Capital Infusion Program (CIP) 2025-2026

The Capital Infusion Program (CIP) 2025/26 is administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), operating under the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). The program is specifically designed to support the five federally designated Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Networks within California. This program does not provide direct funding to small businesses. Instead, it allocates state funds to SBDC Lead Centers to assist them in meeting the cash match requirements necessary to draw down federal funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The total funding available for this round of CIP is $3 million, which is distributed among the SBDC Networks based on California’s 2020 Census population share. The primary objective of the CIP is to enable the SBDC Networks to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in California by improving their access to capital. These funds can be used for strategic initiatives such as loan readiness advising, product development, business acquisition, market expansion, and restructuring. The program encourages partnerships with other small business resource entities, including SCORE, Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), and other technical or capital assistance providers. Funds are to be used strictly for business advising services that are tied to achieving verifiable capital infusion milestones. All advising hours paid for by state or SBA-matched funds must be tagged accordingly for reporting. The grant will cover a one-year period beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026. Each region’s award ceiling is determined based on its share of the population. For example, Northern California may receive up to $951,680, while San Diego/Imperial Valley may apply for up to $263,920. The award requires a 1:1 match with SBA funds, which must be certified and tracked throughout the grant period. Applicants must ensure that expenditures reflect a cumulative 1:1 match by the end of the second and fourth quarters. Indirect costs are not allowable under this program. Only SBDC Lead Centers are eligible to apply for CIP funding. Each Lead Center must submit a consolidated application for its network and include a budget justification, a certification of SBA cash match, and additional required forms. Applications must be submitted through the designated online application platform by 4:59:59 PM PDT on August 8, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances, and applicants are encouraged to apply at least 48 hours in advance to avoid technical issues. Questions may be submitted via email to SBTAEP@gobiz.ca.gov with the subject “CIP 2025/26 RFP Questions.” Proposals will be evaluated based on the applicant’s approach to providing services, defined milestones, and metrics. Required documents include a proposal narrative, budget spreadsheet, signed forms (STD.204, STD.21), and match certification. Applicants are expected to report performance metrics quarterly and submit both mid-year and annual narrative reports. Performance reports must document advising activities and client outcomes, including the number and dollar amount of loans, equity investments, and other capital raised. Important dates for this opportunity include a Data Model Introduction Webinar on July 17, 2025, the grant application deadline on August 8, 2025, and the program start date on October 1, 2025. Notifications of intent to award will be issued by September 8, 2025, with agreements finalized between September 15–26, 2025. A mandatory reporting webinar will be held no later than November 13, 2025. CalOSBA reserves the right to audit any grantee and may modify awarded budgets if necessary. All reports and invoicing must be submitted electronically through the designated Grantee Portal.

Submit at least 48 hours early to prevent technical issues. Only use the online portal.