Small Business Development Centers in Central America

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The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) announces a Notification of Funding Opportunity to increase and expand Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in Central America. Subject to the availability of funds, WHA intends to issue an award in an amount not to exceed $1,188,118 in FY 2015 Economic Support Funds for a project period of up to three years.The United States SBDC model is designed to foster local and regional economic development through the support and expansion of small businesses. This support includes providing consultation, training, and other and resources to small businesses to enable job creation and retention. Since 2010, Central American governments have invested a significant amount of their own political and financial capital in replicating the U.S. model of SBDCs and adapting it within their countries. Central American countries have established 38 centers, usually hosted by universities in local communities This Small Business Development Center project will support technical assistance for strengthening and expanding the SBDC model in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. USAID will separately provide technical assistance for El Salvador’s network of SBDCs. Programs will incorporate efforts to facilitate equal access to training and advisory services for women entrepreneurs. Deadline for Receipt of Questions: June 13, 2016

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