The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the upcoming launch of the 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC). This initiative aims to support entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) that focus on innovation-driven startups and entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved regions, industries, and communities. The competition seeks to enhance ESO capacity, foster collaboration, and expand access to the innovation economy.

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman stated, "The 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition will build on SBA’s legacy of strengthening innovation ecosystems by deepening the incredible entrepreneur support organization partnerships we have on the ground in undercapitalized communities across the country that are providing resources to our nation’s innovators. This year’s competition will emphasize advancing America’s global leadership in critical industries and ensuring creative ideas make it to market."

The competition offers awards ranging from $75,000 to $150,000 across two stages. Stage One applications open on January 8, 2025. Organizations can win $75,000 by identifying challenges within their innovation ecosystems and proposing solutions aligned with one of two GAFC themes: lab-to-market or capital formation. Applications for Stage One close on January 31, 2025, with winners announced by April.

Stage Two allows eligible Stage One winners to compete for additional $150,000 awards aimed at scaling their proposed solutions. Winners for this stage will be announced by September 2025.

Interested parties can attend a pre-application webinar scheduled for January 9, 2025.

For more information about the guidelines and updates related to the competition or other SBA initiatives supporting small businesses and innovation-driven growth nationwide, visit www.sba.gov.