Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0008705
The Micro-Enterprise Reforms, Opportunities, and Growth in Iraq grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0008705) is a U.S. Department of State program administered through the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC). It is a discretionary grant focused on business and commerce, designed to stimulate entrepreneurial activity in Iraq by applying practical, innovative responses to economic challenges. The overall intent is to help Iraqi businesses move from small-scale, donor-dependent beginnings toward sustainable growth driven by market-based financing and stronger commercial linkages.
A central feature of the opportunity is its emphasis on reenergizing and better leveraging the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) discussions as a platform to unlock Iraq's economic potential. In practical terms, the project is expected to use TIFA-related engagement to help open doors to new markets, attract investment, and expand business opportunities for Iraqi firms. The grant frames TIFA not as a purely diplomatic or policy exercise, but as a mechanism that can be translated into concrete outcomes for the private sector, such as improved trade conditions, stronger investor confidence, and clearer pathways for Iraqi enterprises to connect with regional and international partners.
The program is specifically aimed at building pathways to growth for Iraqi Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). Rather than focusing mainly on startup creation or short-term business training, the opportunity highlights scaling and sustainability, especially by broadening sources of investment beyond donor-subsidized startup capital. A key expectation is that proposed activities will increase MSMEs' access to finance in ways that can catalyze real expansion, such as enabling firms to invest in equipment, inventory, hiring, compliance, quality improvements, and market entry. The underlying logic is that lasting enterprise growth in Iraq will require stronger financial channels and investment readiness, not only grants or subsidized seed funding.
From an implementation standpoint, the opportunity anticipates a single award with an award ceiling of $500,000 and an expected number of awards of one. The funding instrument is a grant, and the CFDA number is 19.600. The opportunity was created on March 8, 2022, with an original closing date of May 15, 2022. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with the note that applicants should consult the additional eligibility information in the full announcement for clarification, which typically means the competition may be open to a range of entities depending on program rules (for example, certain nonprofit organizations, institutions, or other qualified implementers).
In summary, this grant opportunity is structured around a clear economic development objective: energize entrepreneurship and private-sector growth in Iraq by pairing innovative programming with stronger trade and investment engagement, while helping MSMEs access finance and investment pathways that go beyond donor-driven startup models. The intended outcome is a more dynamic Iraqi MSME sector that can tap into new markets, attract investment, and grow on a more sustainable, commercially viable footing.Apply for SFOP0008705
- The Department of State, Assistance Coordination in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Micro-Enterprise Reforms, Opportunities, and Growth in Iraq" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.600.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 08, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 15, 2022. (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 $500,000.00 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).
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