Technical Assistance Program (TAP) 2024-2025

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), under the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), administers the 2024/25 Technical Assistance Program (TAP), designed to support small business technical assistance centers across California. With total funding of $23 million, TAP aims to improve business development resources and services for entrepreneurs and small business owners, with a focus on underserved populations. This state-funded initiative was established under the California Small Business Development Technical Assistance Act of 2022, evolving from the Technical Assistance Expansion Program (TAEP) created in 2018. The program supports confidential, one-on-one consulting and training through established technical assistance centers. The program's objectives include expanding services to underserved business groups—such as women, people of color, veterans, and those in low-wealth, rural, or disaster-impacted communities. Eligible services funded by TAP encompass business planning, capital readiness, marketing, financial management, cybersecurity, innovation, emergency preparedness, and more. Centers may use up to 100% of funds for direct technical assistance and up to 20% for administration, research, and marketing combined. However, unallowable costs include bonuses, most travel expenses, food, and indirect/overhead costs. All expenses must be pre-approved and thoroughly justified in the budget proposal. To qualify, applicants must be federally designated technical assistance centers or registered 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations with an established history of offering free or low-cost small business services in California. They must also have a valid match agreement with a federal or private funding partner extending through the program period. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by July 31, 2024, and complete their full application by August 12, 2024. The grant period runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, and funding is distributed on a quarterly, cost-reimbursement basis. Applications must be submitted online using the CalOSBA platform and include a variety of documents such as a match agreement, budget spreadsheet, organizational chart, and narrative proposal. Network and group applicants must submit additional documentation detailing services offered by each center. Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria including past performance, scope of work, DEI strategies, financial management, and potential to support underserved communities. Scoring also includes up to 17 bonus points based on early actions, spending levels, and proposed supplemental activities. Two informational webinars will be held on July 12 and July 26, 2024. Notices of Intent to Award will begin rolling out on September 2, 2024, followed by final grant agreements in mid-September. For support, applicants can email SBTAEP@gobiz.ca.gov or reach out to Joy Nordby at joy.nordby@gobiz.ca.gov. All proposals must adhere to strict formatting and content guidelines. Applications generated using AI tools or found to be plagiarized will be disqualified. The program emphasizes accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes, requiring quarterly and final reports to track and assess progress.