SBA extends deadline for Navigator program COVID relief applications

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced an extension of the deadline for small businesses to apply for financial assistance under the Community Navigator Pilot Program. SBA will now accept proposal submissions through July 23 with award decisions expected by September.

The Community Navigator Pilot Program, established under American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for pandemic relief, is designed to provide help for the nation’s smallest businesses, with a priority focus on those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as well as women and veterans.

“The SBA Community Navigator provides an opportunity for organizations to promote SBA programs and resources to support small businesses during their recovery,” said Marla Trollan, Utah’s SBA district director. “Our women, veteran and socially disadvantaged businesses often lack resources or don’t know how to easily access them. We will work closely with our partners to help the smallest of businesses and underserved entrepreneurs through this program.” 

“We have to meet small businesses where they are,” said Mark Madrid, SBA associate administrator for the Office for Entrepreneurial Development. “This program is designed to empower a hyperlocal approach through a national network of community navigators who are on the ground truly connecting, empathizing and tailoring solutions for our small businesses during critical recovery.”

The Community Navigator Program will have a significant impact in revitalizing small businesses through a hub and spoke “navigator” featuring a lead “hub” at the center of a network of “spoke” organizations that deploy community advocates to work with small businesses during recovery. These networks leverage the business development expertise of the central hub organization and the community credibility of spoke organizations to better connect critical resources with small businesses, with the priority focus on those owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Grant awards will range from $1 million to $5 million for a two-year performance period. Eligibility requirements and application procedures can be found at grants.gov, funding opportunity number CNP-2021-01.