PROGRAM FOR INVESTMENT IN MICROENTREPRENEURS (PRIME)

The Small Business Administration is soliciting applications under the PROGRAM FOR INVESTMENT IN MICROENTREPRENEURS (PRIME) to establish a grant program aimed at supporting disadvantaged entrepreneurs and microenterprise development organizations through training, capacity building, and research into best practices. Applications are due by August 6, 2026, via Grants.gov under solicitation number SB-OCAPR-26-001, with award amounts ranging from $75,000 to $400,000 depending on the track—Track I focuses on direct service delivery while Track II allows subgranting of up to 95% of funds to nonprofit entities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate organizational experience and capacity, a well-designed project aligned with PRIME’s goals, and strong project management capabilities, with evaluation points weighted heavily toward these factors. Applicants must serve disadvantaged microentrepreneurs, including low-income and rural populations, and are prohibited from serving non-U.S. citizens. Key requirements include having a Unique Entity ID registered in SAM.gov, submitting audited financial statements, adhering to OMB cost principles, and providing a conflict of interest policy and cost policy statement. Subgranting is restricted to Track II applicants who must submit a detailed subgranting plan and limit administrative costs for subgrants to 7.5% of federal funds. Performance is required over a fixed 12-month period ending September 29, 2027, with quarterly financial and performance reports due via the SF-425 and GrantSolutions. Bonuses of up to 10 points are available for serving rural areas as defined by USDA county typology, and applicants with histories of late reporting may receive deductions. All proposals must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov with a technical proposal limited to 15 pages, excluding resumes and supporting documents, and include mandatory certifications such as drug-free workplace compliance and debarment assurances. No contract clauses, FOB terms, or physical delivery specifications apply, as this is a federal assistance program governed by grant administration rules under 2 CFR Part 200.