Young Transatlantic Leader Entrepreneurship Exchange | SAU90021CA3001 1

Opportunity Information: Apply for SAU90021CA3001 1

The Young Transatlantic Leader Entrepreneurship Exchange is a U.S. Department of State opportunity run through the U.S. Embassy Vienna (Public Affairs Section) to fund one (and potentially two) implementing organizations to design and deliver an entrepreneurship-focused exchange program for young people from Austria. The core purpose is to strengthen entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership skills among emerging Austrian entrepreneurs while also building durable professional ties with U.S. counterparts and deepening mutual understanding between Austria and the United States through direct cultural exposure. The award is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the Embassy is expected to be actively involved in the project, including meaningful input on participant selection and approval of the U.S.-based program structure and content.

The program itself is envisioned as an intensive, hands-on entrepreneurship experience for roughly 20 to 30 Austrian participants, described primarily as university students and early-stage founders. While the notice references participants “under the age of 35,” it also specifies a target range of ages 18 to 29 who reside in Austria and are either aspiring entrepreneurs or already working on a start-up. The main in-person exchange component is planned as a two- to three-week program in the United States, hosted in a specific U.S. city or region and built around learning that local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The travel window for the U.S. portion is July 5 through September 30, 2022, and the group may travel in either one cohort or two cohorts depending on the model proposed by the awardee.

In terms of content, the Embassy gives applicants flexibility to propose a program model as long as it meets the overall goals and includes key elements. A central requirement is a start-up boot camp that teaches practical fundamentals such as founding a company, financing it, and scaling it, supplemented by broader leadership development and structured networking. The notice emphasizes that participants should learn how the essential parts of a U.S. entrepreneurial ecosystem fit together (for example founders, capital, incubators/accelerators, universities, government or civic supports, corporate partners, and innovation hubs) and then experience those elements directly through interactive programming. Suggested formats include workshops, presentations, meetings with entrepreneurs, pitch events, and community networking. The NOFO also encourages team-based work so participants build peer relationships and collaborate in groups, and it leaves room for optional internships or practicums with businesses, NGOs, innovation hubs, or other economic and business-related organizations if an applicant can implement those effectively.

Another priority is meaningful engagement with high-level players in the ecosystem, especially for participants who already have established start-ups. The program is expected to facilitate extensive interaction with companies, experienced founders, incubators, and venture capitalists or other investors. Social entrepreneurship is also explicitly included: participants should learn how entrepreneurial tools and mindsets can be applied to social challenges and how entrepreneurship can support civic action, not only private-sector growth. In addition, the exchange is meant to showcase American culture and values, so cultural programming and local community engagement are expected alongside the technical entrepreneurship curriculum. The notice calls for an in-country orientation in the U.S. and “significant cultural activities” that reflect the diversity of the host region.

The exchange is not meant to end when participants return to Austria. Applicants are expected to include a concrete post-program engagement plan that sustains momentum through alumni support, mentoring, and continued networking, positioning participants as part of a broader community connected to similar programs. The implementing organization is also expected to define clear, measurable outputs and outcomes aligned with the program specifications, rather than relying only on general goals.

Funding is provided through FY2021 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy funds under Assistance Listing (CFDA) 19.040. The total funding available is approximately $200,000 to $225,000 (subject to availability of funds), with individual awards anticipated in the same range, and the Embassy expects to make 1 to 2 awards. The anticipated start date listed is September 1, 2021, and proposed projects should run for a total performance period of 12 to 24 months, with the expectation that the full program is completed in 24 months or less. The Department of State notes the possibility of non-competitive continuation funding beyond the initial period if funds are available, performance is satisfactory, and continued support aligns with U.S. government interests. The application deadline for this opportunity is June 15, 2021, under funding opportunity number SAU90021CA3001.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Austria in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Young Transatlantic Leader Entrepreneurship Exchange" 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 Apr 30, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 15, 2021. (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 $225,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for SAU90021CA3001 1

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: