Deadline Date: January 11, 2026
The Empower Innovation Challenge offers a transformative opportunity for organizations across Central America to drive economic growth, strengthen small businesses, and expand innovation ecosystems.
Through this program, civil society organizations, NGOs, private universities, and non-profit institutions can receive support to design and implement creative, impactful solutions that help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises grow and thrive. With a focus on building competitiveness, fostering job creation, and providing training and business development tools, the initiative aims to uplift emerging economies throughout the region.
The challenge will award fifteen grants of $80,000 each, with a 14-month implementation period. All proposed projects must directly benefit one or more of the target countries: Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras. Eligible initiatives should support innovation in priority sectors such as agriculture, livestock, agribusiness, food and beverage, fishing, tourism, creative services, technology, light manufacturing, textiles, and logistics. By encouraging solutions tailored to local needs, the program seeks to stimulate long-term economic resilience and opportunity.
Selected organizations will become members of the Innovation and Impact Network, gaining access to a broader regional community dedicated to strengthening economic development. Membership offers collaboration opportunities, increased visibility, capacity-building support, and the chance to scale promising solutions. Through these connections, organizations can expand their impact and build stronger foundations for sustainable growth.
The program aims to identify project concepts with high potential to improve economic outcomes, strengthen workforces, and support business expansion across Central America and the Caribbean. Projects should contribute to integrating MSMEs into supply chains, particularly those linked to the United States, and provide targeted training and financing opportunities in both urban and rural communities. Capacity-building support from Tandem Global and other experts will enhance technical skills in areas such as access to capital, networking, and partnership development.
Eligible applicants must be legally registered organizations with at least three years of experience supporting MSMEs or managing collaborations with civil society and private sector partners. They must also maintain a permanent presence in one of the eligible countries and have a strong track record executing projects within the relevant sectors. For-profit entities may apply but must demonstrate that no economic gain will be made from the grant and that any revenue generated will directly benefit MSMEs. Organizations must complete the full online application and provide all required documentation.
A SAM.GOV Unique Entity Identifier is required for any organization receiving more than $30,000 in U.S. Government funding. Applicants who do not already have a UEI may obtain one after being selected. This requirement ensures compliance with federal funding standards and supports transparency in the grant process.
Overall, the Empower Innovation Challenge provides a powerful platform for organizations committed to strengthening MSMEs, fostering innovation, and building resilient economic ecosystems across Central America. By combining financial support with technical expertise and network-building, the program helps drive sustainable growth and lasting community impact.
For more information, visit Empower Innovation Challenge.
