Promoting Economic Prosperity with America

Total Amount Available: $50,000

Open to ROK-Based Organizations Only. 

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Executive Summary

The U.S. Embassy Seoul is pleased to announce the “Promoting Economic Prosperity with America” Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), a program focusing on strengthening America’s position as the preferred economic partner in key Korean cities where American Spaces are located. This initiative aims to engage young (age 25 – 39) Korean entrepreneurs through project development, industry-focused networking events, and showcasing success stories from key American industries.

The Embassy seeks a grantee to design and implement a comprehensive 10-12 month program that includes participant selection, needs assessment activities, lecture series, and networking events. The program will feature a minimum of 20 sessions over the course of the 10–12 months, conducted in close collaboration with the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section and American Corner staff. The grantee will recruit at least 36 participants from across the six American Spaces in the Republic of Korea, ensuring balanced representation across economic sectors. Participants will be selected through a competitive, merit-based process.

Strong preference will be given to proposals that include participants from outside the Seoul metropolitan region and utilize our American Corners (located in Busan, Gangneung, Gwangju, Jeju and Pyeongtaek) in addition to the American Diplomacy House in Seoul.

Goals and Objectives

Proposals must include an American element or connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions and should clearly explain the applicants’ previous experience.

Purpose of the Program

The “Promoting Economic Prosperity with America” program aims to strengthen America’s position as Koreans’ preferred partner in economic sectors. The program will expose young entrepreneurs to American leadership and business values and sector-specific insights, equipping them to pursue their own business or entrepreneurial initiatives.

 The program aims to foster the development of a network of emerging professionals and entrepreneurs by equipping them with the skills, resources, and connections rooted in American business practices and leadership principles. Through tailored mentorship and targeted industry briefings in sectors such as tourism, technology, and scientific research, participants gain critical insights into U.S. business models, innovation strategies, and leadership approaches, strengthening ties with American industries and driving mutual success.

Objectives

• Promote U.S. Innovation and Leadership: Increase participants' understanding of how American values and leadership drive advancements in sectors such as tourism, technology, and scientific research.
• Conduct Tailored Community Needs Assessment: Develop customized programs based on local community priorities
• Enable Participants to Develop Their Own Initiatives: Empower young professionals to launch or refine their ventures by providing skills, resources, and access to innovative tools and success stories rooted in American technology, culture, and/or business connections.
• Increase Preference for U.S. Partnerships: Showcase the benefits of collaborating with the United States in science, technology, and innovation, while emphasizing the disadvantages of partnerships with competitors.

Key Activities

• Interactive Workshops: Led by experts from key American industries, these sessions will provide participants with hands-on learning opportunities and insights into emerging trends
• Networking Events: Designed to facilitate meaningful connections, these events will allow participants to network with one another, as well as engage with American business representatives
• Coaching Sessions: Tailored sessions designed to instill American business and leadership principles, focusing on strategic career planning, professional growth, and the development of skills aligned with U.S. business practices and innovation strategies.

·        APEC-focused Component: A dedicated session exploring APEC priorities and their impact on regional economic integration and innovation.

• Kick-off and Closing Ceremonies: Opening and concluding events to build community, set expectations and celebrate accomplishments, and foster ongoing engagement

Grantee Expectations

• Funding and Location: U.S. Embassy Seoul is seeking an organization to receive up to $50,000 to implement the “Enterprise for a Stronger U.S.” program at the American Spaces ROK Network, including American Diplomacy House in Seoul and American Corners in Busan, Gangneung, Gwangju, Jeju, or Pyeongtaek.

• Program Delivery:

o  Host at least three full-group sessions where all selected participants from all six American Spaces across the country come together (including the kick-off and closing sessions), and at least three in-person sessions at each American Space

o  The following component should be included in the program:

- Minimum of 3 interactive workshops

- Minimum of 1 networking session

- Minimum of 2 coaching sessions

- 1 APEC-focused discussion session

- Kick-off and closing ceremony

• Content Development:  In consultation with the Public Diplomacy Section at U.S. Embassy Seoul, select program topics, design content, and carry out the sessions accordingly.
• Reporting and Evaluation: Provide regular progress reports and evaluations to the Public Diplomacy Section to ensure the grantee is meeting program objectives.
• Community Engagement: Actively engage with local communities to promote participation and foster mutual understanding.

Substantial Involvement:

The U.S. Embassy Seoul’s Public Diplomacy Section will remain substantially involved throughout the program. Embassy involvement will include the following:

• Coordination and Support: The American Diplomacy House coordinator at the Embassy and American Corner coordinators at host institutions will serve as key partners, offering support to ensure smooth implementation. The Public Diplomacy Section will provide procedural guidance and ensure alignment with State Department priorities. 
• Resource Provision:  The embassy will provide relevant Office of American Spaces resources.

·        Monitoring and Evaluation: The embassy will oversee program implementation, assess outcomes, and report on the program’s effectiveness in meeting its goals and objectives.

Note: Not mandatory, but you may use the templates provided here:

Proposal Template / Budget Template

All application materials must be submitted by email to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov