Top Federal Grants Every SBDC Should Know About
How to Secure Long-Term Funding for Advisor Training and Client Education
Across the United States, federal agencies fund millions of dollars every year for training, technical assistance, and small business capacity building. These programs are open to SBDCs, universities, and nonprofit partners that support entrepreneurs. If your center wants to fund long-term access to Clear Path to Cash and other advisor development tools, start here.
1. SBA Portable Assistance Program
Who it helps: SBDC Lead Centers serving communities facing serious economic conditions.
Funding range: Up to $100,000 per award, typically about ten awards nationwide when funded.
Use cases: Special projects, outreach, counseling, workshops, and third-party training tools for affected businesses.
- SBDC Portable Assistance Program Announcement (SBA)
- SBA Office of Small Business Development Centers
2. SBA PRIME (Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs)
Who it helps: Organizations and SBDCs that train disadvantaged or low-income entrepreneurs.
Funding range: $50,000 to $250,000 per grant, about $7 million total annually. Match required.
Use cases: Financial literacy, cash-flow education, curriculum licensing, advisor training.
3. MBDA Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship Education Program
Who it helps: Minority-Serving Institutions and partners.
Funding range: About $500,000 per year for up to four years.
Use cases: Entrepreneurship curriculum and implementation, including licensed training content.
- MBDA Press Release: 2025 Technical Assistance Programs
- Grants.gov Listing: Parren J. Mitchell Program
- FY 2025 NOFO PDF
4. MBDA Women’s Entrepreneurship Program
Who it helps: Nonprofit organizations serving minority women entrepreneurs.
Funding range: Generally $200,000 to $400,000 per year, multi-year.
Use cases: Training, counseling, mentorship, financial education, curriculum licenses.
- MBDA Press Release: 2025 Technical Assistance Programs
- Grants.gov Listing: MBDA Women’s Entrepreneurship Program
5. MBDA Rural Business Center Program
Who it helps: Minority-Serving Institutions serving rural communities.
Funding range: About $400,000 per year for up to five years.
Use cases: Rural technical assistance, capacity building, licensed training programs.
- MBDA Press Release: 2025 Technical Assistance Programs
- Opportunity Listing: MBDA Rural Business Center Program
6. USDA Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)
Who it helps: Public bodies, nonprofits, and Tribal entities that support small businesses in rural areas.
Funding range: Commonly $30,000 to $150,000. Larger multi-region projects possible.
Use cases: Business training, financial education, technical assistance, advisor development.
Why Federal Funding Matters for SBDCs
Each of these programs supports the same mission: helping small businesses build the financial skills they need to survive and grow. Clear Path to Cash aligns with that mission by giving advisors a practical, repeatable framework to teach cash-flow management and decision making.
Take Action
Many programs open between January and May each year. Position your proposal now.
Book a call with Cash Flow Mike to plan how to integrate Clear Path to Cash into your next federal grant:
Resources and Links
- SBA Grants Overview
- SBA Office of Small Business Development Centers
- MBDA Funding Opportunities
- USDA Business Programs
