Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship Education Program

The Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency is soliciting applications for the Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship Education Program, with applications due June 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The program will award approximately $14.5 million across 7–10 grants ranging from $1.5 million to $2 million per award over a two-year performance period (September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2028). A mandatory 20% non-federal cost share applies, though MBDA may waive this requirement based on demonstrated substantial need.

Eligible applicants are limited to institutions of higher education: Historically Black Colleges or Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges or Universities, Alaska Native-serving institutions, Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, Predominantly Black Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, and Native American-serving nontribal institutions.

The program funds development and implementation of evidence-based curricula focused on practical entrepreneurship training covering business management, financial management, market analysis, strategic planning, and technology adoption. Applicants must address at least one of two priority areas: leveraging regional innovation clusters and assets, or supporting technology development and commercialization. Curricula must be available to any enrolled students at the grantee institution who are entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs.

Awards will be evaluated on project description (50 points), applicant capability (25 points), and project objectives, metrics, and implementation (25 points). Performance metrics must use MBDA's required core measures—Students Enrolled, Students Served, Educational Support Activities Delivered, Startup Outputs, and Advanced Stage Outputs—plus project-specific measures. Selected awardees must attend post-award webinars and submit semi-annual performance and financial reports.

The program falls under CFDA 11.802 (MBDA Specialty Center Program).