Apply for SBA WBC Modernization Initiative Lead Center Grant (US)

Deadline: 13-Sep-2026

The SBA WBC Modernization Initiative FY26 – Georgia provides funding to establish a statewide Lead Center that will coordinate a network of Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) and improve access to business support services for women entrepreneurs across Georgia. Eligible Georgia-based nonprofit organizations can apply for an award of up to $766,218, with cost sharing or matching required. What Is the SBA WBC Modernization Initiative FY26 – Georgia? The U.S.Small Business Administration (SBA) Women’s Business Centers (WBC) Modernization Initiative aims to strengthen and modernize the delivery of entrepreneurial support services in Georgia. The FY26 Georgia initiative introduces a Lead Center Model supported by a network of Service Centers. The Lead Center will coordinate statewide services and help ensure that women entrepreneurs receive consistent, accessible, and integrated business assistance regardless of where they are located in Georgia. Integrated services responsive to local business needs. Better coordination between the Lead Center and Service Centers. Funding Amount

The funding opportunity provides:

Maximum award: $766,218

Minimum award: $1

Cost sharing/matching: Required

Funding purpose: Establishment and operation of a Lead Center coordinating Georgia’s WBC network.

The requested budget should be realistic and directly connected to the proposed Lead Center model and statewide service delivery responsibilities. Why It Matters Women entrepreneurs often need multiple types of assistance, including business planning, financing, marketing, technical support, and growth strategies. A coordinated WBC network can reduce fragmentation by connecting these services through a statewide system. The Lead Center model is intended to: Improve coordination among WBCs. Expand access to business resources. Reduce gaps in service coverage. Support equitable resource distribution. Strengthen services for women business owners. Create a more integrated statewide entrepreneurship ecosystem. What Is the Lead Center Model? Under this initiative, the Lead Center serves as the central coordinating organization for Georgia’s Women’s Business Centers. The Lead Center is expected to work with Service Centers to create an integrated statewide approach.

Its responsibilities may include:

Coordinating the WBC network. Designing a statewide service delivery strategy. Aligning resources across participating centers. Identifying service gaps. Supporting consistent programming. Improving access to entrepreneurship resources. Responding to regional and population-based needs. Promoting collaboration among WBC partners. The model is intended to combine statewide coordination with locally responsive services. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements: Be a nonprofit organization. Have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Be located in Georgia. Be able to serve as the Lead Center for the state. Be capable of coordinating a statewide network of Women’s Business Centers. Be able to meet the required cost-sharing or matching requirements. Who Is Not Eligible? Institutions of higher education are excluded from eligibility under this opportunity. Organizations that do not have the required 501(c)(3) status or cannot operate as a statewide Lead Center should not apply as the lead applicant. What Will the Lead Center Do? The selected organization will have a statewide coordination role rather than simply delivering services in one local area.

Key responsibilities include:

Developing an integrated service delivery approach. Coordinating participating Service Centers. Ensuring statewide coverage. Aligning WBC resources with local needs. Supporting women entrepreneurs across different communities. Promoting equitable distribution of resources based on population. Building a coordinated network capable of delivering comprehensive business services. How to Apply Organizations considering this opportunity should approach the application as a statewide network-building proposal, rather than as a conventional local business-support project.

1. Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Verify that the organization:

Is a Georgia-based nonprofit. Has 501(c)(3) status. Is not an institution of higher education. Has the capacity to coordinate a statewide WBC network.

2. Develop a Statewide Service Strategy

Explain how the proposed Lead Center will coordinate services throughout Georgia.

Purpose: Establish a statewide Lead Center for Women’s Business Centers

Maximum award: $766,218

Minimum award: $1

Matching: Required

Lead applicant: Georgia-based nonprofit organization

Required status: 501(c)(3)

Institutions of higher education: Not eligible

Primary beneficiaries: Women entrepreneurs and business owners in Georgia

Model: Lead Center + Service Center network

Frequently Asked Questions What is the SBA WBC Modernization Initiative FY26 – Georgia? It is an SBA funding opportunity designed to establish a Lead Center that coordinates a statewide network of Women’s Business Centers and provides integrated entrepreneurship services across Georgia. How much funding is available? The award ceiling is $766,218, while the stated award floor is $1. Cost sharing or matching is required. Who can apply? Georgia-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, other than institutions of higher education, can apply if they have the capacity to serve as the state’s Lead Center. Can a university apply? No. Institutions of higher education are excluded from eligibility under this funding opportunity. What is the Lead Center responsible for? The Lead Center will coordinate the Women’s Business Center network, design an integrated statewide service model, align resources, improve service coverage, and ensure that business support responds to the needs of women entrepreneurs throughout Georgia. Does the applicant need to provide matching funds? Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required under the funding opportunity. What