Strengthening U.S. Market Mastery and Investment Ties (SUMMIT)

The Strengthening U.S. Market Mastery and Investment Ties (SUMMIT) program is a federal funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Embassy Amman under the U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy Section. This initiative is funded through FY Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and is designed to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities by strengthening economic relationships between Jordan and the United States. The program focuses specifically on building the capacity of Jordanian entrepreneurs to successfully engage with and invest in the U.S. market through established Department of Commerce initiatives such as SelectUSA and the SelectUSA Investment Summit. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to support the implementation of a structured, two-phase program targeting 15 Jordan-based entrepreneurs operating in high-impact sectors aligned with U.S. strategic interests. These sectors include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, telecommunications, energy, and other innovation-driven industries. The first phase consists of a 10-week readiness and capacity-building program aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks required to navigate U.S. market entry, business practices, and partnership development. The second phase involves a competitive selection of five participants who will travel to the United States for a three-week investment promotion and business engagement program, culminating in participation in the SelectUSA Investment Summit. Funding for this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. Embassy will maintain substantial involvement throughout program implementation. The total available funding is approximately 500,000 dollars, with individual award amounts ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 dollars. Only one award is anticipated. The period of performance is expected to last between 12 and 24 months, with projects required to be completed within a maximum of 24 months. The anticipated project start date is October 1, following the award process. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, civil society organizations, think tanks, and public or private educational institutions based in the United States or Jordan. For-profit entities are explicitly excluded from serving as the primary applicant, although subcontracting is permitted. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required and may strengthen an application during the review process. Applicants must also meet federal requirements such as obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining active registration in SAM.gov. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF-424 and related budget documentation, along with a detailed proposal not exceeding ten pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, staffing plan, partnerships, sustainability approach, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Additional required components include a detailed line-item budget and a budget justification narrative. Supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status must also be included. Applications must be submitted via email to the U.S. Embassy Amman by July 15 at 5:00 p.m. local time in Amman. Submissions through Grants.gov are not accepted. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria including program quality, organizational capacity, implementation planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, sustainability, and cost sharing. Applicants can expect notification within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Overall, the SUMMIT program aims to strengthen long-term commercial ties between Jordan and the United States by enabling high-potential entrepreneurs to access U.S. markets, develop partnerships, and contribute to economic growth. The program also emphasizes visibility and communications, requiring participants to publicly promote their engagement with U.S. opportunities and highlight program outcomes through digital and outreach efforts.

Align proposal closely with U.S. foreign policy priorities; provide detailed and feasible implementation plan; include strong monitoring and evaluation framework; demonstrate organizational capacity and past performance