Top Small Business Grants in Florida
Share this article:
Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.
Grants for Small Businesses in Florida
SelectFlorida Trade Grants
Program description: Florida offers a variety of trade grants through its official international trade and investment promotion agency, SelectFlorida Inc. (SelectFL). These small business grants can help you export your goods and services from the Sunshine State to foreign markets. Incentive: Eligible small businesses can receive top trade grants, such as: Website localization grants of up to $8,000 Matchmaker grants that reimburse some or all of the costs of participating in SelectFL export sales missions Up to $4,500 toward the development of a customized export marketing plan Trade show grants of up to $5,000 to register and participate in international trade shows
General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for these grants: Be located in Florida and registered as an active entity with the Florida Division of Corporations Be in business for a minimum of two years in the state of Florida based on Florida Division of Corporations records Have a licensed commercial operation that consists of either an office, office/warehouse, or manufacturing facility Coworking spaces are eligible, but home-based businesses and virtual offices do not qualify Employ at least three full-time employees (excluding 1099 contractors) but no more than 500 Have at least $250K in annual sales in the previous calendar year Be a Florida-based manufacturer whose products are produced in Florida or a local services provider whose services are provided from the Sunshine State Have a viable product line or service
How to apply: Contact your local SelectFL trade representative (formerly known as Enterprise Florida) if you wish to apply for Florida trade grants. Qualified companies can receive a maximum of three trade grants each year between July 1 and June 30.
Orlando Business Assistance Program
Program description: Orlando operates a Business Assistance Program (BAP) that provides matching grants to small businesses seeking to locate, expand, or redevelop in this Central Florida city. Incentive: Eligible businesses can receive up to $20,000 in matching funds to help pay for commercial development fees in Orlando, including building permit fees. General requirements: Be an Orlando-based small business with an Orlando Business Tax Receipt or obtain one upon relocating your business there. How to apply: Request a meeting with the BAP coordinator to determine your eligibility. More information is available on the City of Orlando’s website.
Florida High Tech Corridor Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP)
Program description: The Florida High Tech Corridor Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP) provides funding to research teams spearheaded by University of Central Florida and University of South Florida faculty in collaboration with business partners. Incentive: Eligible research teams can receive up to $150K in matching cash and in-kind investments. General requirements: Partner with UCF or USF and secure federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards to be eligible for MGRP funding. How to apply: Small businesses can contact USF’s or UCF’s MGRP staff to discuss potential collaboration. More information is available on the respective websites of University of South Florida and University of Central Florida.
Tampa Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Facade Improvement Grant
Program description: The City of Tampa’s Facade Improvement Grant Program can provide matching grants to eligible business owners who renovate their establishments in a designated Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). Incentive: Receive up to $50,000 in matching grants for making eligible improvements to your commercial properties in a CRA. General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for this grant: Own a retail or targeted commercial property in Tampa Property must be located in a participating CRA (Drew Park, East Tampa, or Ybor City 1 and 2) Propose a plan of making exterior improvements to your commercial property Proposed work must be approved by Tampa’s Economic and Urban Development Department prior to initiating the work Provide a detailed budget with reasonable costs for the proposed work Properties in a Local Historic District must get a Certificate of Appropriateness Be current on your property taxes Have no outstanding Tampa building code citations Provide proof of property insurance Property does not contain “adult uses”
How to apply: Contact your participating CRA for the grant application and more information on Tampa’s Facade Improvement Grant Program.
Miami-Dade County’s Mom and Pop Small Business Grant
Program description: The Miami-Dade County Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program can provide business owners with financial aid to buy equipment, supplies, inventory, and commercial liability insurance, among other products and services. Incentive: Eligible small business owners may receive up to $5,000 that could be used for a variety of purposes. Proof of payment and a written statement detailing how you’ve spent the grant may be required. General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for this annual grant program: Operate a small business in one of the 13 Miami-Dade County Commission Districts Have a physical address for your business (home-based businesses can apply) Must not be part of a national chain
How to apply: Contact Miami-Dade County’s 3-1-1 Contact Center for information and updates.
Who Provides Small Business Grants in Florida?
Small business grants in Arizona Small business grants in California Small business grants in Colorado Small business grants in Georgia Small business grants in Illinois Small business grants in Indiana Small business grants in Maryland Small business grants in Michigan Small business grants in NC Small business grants in New York Small business grants in NJ Small business grants in Ohio Small business grants in Pennsylvania Small business grants in Texas Small business grants in Wisconsin
Do You Have to Pay Back a Small Business Grant?
Who Is Eligible for Small Business Grants in Florida?
What Industries Does Florida Support With Grants?
Architectural, engineering, and related services Construction Manufacturing Professional, scientific, and technical services Real estate Restaurants and other eating places Retail trade (store and nonstore retailers) Scientific research and development services
Florida Resources for SMB Owners Looking for Funding
Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Live and on-demand training in operations and management Access to market research and data Business consulting advice at no cost
SBA District Offices in Florida
SBA North Florida District Office. This SBA district serves 43 counties in northern Florida. Depending on where you’re based, you can schedule an appointment at the main office in Jacksonville or the virtual office in Orlando. SBA South Florida District Office. This SBA district serves 24 counties in southern Florida. Depending on where you’re based, you can schedule an appointment at the main office in Miami, satellite office in Tampa, or the virtual office in Fort Pierce.
Alternative Funding Sources for Small Businesses in Florida
Florida State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
Collateral Support Program — $250 million. This program provides cash collateral to help small businesses qualify for small business loans. Venture Capital Program — $100 million. This program implements a targeted investment strategy providing venture capital to underserved startups and investors. Loan Participation Program — $50 million. This program uses SSBCI funds alongside private funds to support a loan to a borrower. Loan Guarantee Program — $50 million. This program provides lenders with short-term, partial guarantees to support loans and lines of credit for eligible small businesses. Capital Access Program — $38.5 million. This program uses SSBCI matching funds to support portfolio insurance on small business loans.
Florida Microloan Lenders
Florida SMB Loans from Private Lenders
Find Small Business Financing With Lantern
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Share this article: