Women's Business Center- Initial Phase | SB OEDWB 21 003

Opportunity Information: Apply for SB OEDWB 21 003

The Women’s Business Center (WBC) Initial Phase funding opportunity (SBA FOA number SB OEDWB 21 003; CFDA 59.043) is a discretionary grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration designed to establish or support a Women’s Business Center serving the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The SBA intends to fund up to one awardee, with the goal of expanding entrepreneurial development services for women entrepreneurs, especially those who are socially and economically disadvantaged, in parts of Tulsa that are not currently covered by existing WBC service areas. In practice, this means the selected organization is expected to focus on outreach and service delivery where there is a gap in WBC coverage, rather than duplicating services already provided elsewhere.

Eligible applicants are private, non-profit organizations that can provide services to Tulsa and hold tax-exempt status (commonly 501(c), with the opportunity listing including nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and certain other nonprofit categories, as well as private institutions of higher education). The WBC can be housed within a larger economic development organization, but it must operate as a clearly identifiable, separate program or project, with its own defined services and accountability. The center’s client base must include a representative share of socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, reflecting the program’s emphasis on reducing barriers to business ownership and growth.

Funded activities center on technical assistance and entrepreneurial development for women at different stages, from aspiring (nascent) entrepreneurs to established business owners. The FOA highlights core assistance areas such as finance, management, and marketing, while also allowing for other forms of support described in the announcement. This typically covers advising, training, workshops, mentoring, and other capacity-building services that help clients start businesses, stabilize operations, access capital, improve financial management, strengthen marketing and sales, and navigate broader operational challenges.

The award structure is a 12-month base period with up to four additional 12-month option periods, creating the possibility of up to five years of support total. The option years are not automatic; they may be exercised based on two main factors: the availability of federal funding and the WBC’s performance during the prior year. The maximum federal funding amount listed is an award ceiling of $150,000, with one expected award.

A key condition of funding is the matching funds requirement. Non-federal entities must contribute non-federal match at a ratio of one non-federal dollar for every two federal dollars during the base year and the first option year, and then a dollar-for-dollar match (one non-federal dollar for each federal dollar) for years three through five. At least half of the required match must be cash, which can include program income such as fees generated from services. The remaining portion of the match may be met through in-kind contributions, such as donated space, volunteer time, or contributed professional services, consistent with applicable federal cost principles. The legal authority for the program is grounded in the Small Business Act (Sections 2(h) and 29; 15 U.S.C. 631(h) and 656, as amended).

Timing details in the source listing show the opportunity was created on August 3, 2021, with an original closing date of August 20, 2021.

• The Small Business Administration in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Women's Business Center- Initial Phase" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 59.043.
• This funding opportunity was created on Aug 03, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 20, 2021 No Explanation. (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 $150,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: 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, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for SB OEDWB 21 003

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