Opportunity Information: Apply for MBDA OBD 2023 2007775
The 2023 MBDA Capital Readiness Program is a competitive, discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Commerce, administered through the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The program is focused on narrowing the entrepreneurship and capital-access gap between socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) and entrepreneurs who are not considered SEDI. In practical terms, the government is looking to fund an organization that can help SEDI-owned businesses become more prepared to pursue and secure capital, whether those businesses are just getting started or are trying to scale.
This opportunity will fund technical assistance for entrepreneurs seeking different types of financing. The assistance is meant to help business owners strengthen their readiness to apply for funding, improve the quality of their capital applications, and better understand financing options. A key emphasis is on supporting SEDI-owned businesses that are connected to, or interested in, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) capital programs. The notice also makes clear that the program may support businesses pursuing other government-backed small business programs, not only SSBCI, as long as the purpose aligns with helping small businesses access capital.
The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which generally means the agency expects to have substantial involvement during the project period compared to a standard grant. Applicants should be prepared for a closer working relationship with MBDA, including coordination, reporting, and ongoing communication tied to the program goals and performance expectations.
There is one anticipated award under this notice, with a maximum award amount (ceiling) of $3,000,000. Because only one award is expected, the competition is effectively for a single organization to serve as the lead implementer of the program at the scale proposed in its application. The assistance model, delivery capacity, and demonstrated expertise of the applicant organization will matter a lot, since MBDA is effectively selecting one entity to run the initiative under this funding round.
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement. That framing typically signals MBDA is open to applications from a range of organizational types (for example, certain nonprofits, educational institutions, or other qualified entities), provided they can show they have the expertise and capacity to deliver high-quality, capital-readiness technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The opportunity is identified by Funding Opportunity Number MBDA OBD 2023 2007775 and CFDA (now often referred to as Assistance Listing) 11.802. The notice was posted on December 21, 2022, and the application deadline was February 28, 2023, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications were required to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants were instructed to secure a Grants.gov account and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) early because those registration steps can take multiple weeks. Applications submitted after the deadline were not to be reviewed or considered.
Overall, this grant opportunity is about building a strong pipeline of SEDI entrepreneurs who are genuinely ready for capital, especially those engaging with SSBCI and other public small business support programs. The funded organization is expected to provide practical, hands-on support that improves entrepreneurs' ability to navigate capital programs, assemble credible applications, and pursue financing in a way that increases approvals and successful outcomes over time.Apply for MBDA OBD 2023 2007775
- The Department of Commerce in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "2023 MBDA Capital Readiness Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.802.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 21, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 28, 2023 Application Deadline Due February 28, 2023, by 1159 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered. Applications will only be accepted electronically through http://www.grants.gov (Grants.gov). Applicants are advised to register for a Grants.gov username and password and apply for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number as soon as possible, as the process can take multiple weeks and both are required to apply.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $3,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: 2023 MBDA Capital Readiness Program (MBDA OBD 2023 2007775)
What is the 2023 MBDA Capital Readiness Program?
The 2023 MBDA Capital Readiness Program is a competitive, discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Commerce, administered by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). It is designed to fund an organization that can deliver capital-readiness technical assistance to help entrepreneurs, especially SEDI-owned businesses, become better prepared to pursue and secure financing.
What problem is this program trying to address?
The program focuses on narrowing the entrepreneurship and capital-access gap between socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) and entrepreneurs who are not considered SEDI. In practice, it aims to help SEDI entrepreneurs strengthen their readiness for capital so they can successfully navigate financing options and submit stronger funding applications.
Who is the program intended to serve?
The program is aimed at SEDI-owned businesses and entrepreneurs who need support to become "capital ready," whether they are just starting out or seeking to scale. A specific emphasis is placed on SEDI-owned businesses that are connected to, or interested in, State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) capital programs.
What types of support or services are expected to be funded?
The award is intended to fund technical assistance that helps entrepreneurs seeking different types of financing. The support is meant to improve business owners' readiness to apply for capital, enhance the quality of their capital applications, and increase understanding of financing options.
Is the assistance limited only to SSBCI-related financing?
No. While a key emphasis is supporting SEDI-owned businesses connected to or interested in SSBCI capital programs, the notice also indicates the program may support businesses pursuing other government-backed small business programs, as long as the purpose aligns with helping small businesses access capital.
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. This typically means MBDA expects substantial involvement during the project period, including coordination, reporting, and ongoing communication tied to program goals and performance expectations.
How is a cooperative agreement different from a standard grant in this context?
Based on the notice description, a cooperative agreement signals a closer working relationship with MBDA than a standard grant, with the agency having substantial involvement during the project period. Applicants should be prepared for more active coordination and reporting connected to performance expectations.
How many awards does MBDA anticipate making under this notice?
MBDA anticipated making one award under this funding opportunity.
What is the maximum funding amount available?
The maximum award amount (the ceiling) is $3,000,000.
