Opportunity Information: Apply for 72029421RFA00002
The Small and Medium Enterprise Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Activity is a USAID West Bank and Gaza funding opportunity designed to help Palestinian small and medium enterprises recover from the economic shock of the COVID-19 crisis and move beyond short-term stabilization toward longer-term growth. The core idea behind SMART is to combine hands-on technical assistance with targeted grants so that SMEs can regain productivity, restart or expand operations, and improve their ability to compete in local and regional markets. By strengthening business performance and helping firms adjust to post-pandemic realities, the activity is intended to support broader economic growth and increase self-reliance across the West Bank and Gaza.
This opportunity was released by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), West Bank and Gaza mission, under Funding Opportunity Number 72029421RFA00002. It falls under the discretionary category and will be funded through a cooperative agreement, which typically means USAID expects substantial involvement in shaping, guiding, and collaborating during implementation rather than simply issuing funds with minimal oversight. The activity category is listed as “Other,” indicating the work does not fit neatly into a single standard program box and is instead defined by the specific objectives described in the notice.
SMART is structured around practical support to businesses, with the program description emphasizing rapid recovery and a clear transition to revitalization. In practice, this kind of package often includes advisory services to address operational bottlenecks, improve management and financial practices, strengthen market linkages, and adapt products or business models to changed conditions. The grant component is meant to complement that advisory support by enabling firms to make the investments needed to implement changes, restore capacity, and pursue growth opportunities. The expected results highlighted in the description include helping SMEs regain productivity, grow, and expand, which together feed into higher employment, stronger value chains, and more resilient local economies.
The award parameters indicate a single anticipated award with an award ceiling of $19,000,000, suggesting a relatively large, mission-level activity implemented by one prime recipient that would likely manage a combination of direct assistance, sub-awards, and business-facing grant mechanisms. The listing includes CFDA number 98.001, which is commonly associated with USAID foreign assistance. Eligibility is noted as “Others,” with additional eligibility details referenced in the original solicitation, meaning applicants would have needed to consult the full announcement to confirm the specific organizational types allowed and any restrictions or special requirements.
Key dates in the notice show the opportunity was created on May 5, 2021, with an original closing date of June 10, 2021. Overall, SMART is framed as a post-COVID economic recovery and transition effort focused on Palestinian SMEs, using a blended approach of technical support and grant funding to accelerate recovery, enable expansion, and promote sustained economic growth and self-reliance in the West Bank and Gaza.Apply for 72029421RFA00002
- The Agency for International Development, West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Small and Medium Enterprise Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Activity" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 05, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 10, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $19,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
SMART (Small and Medium Enterprise Assistance for Recovery and Transition) Activity - FAQs
1) What is the SMART Activity?
The Small and Medium Enterprise Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Activity is a USAID West Bank and Gaza funding opportunity designed to help Palestinian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) recover from the economic shock of the COVID-19 crisis and transition from short-term stabilization to longer-term growth.
2) What problem is this opportunity intended to address?
SMART is intended to address the economic disruption caused by COVID-19 by helping SMEs regain productivity, restart or expand operations, and strengthen their competitiveness in local and regional markets.
3) Who is the funder for this opportunity?
The opportunity was released by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), West Bank and Gaza mission.
4) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is 72029421RFA00002.
5) What type of funding instrument will be used?
The opportunity will be funded through a cooperative agreement. This typically means USAID expects substantial involvement in implementation, including shaping, guiding, and collaborating during the activity, rather than providing funds with minimal oversight.
6) Is this a discretionary or mandatory funding opportunity?
This opportunity is listed under the discretionary category.
7) What is the activity category for SMART?
The activity category is listed as "Other," meaning the work is defined by the specific objectives in the notice rather than fitting into a single standard program category.
8) What is the core approach SMART uses to support SMEs?
SMART combines hands-on technical assistance with targeted grants. The technical support helps address business challenges and adapt to post-pandemic conditions, while the grant component helps firms make investments needed to restore capacity and pursue growth opportunities.
9) What kinds of technical assistance are described for SMART?
The description emphasizes practical, hands-on support that may include advisory services to address operational bottlenecks, improve management and financial practices, strengthen market linkages, and adapt products or business models to changed conditions.
10) How do the grants relate to the technical assistance?
The grant component is intended to complement advisory support by enabling SMEs to implement recommended changes, restore productivity, restart or expand operations, and invest in growth opportunities.
11) What outcomes is SMART expected to achieve for SMEs?
Expected results include helping SMEs regain productivity, grow, and expand operations, and improve their ability to compete in local and regional markets.
12) How does SMART connect to broader economic goals in the West Bank and Gaza?
By strengthening SME performance and supporting post-COVID recovery and transition, the activity is intended to contribute to broader economic growth and increased self-reliance across the West Bank and Gaza, including stronger value chains and more resilient local economies.
