StartUP Lab: U.S.-Albania Economic Leadership Innovation Exchange

The StartUP Lab: U.S.-Albania Economic Leadership and Innovation Exchange is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. This program is designed to advance U.S. economic interests abroad by strengthening commercial ties between the United States and Albania, while promoting American business standards, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The initiative builds upon the Embassy’s ongoing public diplomacy and economic engagement strategies, particularly through its American Corners network, which has historically delivered entrepreneurship and workforce development programming to Albanian youth. The core purpose of this funding opportunity is to transform American Corners located in Tirana, Vlora, and Kukes into active entrepreneurship incubators. The selected implementing partner will design and execute a structured program that connects 60 to 75 Albanian entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 40 with U.S. business expertise, mentors, and exchange program alumni. The program will include a series of monthly workshops covering key business development topics such as financial planning, product development, marketing strategies, legal frameworks, and scaling operations. These workshops will be supplemented by hybrid sessions that connect participants across all three locations and provide exposure to U.S. industry professionals. Funding for this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement mechanism, with a total available funding pool of 53400 dollars and a single anticipated award ranging from 10000 to 53400 dollars. The project performance period is expected to last between 9 and 12 months, with an anticipated start date in October 2026. Funds are intended to support programmatic costs such as personnel, travel, supplies, workshops, and contractual services. However, the funding cannot be used for construction, direct social services, political activities, religious programming, fundraising campaigns, or commercial profit-driven initiatives. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, allowing applicants flexibility in structuring their budgets. Eligibility for this grant is limited to non-profit U.S. and Albanian organizations, including think tanks and civil society organizations, as well as individual applicants. For-profit entities are explicitly excluded from serving as prime recipients, although they may participate as subcontractors. Organizations must have a valid Unique Entity Identifier and active registration in SAM.gov unless exempt, while individuals are not subject to these requirements. Applicants must also demonstrate the capacity to manage federal funds and comply with all administrative and reporting requirements associated with U.S. government grants. The application process requires submission of several mandatory components, including federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed narrative proposal and budget justification. The proposal must outline the project’s objectives, implementation strategy, timeline, key personnel, and monitoring and evaluation plan. Additional documentation such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of non-profit status must also be included. Applications must be submitted electronically via email, and all materials must be in English and denominated in U.S. dollars. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation approach, and sustainability. The review process involves an initial eligibility screening followed by evaluation by a technical review panel. Successful applicants will be notified within approximately 120 days after the application deadline. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes, including the development of market-ready business plans and the launch of startups that prioritize U.S. partnerships and technologies. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is August 20, 2026, at 1159 pm Central European Time. Questions must be submitted by August 17, 2026, and responses will be shared publicly. The program is not described as recurring, indicating a single-cycle opportunity. For inquiries, applicants may contact the Embassy via the provided program email. Overall, this grant represents a strategic effort to foster entrepreneurship, strengthen bilateral economic ties, and position American Corners as long-term hubs for innovation and commercial collaboration.

Align proposal with U.S. foreign policy priorities; provide clear measurable objectives; ensure detailed and justified budget; demonstrate organizational capacity