Women’s Business Center - Initial Phase Grant

A representative number of clients served by a WBC must be socially and economically disadvantaged.  The WBC may exist within the framework of a larger economic development organization and may make use of the resources provided by that organization but must be a clearly identifiable separate program or project of that entity.  The successful applicant will receive an award in the form of a cooperative agreement for the base period of 6-months.  Four additional option years of 12-months each may be exercised, subject to the availability of funding and the WBC's performance during the previous period/year.  Program authority is detailed in the Small Business Act, Sections 2(h) and 29 (15 U.S.C. Sections 631(h) and 656), as amended.  Non-Federal entities must provide non-Federal matching funds as follows:  one non-Federal dollar for each two Federal dollars for the base period and the first Option Year, and one non-Federal dollar for each Federal dollar for years three through five.  At least 50% of the non-Federal matching funds must be in the form of cash to include program income (e.g., fees generated from services).  The remaining 50% may be made up of in-kind contributions.