SBA Launches $100M Community Navigator Grant Program

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A new $100 million competitive grant program will focus on small businesses, with a priority on those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as well as women and veterans.

The Community Navigator Pilot Program is established by the American Rescue Plan. The goal is to help minority-owned businesses and mom-and-pops who were at the end of the line for previous rounds of economic relief last year, according to the SBA website. To reach these small businesses, the program will partner with organizations deeply rooted in the communities to strengthen outreach to the underserved businesses.

The Community Navigator Notice of Funding Opportunity is open to applications from nonprofits, state, local and tribal governments, SBA resource partners and other organizations. Selected partners will engage in targeted outreach for small businesses in underserved communities, according to a press release.

Grants will range from $1 million to $5 million for a two-year performance period, according to the release. Performance periods are expected to commence in September.

The SBA is accepting applications through July 12, and looks to make award decisions by August. Applicants can submit their applications to Grants.gov.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.