PROGRAM FOR INVESTMENT IN MICROENTREPRENEURS (PRIME) FY 2026

The Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME) FY 2026 is a grant funding opportunity administered by the Small Business Administration to support private non-profit microenterprise development organizations, state and local government programs, and Indian tribes in providing training, technical assistance, and capacity-building services to disadvantaged microentrepreneurs and microenterprise development organizations. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by 4:59 PM Eastern Time on August 6, 2026, using solicitation number SB-OCAPR-26-001, and are limited to entities with an active Unique Entity ID registered in SAM.gov. The funding is structured in two tracks: Track I awards range from $75,000 to $300,000, while Track II awards range from $75,000 to $400,000, with performance periods beginning TBA in 2026 and ending on September 29, 2027. Proposals are evaluated on a 115-point scale across five factors—Organizational Experience and Capacity, Project Design, Project Management, Collaboration and Leveraging of Resources, and Ability to Reach Special Target Markets—with additional deductions possible for poor reporting history; awards are made through a trade-off process based on highest score, not lowest price. Applicants must submit ten required attachments including a technical proposal capped at 15 pages, detailed budget worksheets with narrative justification, certification of matching funds, SBA Forms 1623, 1711, and 424B, a Cost Policy Statement, an ACH Vendor Form, a Drug-Free Workplace Agreement, and for Track II applicants, a sub-granting plan. Federal regulations prohibit the use of funds for religious activities, require compliance with financial reporting through SF-425, and mandate adherence to conflict of interest policies. Matching funds of at least 50% of the requested grant amount are required unless a formal waiver is granted with justification. Tribal applicants must submit a signed statement from an authorized official confirming no existing microenterprise development organizations operate within their jurisdiction, and applicants serving rural populations may earn bonus points using official county typology codes. All submissions must be made electronically through Grants.gov by an Authorized Organization Representative with current SAM registration, and no paper or alternative submission methods are accepted.