Small Business Grants Florida

Entrepreneurs starting a small business in the state of Florida have plenty of financial resources to help with their startup.

Florida has several rural communities and busier regions, perfect for small businesses. Small business owners can form startups and home-based businesses all over the state. In fact, Florida is one of the top states for small businesses.

Many Florida small business owners get their financing from investors. The funding is venture capital (VC) or private equity. 

Investors help small business entrepreneurs and home-based businesses with startup costs. 

Yet, sometimes small businesses need more funding to cover all startup necessities. Thus, small business owners tend to turn to Florida small business grants for help.

What Are Startup Costs For A Small Business?

The cost of starting a business depends on its type and size.

Before seeking investors or small business grants, create a budget. A budget can help provide the criteria you need to meet eligibility requirements. It can help business owners qualify for and secure funding.

A business budget also helps determine how many sales the small business needs. Owners need to know when their small business will break even and begin making a profit. 

No matter the small business type or industry, every owner needs a business budget. It is the only way to understand what costs the startup will need to operate and run.

The business budget also presents other financial factors. It can help you decide whether you need to apply for a Florida small business grant.

Reasons To Apply For A Florida Small Business Grant

The reasons Florida businesses need to apply for a grant differ. Although many require one for financial help or relief, this is not always the case.

Small business owners should research the grant provider before submitting an application. Gathering information helps to ensure the small business meets eligibility requirements. 

State-wide regional, city-specific, and national grants are not the same. Be well-informed about what and where you are applying for a small business grant.

Owners seeking a Florida small business grant should focus on these two key areas:

Look for Florida-specific grants set aside for small businesses. - Check for state-wide, regional, or city-specific grants.

Look for national or widespread business grants. - Check for national and widespread business grants. These grants may not be specific to your state. Yet, they are still open to Flordia small businesses.

Also See: Additional Small Business Grants

(Note: not listed in any particular order)

SSBCI started as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Its purpose is to help states strengthen existing loan and equity programs. It is also to help create new programs that support financing small businesses. Florida received a total SSBCI allocation of $97,662,349.

Florida's SSBCI Program is to leverage private capital for Florida's small businesses. A small business in Florida must have 500 employees or less.

The SBDC supports entrepreneurs and small businesses across the United States. 

It is often associated with the state's economic development organization. Your local SBDC can connect your small business with networking and financing opportunities.

The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest provides its winners with the top prize of $50,000. It also provides funds for print and business services. 

Previous contests were open to for-profit businesses. The business must be in operation for at least six months and have no more than 99 employees.

To apply for NASE small business grants, you must be a member. The National Association of the Self-Employed offers up to $4,000 per month. Thus, if you are self-employed, you should set up an account.

Enterprise Florida offers Virtual Business Matchmaking grants for businesses seeking to expand overseas. It must be a small or medium-sized business that does not want to travel to set up an export program. 

The program also pre-screens overseas partners and distributors. Business owners can do virtual introductions via teleconference or videoconference with partners.

Enterprise Florida includes a matching grant that covers the cost of matchmaker service. Funding can be up to $2,500, and businesses can apply year-round.

The Small Business Research Grant is also known as America's Seed Fund. 

The two programs that focus on funding research projects in partnership with the U.S. government are:

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is a highly competitive three-phase award system. 

Through the SBIR program, qualified small businesses can propose innovative ideas that meet the specific research and development needs of the federal government.

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) - The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program is overseen and coordinated by the Small Business Administration (SBA). 

With this program, small businesses get greater access to funding in the federal innovation research and development area.

Prospera provides Hispanic-based businesses and entrepreneurs with grants. The funds cover professional business development services. 

The organization determines the grant amounts. They base it on individual needs and opportunities.

Eligible services include:

• Accounting
• Business planning
• Legal
• Marketing

The Amber Grant awards winners $10,000 per month. The funding goes to a female entrepreneur. 

Each winner also receives the chance to get more funding of $25,000. WomensNet, an organization for women entrepreneurs, runs the Amber Grant.

StreetShares is the foundation that provides the Veteran Small Business Award.

The award goes to veterans or their spouses, and the recipient must own over 50% of the small business. It awards up to $15,000.

The First Nations Development Institute is a nonprofit organization. It has provided over $46 million in grant money to projects that helped:

• Native Americans
• Alaska Natives
• Native Hawaiians

The Minority Business Development Agency is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Through grants, the agency improves the growth of minority-run small businesses in Florida. They connect small business owners to financing resources, federal contracts, and market opportunities.

The Business Development Program is for socially or economically disadvantaged small-business owners. The small business must be at least 51% owned.

Eligible owners receive help in several ways, including:

• Business development
• Training
• Management
• Technical guidance

Florida small business owners should refer to local and national websites for grants. Get more information about each small business grant. Learn about a grant's terms, rules, eligibility, qualifications, and conditions. Read about each grant program to ensure it is right for your small business.