaged entrepreneurs face.
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