ONAA 7J-TCU Manufacturing NOFO FY2026 | SB OEDNA 26 001

FAQs: ONAA 7J-TCU Manufacturing NOFO FY2026 (SBA)

1) What is the ONAA 7J-TCU Manufacturing NOFO FY2026?

It is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to expand practical manufacturing training and manufacturing-related technical assistance for small businesses that qualify for the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program and/or are HUBZone-eligible.

2) Which SBA program is this funding associated with?

The funding sits under the SBA's Empower to Grow Program, which was previously known as the 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance Program.

3) What is the main goal of this grant opportunity?

The main goal is to fund organizations that can deliver innovative, hands-on, in-person manufacturing training that quickly reskills or upskills workers, strengthening manufacturing capabilities and competitiveness for targeted small businesses, especially those connected to or operating near Tribal communities.

4) Who is the SBA trying to help through the funded programs?

The intended beneficiaries are small businesses that are SBA 8(a) program participants and/or HUBZone-eligible, with an emphasis on businesses connected to or operating near Tribal communities.

5) What kinds of activities does the SBA want funded organizations to deliver?

The SBA is looking for practical manufacturing training and manufacturing-related technical assistance. The description emphasizes hands-on, in-person delivery and real-world, shop-floor relevant instruction, including equipment-based training and direct technical support.

6) Does the NOFO emphasize in-person training over online training?

Yes. The opportunity repeatedly emphasizes "hands-on" and "in-person" training and support, signaling a priority for practical instruction beyond online coursework or general business advising.

7) Is this funding a grant or a contract?

This opportunity is a grant, not a contract.

8) What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $5,000,000.

9) How many awards does the SBA expect to make?

The SBA expects to make about five awards.

10) What types of institutions are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include tribal-serving education and training providers closely tied to Tribal communities and Tribal lands, including:

• Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) as defined under the Higher Education Act (Section 316)
• Community colleges located on or near tribal or Indian lands (as defined in federal statute)
• Trade or vocational schools that primarily serve federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Native villages or organizations (as defined under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act), or Native Hawaiian communities
• Other tribal-serving institutions that already have established manufacturing or skilled labor training programs

11) Are applicants required to have existing manufacturing or skilled labor programs?

Yes. The opportunity prioritizes tribal-serving institutions that already have established manufacturing or skilled labor training programs.

12) Is there a minimum time the organization must have been operating?

Yes. Applicants are expected to have existed continuously for at least the past three years.

13) What experience does an applicant need to demonstrate?

Applicants are expected to have a track record of delivering hands-on, in-person technical assistance, tools, or training connected to manufacturing or skilled labor, and to demonstrate that experience on a regional or national basis (not limited to a very small local pilot).

14) What does "operational capacity" mean in the context of this NOFO?

Applicants should be able to show they can staff, equip, manage, and execute manufacturing-related training and technical assistance programs that directly support small businesses and their workers in a structured, measurable way.

15) What kinds of outcomes is the SBA trying to drive for small businesses?

The NOFO is focused on improving manufacturing capabilities, productivity, and competitiveness, and helping 8(a) and HUBZone-eligible firms strengthen readiness to compete for opportunities through immediately usable training and technical support.

16) Is this opportunity specifically focused on Tribal communities?

Yes. The opportunity is designed specifically for education and training providers closely tied to Tribal communities and Tribal lands, with a strong emphasis on building manufacturing talent pipelines in and near Tribal lands.

17) What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The opportunity is classified under the Education funding activity category.

18) What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number?

The CFDA/Assistance Listing is 59.007.

19) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is SB OEDNA 26 001.

20) What is the official title of the opportunity?

The title is ONAA 7J-TCU Manufacturing NOFO FY2026.

21) When is the application closing date?

The application closing date listed is August 24, 2026 (original closing date).

22) When was the opportunity record created?

The opportunity record shows a creation date of July 24, 2026.

23) What is the overall focus of the NOFO in plain terms?

In plain terms, the SBA wants to invest in tribal-serving institutions that can deliver fast, practical reskilling and upskilling and manufacturing-focused technical assistance that small manufacturers can use immediately, especially in and near Tribal communities.