ONAA 7J-TCU Manufacturing NOFO FY2026

The Tribal College and University Manufacturing E2G Grant Initiative is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration through its Office of Native American Affairs. The program operates under the authority of the Small Business Act section 7(j) and is part of the Empower to Grow program, which focuses on delivering management and technical assistance to underserved small businesses. This initiative is specifically designed to strengthen economic opportunities for Native American communities by supporting institutions that can deliver workforce development and manufacturing training. The Office of Native American Affairs has a longstanding mission to expand access to entrepreneurial development tools for Native American populations, including American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, and this program builds upon that mission by targeting manufacturing capacity and workforce readiness. The primary purpose of this grant initiative is to fund Tribal Colleges and Universities, tribal-serving institutions, community colleges located on or near tribal lands, and trade or vocational schools that serve tribal communities. These institutions are expected to design and deliver innovative, hands-on, in-person manufacturing training and technical assistance programs. The program emphasizes rapid reskilling of employees and support for small businesses that are eligible for SBA programs such as 8(a) and HUBZone. The initiative aims to address workforce shortages, operational inefficiencies, and barriers to accessing contract opportunities, while also strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem within Native American communities. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support activities such as workforce training in technical manufacturing skills, business development services, financial management training, and assistance with accessing capital. Allowable uses include training in operating machinery, quality control, industrial software, safety practices, and other manufacturing-related competencies. The program also encourages services that support business formation, financial planning, and contract readiness. However, funds must be used strictly for approved project purposes and must meet federal cost principles for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness. There are also restrictions, such as limiting contractor or consultant costs to no more than forty nine percent of the total award. The total funding available for this initiative is up to ten million dollars, with the expectation that up to five awards will be made. Each award will support a project period of twelve months, beginning within thirty days of the award date. There is no matching requirement for applicants. The program strongly encourages leveraging partnerships with SBA district offices, federal and local agencies, educational institutions, and private sector organizations to maximize the impact of the funding and avoid duplication of existing services. Award recipients will be subject to oversight by SBA officials and must comply with federal reporting and administrative requirements. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to specific types of institutions that serve Native American communities. Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of continuous operation, experience providing hands-on manufacturing or skilled labor training, and the capacity to deliver technical assistance to small businesses. Ineligible applicants include those with unresolved federal financial obligations, recent bankruptcy filings, or prior grant performance issues. Applicants must also demonstrate organizational infrastructure, financial management systems, and staffing capacity sufficient to operate the program effectively. The application process requires submission through the Grants.gov portal and includes several required components such as a cover letter, technical proposal, budget forms, and supporting documentation. The technical proposal must detail the applicant’s experience, proposed training methods, project goals, evaluation strategies, and staffing plan. Applications are evaluated based on organizational capacity, project management, design, collaboration, and ability to reach target populations. The SBA may request clarifications during the review process but does not guarantee funding as a result of such interactions. The application timeline for this funding opportunity opened on July twenty fourth, two thousand twenty six, and closes on August twenty fourth, two thousand twenty six, at eleven fifty nine p.m. Eastern Time. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. SBA also offers informational webinars during the application period. Selected applicants will receive formal notification, and awardees must comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including quarterly financial and performance reports. The program is not explicitly described as recurring, and future funding is contingent on congressional appropriations and program performance outcomes.

Emphasize measurable outcomes workforce placement and business impact; demonstrate strong partnerships and leveraging of resources; provide detailed and innovative training methodologies; ensure compliance with federal cost and reporting requirements