New Grant Program: Community Navigator Pilot Program

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a Community Navigator Program to strengthen outreach to underserved communities by partnering with organizations with deep roots in their communities. Through this program SBA will engage with states, local governments, SBA resource partners, and other organizations in targeted outreach for small businesses underserved communities. This program reflects a $100 million investment, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to establish Community Navigator Programs for individuals with disabilities and/or in minority, immigrant, rural, and other underserved communities across the country. Competitive grant awards will range from $1 million to $5 million for a two-year performance period. Applicants have until July 12, 2021, to submit their applications at grants.gov. Performance periods are projected to commence in September 2021. The following organizations are eligible to apply for this program:

• State governments
• County governments
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• City or township governments

For more information on this program, review the SBA announcement page.