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Grants🇺🇸 United States

StartUP Lab: U.S.-Albania Economic Leadership & Innovation Exchange

Posted July 23, 2026

About this opportunity

Opportunity Overview

The U.S.-Albania Economic Leadership & Innovation Exchange, also known as StartUP Lab, is a 12-month program that aims to strengthen U.S.-Albania economic ties by transforming American Corners in Albania into entrepreneurship hubs. The program will equip Albanian entrepreneurs with American business expertise, standards, and commercial networks, opening Albanian markets to U.S. goods, services, and partnerships. Each American Corner will serve as a city-based incubator hub for 20-25 entrepreneurs ages 18-40 who have concrete startup ideas ready for development. The program's goal is to create a commercial network that favors American partnerships and reinforces the credibility of the United States as a reliable partner. The program will include a full 12-month curriculum, direct mentorship from U.S. companies and experts, and a National StartUP Challenge that rewards the most promising ideas with seed funding. The program has three main objectives: to position American Corners as hubs for U.S. innovation and entrepreneurship, to strengthen U.S.-Albania economic ties and market access, and to launch at least six market-ready National StartUP Challenge finalists.

Benefits

  • Award ceiling: $53,400
  • Award floor: $10,000
  • Number of awards: 1
  • Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required

Eligibility

  • Not-for-profit U.S. and Albanian organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations, are eligible to apply
  • U.S. and Albanian individuals are eligible to apply
  • For-profit entities are not eligible to apply
  • Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov and a valid registration in SAM.gov
  • Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov

Required Documents

  • A proposal that presents clear and measurable approaches to transforming American Corners in Albania into startup incubators
  • A detailed budget and budget narrative
  • A UEI and SAM.gov registration for organizations

How to Apply

  1. Review the eligibility requirements and funding details
  2. Prepare a proposal that meets the program's objectives and requirements
  3. Submit the proposal and required documents through the designated channel Click the Apply button below to submit your application.

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