Simpler Grants.gov #AmericanSpacesStartUPLab-2026

Entrepreneurship Incubator Program for American Corners in Albania

The U.S. Department of State Embassy in Tirana is seeking proposals to implement the StartUP Lab program, designed to foster entrepreneurship in Albania. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of State, Embassy Tirana, Public Diplomacy Section - Program Overview: - Transform American Corners in Tirana, Vlora, and Kukes into entrepreneurship hubs - Target 60-75 Albanian entrepreneurs (ages 18-40) - Deliver a 12-month incubator curriculum with monthly in-person workshops and hybrid sessions - Provide structured mentorship from U.S. business leaders, experts, and alumni of U.S. government exchange programs - Culminate in a National StartUP Challenge, awarding seed funding to top business ideas - Products/Services Requested: - Implementation of a comprehensive entrepreneurship incubator program (no specific hardware or software products requested) - Management and delivery of workshops, mentorship, and challenge events - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Emphasis on U.S. business standards, technology, and partnerships - Open only to not-for-profit U.S. and Albanian organizations and individuals (for-profit entities excluded) - SAM.gov registration required for organizations - Excludes projects involving construction, religious, charitable, lobbying, or scientific research activities - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors named; focus is on leveraging U.S. business networks and expertise - Funding and Duration: - Total available funding: $10,000 to $53,400 - Project duration: 9-12 months

Description

The U.S. Department of State's Embassy Tirana announces a funding opportunity to implement the StartUP Lab program, which aims to advance U.S. economic interests by opening Albanian markets to U.S. goods and services, promoting American business standards, and strengthening partnerships in innovation and entrepreneurship. The program will transform American Corners in Tirana, Vlora, and Kukes into hubs connecting 60-75 Albanian entrepreneurs (ages 18-40) with American business expertise, mentors, and exchange alumni. Participants will complete a 12-month incubator program including monthly workshops and hybrid sessions, culminating in a National StartUP Challenge where top ideas receive seed funding. The project seeks to strengthen U.S.-Albania economic ties and create sustainable entrepreneurship hubs.

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