EDA staff walk applicants through EDGE submission steps, UEI/EIN requirements and the authorized representative role

Amanda Costi, a program officer in EDA's Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, gave a step-by-step walkthrough of the EDGE portal and practical tips for applicants.

Costi said applicants should create both a user profile and an organization profile in EDGE and have their UEI and EIN/TIN available before starting. "Once your account is fully set up, it might take 24 to 48 hours for your account to fully sync," she said, and recommended starting the process early to avoid last-minute delays.

She advised adding all team members who will work on the application (budget staff, CFO, contractors assisting in preparation) and warned that only the named authorized representative with signatory authority can press the submit button. "We cannot tell you how many times on the day it's due people are freaking out because they can't submit it," Costi said.

Costi recommended completing the SF-424 form first to unlock other sections of the application and using the NOFO's list of required documents to place uploads in the correct EDGE fields (or use the "other" folder as a catch-all). She pointed attendees to EDGE tutorial videos and the help desk (granthelp@hda.gov) for technical assistance.

Presenters reminded applicants to choose a descriptive project title (it is difficult to change without helpdesk intervention) and to ensure organizational profile information matches UEI registration.

Costi closed by reiterating that NOFO materials, FAQs and prior webinars are posted on EDA's website and that the team will follow up on chat questions and previously submitted OE mailbox inquiries.