EDA Funding - US Economic Development Administration Grants

Overview

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is an agency within the US Department of Commerce that promotes economic development and creates jobs in economically distressed areas across the United States. EDA grants support a wide range of activities including public works infrastructure, regional innovation ecosystems, workforce development, and strategic planning. EDA played a central role in the Biden administration's Build Back Better Regional Challenge and manages the Tech Hubs program under the CHIPS and Science Act to develop new innovation clusters across the US.

What You Can Find Here

Public Works grants - infrastructure investment for economic development including water and sewer systems, roads, and industrial parks
Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) grants for communities experiencing sudden economic downturns or natural disasters
Tech Hubs program - grants to develop regional technology and innovation clusters under the CHIPS and Science Act
Regional Innovation Strategies (i6 Challenge) - for proof-of-concept centres, cluster grants, and accelerators
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) planning grants
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) - helping US manufacturers affected by import competition
POWER grants for coal-affected communities and energy transition areas

Who Should Use This

Local governments, tribes, and economic development organizations in economically distressed areas seeking infrastructure investment
Regional coalitions of universities, businesses, and government applying for Tech Hubs designations
Universities and research parks building proof-of-concept or commercialisation programs
Community and economic development organizations supporting workforce development in distressed areas
Manufacturing firms affected by import competition needing TAAF technical assistance

How to Get Started

Step 1: Visit eda.gov/funding to find open grant programs and Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs)
Step 2: Identify your regional EDA office - there are six regional offices, and applications are submitted to your regional office
Step 3: Read the NOFO carefully for eligibility (EDA generally requires applicants to be in a distressed area or serve a distressed population)
Step 4: Register in SAM.gov and Grants.gov before preparing your application
Step 5: Prepare a comprehensive application including project narrative, budget, economic impact analysis, and evidence of distress
Step 6: Submit via Grants.gov and follow up with your regional EDA representative

Things to Check Before Applying

Most EDA programs require applicants to be in or serving an area that meets EDA's economic distress criteria (unemployment, income, or job loss)
EDA Public Works grants typically require a 50% non-federal cost-share (lower for higher-distress areas)
EDA does not fund private-sector businesses directly - applicants must be government entities, tribes, universities, or nonprofits
EDA is one of the few federal agencies that requires applicants to have a current Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
Processing times for EDA grants can be lengthy - allow 6-12 months from application to award

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EDA's definition of economic distress?

EDA defines economic distress as areas with unemployment 1 percentage point above the national average, per capita income 80% or below the national average, or a special need such as sudden major job loss or a natural disaster.

Can businesses apply for EDA grants?

EDA does not fund private businesses directly. However, businesses can benefit indirectly as part of a coalition applying for Tech Hubs or Regional Innovation Strategies grants led by universities or economic development organizations.

What is the Tech Hubs program?

EDA's Tech Hubs program, created under the CHIPS and Science Act, designates and funds regional innovation clusters in industries critical to national security. Designated hubs can apply for implementation grants of up to $75 million.

How large are EDA Public Works grants?

EDA Public Works grants typically range from $500,000 to $10 million, though larger grants are awarded for major regional projects.

Does EDA fund rural communities?

Yes. EDA specifically prioritizes economically distressed areas, and many rural communities qualify. EDA coordinates with USDA Rural Development on complementary rural economic programs.