13) What is the anticipated award size or maximum funding amount?
The notice indicates a single anticipated award with an award ceiling of $19,000,000.
14) How many awards does USAID anticipate making under this opportunity?
The award parameters indicate a single anticipated award.
15) What does "single anticipated award" imply about implementation?
Based on the notice, a single prime recipient would likely implement a mission-level activity and manage components such as direct assistance, sub-awards, and business-facing grant mechanisms as part of delivering technical support and targeted grants to SMEs.
16) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The listing includes CFDA number 98.001, which is commonly associated with USAID foreign assistance.
17) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the original solicitation. Applicants would need to consult the full announcement for the specific eligible organization types and any restrictions or special requirements.
18) Is SMART focused on a specific geographic area?
Yes. SMART is a USAID West Bank and Gaza activity focused on supporting Palestinian SMEs in the West Bank and Gaza.
19) When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was created on May 5, 2021.
20) What was the original application deadline?
The original closing date listed in the notice was June 10, 2021.
21) What stage of business support does SMART emphasize?
The description emphasizes rapid recovery from COVID-19 impacts and a transition to revitalization and longer-term growth, rather than only short-term stabilization.
22) Does the notice describe specific sectors that SMART targets?
No specific sectors are listed in the information provided. The focus is broadly on Palestinian SMEs recovering and transitioning to growth.
23) Does the notice specify the size of individual grants to SMEs?
No. The information provided describes a targeted grant component but does not specify individual SME grant sizes, terms, or selection criteria.
24) Does the notice explain how SMEs will be selected for support?
No selection process details are included in the information provided. The description focuses on the overall program approach and expected results.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative - Dementia Capability in Indian Country
Previous opportunity: HBCU Research Center of Excellence
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 72029421RFA00002
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (72029421RFA00002) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Women’s Risk and Need Assessment (WRNA) Apply for 21CS16 Funding Number: 21CS16 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $94,020 |
| FY 2022 International Airport Arrival and Departure Program Apply for SFOP0008093 Funding Number: SFOP0008093 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $448,860 |
| Judicial Counterterrorism Development Project in Iraq Apply for SFOP0008066 Funding Number: SFOP0008066 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $987,654 |
| Better Lives for Mes Enfants Activity Apply for 72068521RFA00009 Funding Number: 72068521RFA00009 Agency: Agency for International Development, Senegal USAID-Dakar Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,340,000 |
| Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Cybersecurity Capacity Building Apply for DOS MHL FY21 001 Funding Number: DOS MHL FY21 001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to the Marshall Islands Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Democracy Commission Small Grants Program Apply for STX 100 TM 21 GR0001 Funding Number: STX 100 TM 21 GR0001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Turkmenistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Media Activity, Liberia Apply for 72066921RFA00002 Funding Number: 72066921RFA00002 Agency: Agency for International Development, Liberia USAID-Monrovia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $11,500,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) Apply for DHS 21 DAD 024 00 01 Funding Number: DHS 21 DAD 024 00 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DRL Supporting Peaceful Elections in Kenya Apply for SFOP0008085 Funding Number: SFOP0008085 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Bold Initiatives Small Grant Program Apply for 008 FY2021 Funding Number: 008 FY2021 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| Supporting Peaceful Elections in Ethiopia Apply for SFOP0007583 Funding Number: SFOP0007583 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| The Road to Global Entrepreneurship Week Apply for PAUPDFY21004 Funding Number: PAUPDFY21004 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Jerusalem Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $70,000 |
| U.S. Consulate General Tijuana Public Affairs Section Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS TIJ FY21 01 Funding Number: PAS TIJ FY21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mexico Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| PAS Belgrade_Program Support for Speakers Program (FY2021) Apply for SRB10021FO007 Funding Number: SRB10021FO007 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Serbia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program – Small Grants Apply for AFMDG SSH 21 01 Funding Number: AFMDG SSH 21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Madagascar Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Media Small Grants Program Apply for STATE BISHKEK PAS 21 0005 Funding Number: STATE BISHKEK PAS 21 0005 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Kyrgyzstan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| U.S. Consulate General Surabaya PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS SURABAYA FY21 01 Funding Number: PAS SURABAYA FY21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Indonesia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| PEPFAR Small Grants: National Level Coordination of Community -led Feedback Program Apply for PSG MBA FY21 01 Funding Number: PSG MBA FY21 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Eswatini Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Bold Small Grants Mentoring Program Apply for 009 FY2021 Funding Number: 009 FY2021 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Ambassador's Special Self Help Program Apply for SSH MBA FY30 01 Funding Number: SSH MBA FY30 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Eswatini Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $9,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "72029421RFA00002", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.