Grants For Small Businesses In Florida

These Florida-specific grants for small businesses may be statewide, regional, or city-specific, so read the requirements thoroughly before investing time in the application.

#1. Florida High Tech Corridor grant

If your Florida startup is in the high-tech sector, you could qualify for a Florida High Tech Corridor grant. These awards are intended for research and development projects that involve businesses collaborating with researchers at the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. There are opportunities in 23 Florida counties.

Eligible businesses collaborate with university researchers to develop a project strategy and budget before submitting the application. Throughout the year, applications are accepted. Funds of up to $150,000 are paid directly to the university research team if authorized.

#2. Prospera small-business grants

Since 1991, Prospera has assisted Hispanic entrepreneurs in starting new enterprises throughout Florida. This non-profit economic development group works with both new and established Hispanic business owners to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Individual Prospera grants are granted and cover professional services such as legal and accounting assessments, business planning, QuickBooks consulting, marketing plans, and brand kits at no cost to the business owner.

#3. Enterprise Florida Trade grants

Through the Florida Export Diversification and Expansion Program, Florida export enterprises can apply for a number of business subsidies. Marketing strategy, website localization, market development, and trade shows are all eligible for grants.

The business must be located in Florida, have been in existence for at least two years, employ between three and 500 people, and have annual sales of $250,000 or more to be eligible for an Enterprise Florida trade grant. Each award has its own set of eligibility requirements.

#4. Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network

Eligible export businesses can be compensated for export credit insurance, marketing plan expenditures, and some expenses related to trade fairs and US Department of Commerce promotional activities through the Florida SBDC State Trade Expansion Programme. The reimbursement limits vary depending on the expense. However, there is a maximum of $15,000 each funding period. A business must be new to exporting or aim to use exporting to expand their business to be eligible for the grant, among other requirements.

Floridians can also get free professional business advisory services from the SBDC. Certified consultants can assist with business planning, management, marketing, financial analysis, funding, international trade, cybersecurity, and catastrophe preparedness. On-demand movies are also accessible, as are live workshops and seminars, which may need a small fee to participate.

#5. City of Orlando Business Assistance Program

The Business Assistance Program (BAP) is a matching grant managed by the Economic establishment Department (EDD) with the objective of encouraging the establishment and expansion of small businesses in Orlando, Florida. Business owners will be responsible for half of qualified development fees, with the EDD covering the other half – up to $20,000.

BAP can be utilized to aid with transportation impact fees, permits, and other development expenses, as well as sidewalk repairs, water line construction, street upgrades, landscaping, street lighting, curb enhancements, and electric car charging infrastructure.

Before they can acquire finance, small-business entrepreneurs must obtain city permission and the necessary permits for their project. Businesses must be located in or relocating to Orlando and be classified as small businesses by the US Small Business Administration.

#6. North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency grants

The Business Attraction Grant, Beautification and Enhancement Grant, Rehabilitation Grant, and Capacity Building/Retention Grant are all available through North Miami CRA, an independent government agency. Depending on the program, grant maximums range from $7,500 to $150,000.

Each program has different conditions, but in general, the business must be located inside (or moving to a facility within) the specified North Miami geographic boundary, and the projects must benefit the community. The business must match 50% of the Business Attraction Grant and 50% of the Rehabilitation Grant.

National Grants For Small Businesses In Florida

You might also look for these national business grants to help fund your Florida small business.

#1. WomensNet grants

WomensNet grants are available to female entrepreneurs and small-business owners in Florida. This includes Amber Grant rewards of $10,000 or $1,000 per month, as well as a $25,000 Amber Grant at the end of the year. Other grants include the $10,000 Startup Grant, which is awarded quarterly, the $10,000 Business Category Grant, which is provided monthly, and the annual Marketing Grant, which is awarded for marketing strategy assistance.

To be qualified, a company must be at least 50% female-owned and based in the United States or Canada. By submitting a single application, you will be considered for all eligible awards. In addition to your contact information, the application will request that you explain your firm and how you intend to use the grant funds. There is a $15 application fee.

#2. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) grant

NASE provides up to $4,000 in business development grants to small enterprises and startups in the United States. Since the program’s inception in 2006, it has provided about $1 million in small-business awards.

You must be a current member of NASE for at least 90 days to be eligible for a NASE Growth Grant. You must also demonstrate financial necessity, provide specifics on how your firm will use the grant money, explain how obtaining this award will help your business develop, and provide a copy of your organization’s business plan. NASE membership costs $11.95 per month.

