ONAA 7J-TCU Manufacturing NOFO FY2026

The U.S. Small Business Administration is soliciting proposals under the Empower to Grow Program to support innovative, hands-on manufacturing training and technical assistance targeted at reskilling employees of 8(a) and HUBZone eligible small businesses. This opportunity is specifically designed for Tribal Colleges and Universities, Tribal Serving Institutions, Community Colleges located on or near Tribal Lands, and other trade schools in similar geographic areas, aiming to strengthen workforce capacity through in-person, practical education tailored to the needs of small manufacturers in underserved communities. Proposals should emphasize scalable, rapid reskilling models that directly enhance the competitiveness and operational efficiency of eligible small businesses through direct engagement and technical support. The funding opportunity, identified as ONAA 7J-TCU Manufacturing NOFO FY2026 with solicitation number SB-OEDNA-26-001, was posted on July 24, 2026, and responses are due by August 24, 2026. It falls under NAICS code 611519 for other technical and trade schools and is open to institutional applicants with demonstrated capacity to deliver workforce development programs on or near Tribal Lands. All proposals must align with the goals of the SBA’s 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance Program, now rebranded as Empower to Grow, to foster economic resilience in disadvantaged and Native communities. The point of contact for inquiries is the Small Business Administration, reachable through Grants.gov support channels, with no specific physical performance location designated beyond the requirement that training occur in proximity to Tribal Lands.