Regional Startup Network | K NOFO 20 104

Opportunity Information: Apply for K NOFO 20 104

The Regional Startup Network grant (Funding Opportunity Number K NOFO 20 104) is a discretionary U.S. government-funded program administered by the U.S. Mission to India that aims to strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems across four South Asian countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal. The central idea is to build long-term entrepreneurial capacity by connecting local startup communities into an active, cross-border regional network, rather than supporting isolated, one-off trainings. By linking founders, mentors, incubators, and ecosystem leaders across these countries, the program is designed to encourage shared learning, stronger relationships, and more coordinated entrepreneurial activity that can support innovation and job creation over time.

A defining feature of the opportunity is that it builds around the Nexus Start Up Hub and uses Nexus as the anchor for training and network development. The program uses a three-tier structure to engage and train both local network leaders and entrepreneurs, with the training pathway ultimately feeding into the Nexus startup program in New Delhi. In practical terms, participants progress through staged capacity-building activities, and the strongest startups emerging from the process are awarded a place in the Nexus program, creating a clear incentive and a visible pipeline for top-performing ventures to access more advanced support and exposure.

The project is expected to run for 15 months and includes two full cycles of training and cohort activity. Importantly, the design sets aside time between and after the Nexus cohorts to deliberately strengthen in-country networks, meaning the work is not limited to the moments when cohorts are in session. That in-between period is meant for deeper ecosystem-building: reinforcing local connections, keeping momentum going, and helping partners in each country develop sustainable structures that can continue beyond the grant timeline.

Another major goal is to create bridges to U.S. companies and organizations, expanding commercial and partnership opportunities that may be hard to access otherwise. The announcement explicitly points to exploring opportunities with U.S. entities such as the American Chamber of Commerce, which signals an intention to connect regional startups with U.S. business networks, potential customers, mentors, and market-entry pathways. Alongside that outward-facing aim, the program also emphasizes the promotion of American best practices in entrepreneurship and incubation, suggesting that training content and network development will reflect U.S.-influenced approaches to startup acceleration, mentorship, incubation management, and ecosystem governance.

At a broader strategic level, the opportunity frames entrepreneurship as a tool for regional engagement and interconnectedness, contributing to a more resilient and connected Indo-Pacific region. The program is not only about helping individual startups grow; it is also about building cross-border ties among entrepreneurial communities and strengthening the systems that help startups form, survive, and scale. A related intended outcome is improved access for U.S. companies to new markets and customers in places that can be difficult to reach through traditional commercial channels, positioning the network as a platform that benefits both regional entrepreneurs and U.S. stakeholders looking for credible partners and entry points.

Funding is provided through a grant with an award ceiling of $200,000. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions). The opportunity was created on March 16, 2020, with an original closing date of May 15, 2020.

• The U.S. Mission to India in the business and commerce, community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Regional Startup Network" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2020-03-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-05-15. (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 $200,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for K NOFO 20 104

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