#3. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

Every year, the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest gives funds to small businesses across the United States. FedEx usually reserves this grant money for small enterprises with new concepts and those with the greatest financial need. FedEx will select ten grand prize winners in 2023 to receive $30,000 and $1,000 in print services through this program.

To be eligible for the funding, your company must be for-profit and have fewer than 99 employees. You’ll also need to set up and use a FedEx business shipping account. Additional eligibility criteria may apply.

#4. America’s Seed Fund

America’s Seed Fund provides grants to small enterprises in the technology sector through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

To be eligible for this grant, your company must be US-owned, for-profit, and focused on research and development. You must also have less than 500 employees. To apply, you must submit a proposal, which will be assessed and may receive comments to help you improve your concept. Depending on the stage of development, awards might range from $50,000 to nearly $2 million.

How to Find the Best Florida Small Business Grants

The application procedure for small business grants may appear difficult, especially if you are just starting out. Here are some pointers to consider while you look for grant opportunities.

#1. Make time for grant applications.

Because launching a new business can be incredibly time-consuming, setting aside time once a week or more to search for and apply for qualified grant possibilities can be beneficial. Before devoting time to the application process, properly investigate eligibility requirements to verify your organization meets all of the grant’s standards.

#2. Increase your search attempts.

Investigate local small-business grants in your area, as well as demographic-specific searches that may apply to you or your company, such grants include:

Small-business grants for veterans.
Business grants for Black women.
Startup business grants.
Business grants for people previously convicted of felonies.
Grants for nonprofits.
Grants for farmers

#3. Consider grant application fees.

Another significant consideration when applying for small-business grants in Florida is application fees. Consider the cost of applying versus the rewards you’ll receive when researching suitable grants. Keeping track of all potential grants you’ve investigated, as well as their fees, will assist you in prioritising your application for low-cost or no-cost awards.

#4. Consider alternate funding.

Applying for small-business grants in Florida does not guarantee that you will obtain the support you want. Grants are especially appealing because they are debt-free. If your Florida firm does not obtain grant funding, there are alternative financial possibilities to consider. Consider SBA financing for small businesses. Your local Florida small-business bank may also be able to put you in touch with such opportunities. You may also want to look into company credit cards or crowdfunding opportunities to assist fund your venture.

Who Offers Small Business Grants In Florida?

Local towns, county governments, NGOs, and state-based organizations are some of the organizations or institutions that may award small business grants in Florida.

You can contrast Florida small business incentives with similar programs in other states, such as:

Arizona small business grants
California small business grants
Colorado small business grants
Indiana small business grants
Maryland small business grants
Michigan small business grants
Small business grants in North Carolina
New York small business grants
Ohio Small Business Grants
Texas small business grants
Wisconsin small business grants

Is it Necessary to Repay a Small Business Grant?

A small company grant usually comes with limitations and conditions, and if you breach those terms, you may be required to repay the award. In general, small and medium-sized business owners are not forced to repay an SMB grant unless there are infractions.

Accepting a small business grant usually requires you to sign a funding agreement. As previously stated, the grant may be subject to certain requirements. Using the grant for an unlawful purpose may contradict the agreement and necessitate repayment of the grant.

Small company grants may have a deadline for spending the funds. You may also be required to show confirmation of payment as well as a written statement outlining how you spent the money.

Who Qualifies for Florida Small Business Grants?

Small business grants in Florida may be available to local business owners or operators of businesses with less than 500 employees.

The Office of Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration defines a small business as any independent business with less than 500 employees. Small business grants may be available to people with freelancing business ideas as well as small businesses.

What Industries Does Florida Fund Through Grants?

Florida may provide grants to companies in the following industries:

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

Where Do I Get Money To Start A Business in Florida?

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, short-term loans, credit cards, crowdsourcing, and other options are available for establishing a new firm.

Do You Have to Pay Back A Grant For A Small Business?

Grants do not need any type of payback. They are an appealing choice for entrepreneurs and small or internet enterprises who have limited funds for growth or expansion.

how Much Does It Cost To Open A Small Business in Florida?

Starting a business in Florida is estimated to cost between $400 and $3,000. The bare minimum of $400 covers only the registration and paperwork needed to start a business in Florida. Depending on the size, industry, ownership, and tax structure of your company, the cost can reach $3,000 or higher.

Grants For Small Businesses In Florida

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