What does it mean that there is only one anticipated award?
Because only one award is expected, the competition is effectively for a single organization to serve as the lead implementer at the scale proposed in its application. The applicant's assistance model, delivery capacity, and demonstrated expertise are especially important since MBDA is selecting one entity to run the initiative under this funding round.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement. This generally indicates MBDA is open to a range of organizational types (such as certain nonprofits, educational institutions, or other qualified entities) as long as they can demonstrate the expertise and capacity to deliver high-quality, capital-readiness technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
What agency is offering and administering the program?
The program is offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce and administered through the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?
The Funding Opportunity Number is MBDA OBD 2023 2007775.
What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number?
The CFDA (now often referred to as the Assistance Listing) is 11.802.
When was the opportunity posted?
The notice was posted on December 21, 2022.
What was the application deadline?
The application deadline was February 28, 2023, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
How were applications required to be submitted?
Applications were required to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.
What registrations or identifiers were applicants told to obtain?
Applicants were instructed to secure a Grants.gov account and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The notice emphasized doing this early because registration steps can take multiple weeks.
What happened if an application was submitted after the deadline?
Applications submitted after the deadline were not to be reviewed or considered.
What kinds of businesses are expected to benefit from the funded project?
The funded organization is expected to build a strong pipeline of SEDI entrepreneurs who are ready for capital. The program is intended to result in entrepreneurs being better able to navigate capital programs, assemble credible applications, and pursue financing in ways that improve approval rates and successful outcomes over time.
What should an applicant organization be prepared to demonstrate?
Given that only one award is anticipated, the applicant organization should be prepared to demonstrate a strong technical assistance model, the delivery capacity to operate at the proposed scale, and proven expertise in helping entrepreneurs and small businesses become capital ready, including support connected to SSBCI capital programs.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: FY 2023 Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders from Pakistan on Comparative Public Policymaking
Previous opportunity: VAU PAS FY2023 Request for Statements of Interest: Annual Program Statement
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for MBDA OBD 2023 2007775
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (MBDA OBD 2023 2007775) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| DRL FY22 MENA Regional Child Rights Programs - Statements of Interest Apply for SFOP0009290 Funding Number: SFOP0009290 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Apply for PDS CHISINAU FY23 03 Funding Number: PDS CHISINAU FY23 03 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Moldova Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Supporting Local Governance and Essential Services in Syria Apply for SFOP0009292 Funding Number: SFOP0009292 Agency: Department of State, Assistance Coordination Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Julia Taft Refugee Fund – Georgia Apply for DOS GEO FY23 001 122022 Funding Number: DOS GEO FY23 001 122022 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Georgia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| FY 2022 Julia Taft Refugee Fund Apply for 0002 Funding Number: 0002 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ukraine Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| DRL FY22: Global Equality Fund LGBTQI+ Programs Apply for SFOP0009294 Funding Number: SFOP0009294 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| PEPFAR Zambia 2024 Small Grants NOFO Apply for PEPFAR ZM 2024 SMALL GRANTS Funding Number: PEPFAR ZM 2024 SMALL GRANTS Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Zambia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Complementary Response Small Grants Program (CRSGP) to Support Ukrainian Refugees Apply for POL LH500 FY23 01 Funding Number: POL LH500 FY23 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Lithuania Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Reg. SALW & Advanced Conventional Weapons Traffick. Training Apply for SFOP0009299 Funding Number: SFOP0009299 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,950,617 |
| Countering Malign Exploitation Indonesia’s Critical Dual-use Apply for SFOP0009298 Funding Number: SFOP0009298 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,481,481 |
| Jordan Licensing and SEZ Outreach Apply for SFOP0009301 Funding Number: SFOP0009301 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $592,593 |
| Addressing WB6 Trade and Security Gaps Apply for SFOP0009300 Funding Number: SFOP0009300 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $395,062 |
| Strengthening Strategic Trade Controls in North Africa Apply for SFOP0009307 Funding Number: SFOP0009307 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $888,889 |
| N. AF Border Management Academy Apply for SFOP0009306 Funding Number: SFOP0009306 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $888,889 |
| EXBS Balkans Logistics and SME Support Apply for SFOP0009309 Funding Number: SFOP0009309 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,220,001 |
| Kenya Persistent Ariel Surveillance Project Apply for SFOP0009308 Funding Number: SFOP0009308 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $395,062 |
| Develop. CBRNE Capabilities Panama’s Border Security Academy Apply for SFOP0009303 Funding Number: SFOP0009303 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $345,679 |
| Advancing Strategic Trade Management in SE Asia Apply for SFOP0009302 Funding Number: SFOP0009302 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,481,481 |
| Support for Libyan Customs College Apply for SFOP0009305 Funding Number: SFOP0009305 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $987,654 |
| Advancing Strategic Trade Controls in Latin America Apply for SFOP0009304 Funding Number: SFOP0009304 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,172,840 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "MBDA OBD 2023 2007775", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.