FY 24 congressional community project funding university of maine system #2

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) awarded a $2,400,000 Congressional Grants program (CFDA 59.059) Project Grant to the University of Maine System (UMS) on October 1, 2024. The grant will fund small business development and entrepreneurship initiatives over a 2-year performance period ending September 30, 2026. Through this award, UMS will provide a range of services to support underserved entrepreneurial communities, including business counseling, technical assistance, workforce training, education services, facility upgrades, and community economic development projects. As a land-grant and sea-grant institution, UMS leverages its multidisciplinary research capabilities and partnerships to foster small business growth, with a focus on minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and economically disadvantaged enterprises. The award aligns with the Congressional Grants program's objective of addressing economic disparities and promoting equitable access to entrepreneurial opportunities across the United States.