Program For Investment In Microentrepreneurs (PRIME) Fy 2026

The Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME) is administered by the Small Business Administration, a federal agency responsible for supporting small businesses, entrepreneurship, and economic development across the United States. This program is designed to strengthen the capacity of organizations that serve disadvantaged microentrepreneurs, particularly those who face barriers to accessing traditional financial services or business development resources. The initiative reflects the agency’s broader mission to foster economic opportunity, job creation, and inclusive business growth through targeted technical assistance and capacity-building support. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support microenterprise development organizations, intermediaries, and eligible tribal entities in delivering technical assistance and training to disadvantaged entrepreneurs. These services may include business counseling, financial literacy education, access to capital preparation, and operational guidance for early-stage or underserved small business owners. The program also allows for funding to support organizations that assist other microenterprise development programs, thereby expanding the overall ecosystem of support for microentrepreneurs. Funding under this opportunity is provided through grants, with individual awards ranging from seventy five thousand dollars to four hundred thousand dollars. While total program funding is not explicitly stated, the opportunity anticipates approximately twenty seven awards. Recipients are expected to use funds strictly for allowable activities related to technical assistance and microenterprise development. A cost sharing or matching requirement is mandated, indicating that applicants must contribute non federal resources to complement the awarded funds. Specific allowable uses and restrictions are governed by program guidelines, ensuring that federal funds are not used for prohibited activities such as explicitly religious programming or discriminatory practices. Eligibility for the program is broad but targeted toward organizations with demonstrated experience serving disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and certain intermediaries or collaborative entities. Applicants must demonstrate a track record in delivering microenterprise services or technical assistance. Collaborative applications are permitted, provided that each participating entity independently meets eligibility criteria. Religious organizations may apply but must comply with strict limitations regarding the separation of federally funded activities from religious practices. The application process requires submission through the Grants.gov platform by the stated deadline. Applicants are expected to prepare and submit a complete proposal that outlines their organizational qualifications, proposed activities, and intended outcomes. While specific application components are not detailed in the summary, typical requirements include narrative descriptions, budget justifications, and documentation of eligibility. There is no indication of a pre application requirement such as a letter of intent, suggesting a single stage submission process. The timeline for this opportunity includes a posting date in early July and a firm application deadline in early August of the same year. Applicants must ensure timely submission by the closing date, as late applications are not accepted. Although award notification timelines and project performance periods are not explicitly provided, federal grant cycles typically involve a review period followed by award announcements and subsequent project implementation phases. There is no explicit indication that this opportunity is recurring, though similar programs may be offered periodically depending on federal appropriations and program priorities. For support during the application process, applicants may contact the Grants.gov Contact Center, which provides technical assistance related to accessing and submitting applications through the federal grants portal. The contact center operates continuously except for federal holidays and can be reached via phone or email. Applicants encountering issues with the announcement or submission system are encouraged to seek assistance promptly to avoid delays in their application process.