SBA WBC Modernization Initiative FY26

The Women’s Business Center Program Modernization and Alignment initiative is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration through its Office of Women’s Business Ownership. The SBA has a longstanding mission to support small businesses through financial assistance, counseling, and technical support, and this program builds on that foundation by strengthening the national network of Women’s Business Centers. The initiative introduces a Lead Center Model designed to improve coordination, consistency, and reach of services across entire states or territories. It is focused on modernizing how services are delivered to entrepreneurs, particularly women-owned and underserved businesses. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish a statewide or territory-wide system of business support through a designated Lead Center and a network of Service Centers. The Lead Center will oversee program implementation, coordinate service delivery, and ensure that entrepreneurs receive comprehensive support including counseling, training, access to capital, and workforce development assistance. The initiative aims to expand access to services, especially in rural and underserved communities, while improving efficiency and reducing administrative burden across the network. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement structure, meaning the SBA maintains substantial involvement in oversight and program implementation. Awards are initially made for a 12 month base period with the potential for four additional 12 month continuation periods, totaling up to five years. Funding amounts vary by state based on a population driven formula, with awards ranging from 200000 to over 2000000. Recipients are required to provide non federal matching funds, with a 1 to 2 match ratio in early years and a 1 to 1 ratio in later years, ensuring shared investment in program outcomes. Eligible applicants must be private nonprofit organizations with 501c tax exempt status and demonstrated experience providing technical assistance and entrepreneurial development services. Applicants must be based in and serve one of the specified eligible states or territories, including Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, the Virgin Islands, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Organizations must also demonstrate strong financial management systems and the capacity to operate a statewide program with multiple service delivery sites. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple components such as a project abstract, technical proposal, detailed budget, certifications, and supporting documentation. The technical proposal must clearly outline the service delivery model, organizational capacity, partnerships, and evaluation plan. Applicants must also provide detailed financial justifications and demonstrate their ability to meet matching requirements. Applications are evaluated based on project design, organizational capability, data and evaluation plans, and budget appropriateness. Proposals are reviewed competitively and scored out of 100 points, with emphasis placed on the effectiveness of the proposed service model and the ability to maximize outcomes using available funds. The SBA conducts a risk assessment on top scoring applicants prior to award decisions. Selected applicants will receive formal notification and enter into a cooperative agreement with defined reporting, compliance, and performance requirements. The application deadline is August 10, 2026, with project start dates expected at the end of September 2026.

Emphasize statewide service delivery model and measurable outcomes; demonstrate strong partnerships and financial management capacity; align proposal with SBA priorities such as rural outreach and workforce development