Explore top startup funding programs in Florida. Get insights on grants, venture capital, angel investors, and incubator support for your business growth.
Funding programs are crucial for small businesses in Florida to grow and develop. Grants provide money without the need to pay it back. This makes them great for covering various business costs like admin fees and research. Florida offers many startup funds, aimed at high-tech firms, Hispanic business owners, trade companies, women-led businesses, and others.
Florida is home to diverse startup funds in the biotech field, such as Aavanti Bio, AGTC, and AxoGen. This shows the state's dedication to medical progress1. It ensures new firms get the financial help and support they need to thrive2. Also, Florida gives up to $500 and helps in other ways to women entrepreneurs, highlighting the role of diversity in business2.
Applying for these grants usually needs a deep understanding of what's required and a well-prepared application. This should show how the business will help the economy and bring new ideas. With chances for business owners, veterans, healthcare startups, and those tackling social and environmental issues, Florida creates a lively and supportive space for businesses to grow21.
The Florida High Tech Corridor Grant focuses on boosting support for high-tech businesses. It encourages research and development through teamwork between local companies and universities. This is meant to spark new ideas and tech breakthroughs in the state.
This program helps high-tech companies in 11 key sectors work together with the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. It covers 23 counties, stretching from the Suncoast to the Space Coast. This wide reach offers growth chances for businesses in these areas3. Companies can get up to $150,000 for their projects4. So far, the initiative has put $400 million into research, working with over 400 partners3.
To get the Florida High Tech Corridor Grant, businesses must be in one of the high-tech fields. They need to work on a research project with one of the universities. They should show how their project will help Florida's high-tech scene. Companies with SBIR/STTR awards might also get up to $150,000 from the Corridor4.
Companies can apply for the grant all year. They need to plan a project with university researchers and make a budget. The Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP) offers $4 million a year for these projects4. This funding helps hire tech staff and develop prototypes5. Plus, the Corridor’s SBIR Catalyst program, started in 2021, helps companies get more funding5.
The Prospera Small-Business Grants give critical help to grow Hispanic businesses in Florida. Since 1991, Prospera has been dedicated to helping Hispanic entrepreneurs. They do this through various special programs.
Prospera is known for its strong support of Hispanic business development. It offers Prospera entrepreneurship grants designed for the unique needs of Hispanic entrepreneurs. This helps these businesses succeed6.
These grants pay for important things like legal help, accounting, and creating business plans. They also cover specialized marketing strategies. These strategies help Hispanic businesses stand out and do well in Florida's busy market6.
Getting a Prospera Small-Business Grant starts with a clear process. People wanting to apply should check the requirements carefully and get their papers ready ahead of time. The process picks winners based on how well they match the program’s goals, aiming to help Hispanic entrepreneurs. For steps on how to apply, check out Prospera's website.
Enterprise Florida Trade Grants help Florida's export businesses grow by giving them financial help to reach new markets. These grants focus on businesses that are more than two years old, make over $250,000 a year, and have 3 to 500 employees. They aim to assist these businesses in going global, boosting Florida's economy.
One key benefit of the program is covering trade show booth costs. Enterprise Florida covers 75% of these costs, up to $7,500 for small and medium-sized businesses7. This support is vital for companies wanting to present their products globally without the full cost.
Also, there's the Enterprise Florida Export Marketing Grant. It helps with costs for making Export Marketing Plans worth $5,000, reimbursing $4,5007. This reduces the money needed for developing marketing strategies, aiding in global market entry.
In Florida, 2.5 million small businesses are key to the state's $1 trillion economy8. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make up 96% of Florida's exporters8. These statistics highlight the grants' potential to significantly impact the local economy by supporting the businesses that are essential to Florida’s trade worldwide.
Besides, there are more grants available. The Florida High-Tech Corridor offers up to $150,000 for high-tech small businesses7. Likewise, the Orlando Business Assistance Program provides up to $20,000 for business expansions and relocations7. These financial aids demonstrate Florida's dedication to a strong business environment.
Thus, the Enterprise Florida Trade Grants crucially support businesses in global market exploration and penetration. They help with marketing, website localization, and trade event participation. All of these factors are key for boosting international presence and competitiveness.
The BMO Celebrating Women Grant supports women-owned small businesses. It offers funding to help these businesses grow and thrive. This makes it easier for women entrepreneurs to succeed. To be eligible, a business must have been running for two years and earn less than $5 million a year. This grant plays a key role in encouraging varied businesses and lending a hand to small ones.
BMO shows its commitment to women in business through several efforts and partnerships. For example, the National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando gives access to many resources. With help from the Florida Small Business Development Center, entrepreneurs can find advice on running a business, funding, meeting new people, and finding grants. This all helps women build their businesses business diversity9.
Also, this grant stands out among other key programs. The BGE Energizing Small Business Grants offer up to $20,000 for businesses in Central Maryland affected by COVID-199. Then there's the IFundWomen Universal Grant Application. It's made for women's startups, small businesses, and projects across the U.S9..
Another example is the Techstars Accelerators program. It invests $20K for a 6% share of the company10. Combined, these programs highlight the critical support for small businesses. They show the value of diversity in business in creating a lively place for entrepreneurs.
The City of Orlando's Business Assistance Program helps local small businesses. It offers financial help and different programs. The goal is to grow small businesses and improve the city.
The Orlando Business Assistance Program has a matching grant. It pays for 50% of some development fees, up to $20,000. This helps businesses grow and makes the city better.
For example, businesses can get money for making their storefronts nicer, paying for infrastructure, and removing graffiti. More information can be found here. This shows Orlando's dedication to supporting small businesses11.
This program covers many development fees. This includes impact fees, permit fees, and other costs for city-approved work. This help can make it easier for small businesses to grow and meet city rules12.
To apply for these grants, businesses must meet certain standards. They need to have detailed project plans, cost estimates, and permits. Also, they have to show how their project will help the city's economy and contribute to the community13.
The application process makes sure only the best projects get funding. This encourages more business growth in Orlando.
The North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is key in driving community development. It offers various commercial grant programs. These efforts are meant to boost North Miami business funding, helping local businesses grow and support the community.
The Business Attraction Grant helps new companies start within the community, with funds from $7,500 to $150,000. The Beautification and Enhancement Grant encourages businesses to upgrade their locations. This makes North Miami look better.
To get these commercial grant programs, businesses must be in certain areas and help the community. This shows the CRA's goal to build a strong local economy. For more info on Florida programs, visit the Miami Economic Initiatives page14.
The CRA also works with other Florida funding sources. They include the South Florida Regional Planning Council's Revolving Loan Fund, which loans from $50,000 to $300,000. There's also a Micro Enterprise Assistance & Peer Lending Program offering up to $25,00014.
These efforts get a boost from working with the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA gives out Micro-Loans up to $35,000 to small businesses. This helps the economy grow and stay stable14.
Through these North Miami business funding options, the CRA helps businesses start, grow, and help with community development. This shows how crucial financial support is for a thriving, dynamic local economy.
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network helps entrepreneurs statewide. It offers SBDC consulting for many business needs.
The heart of their service is detailed consulting. For instance, the Florida SBDC at UCF helped 2,496 clients in 201915. This support led to keeping or creating 10,079 jobs15. They provide help with business plans, market studies, financial tips, and getting loans15.
Similarly, the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County offers advice to grow businesses16. Their focus is on boosting profits and speeding up growth16.
Florida SBDC Network also shines in giving top-notch Florida business training. It hosts seminars on many subjects like QuickBooks and social media use16. These sessions are great for managing finances and advertising businesses16.
They teach varied topics, ensuring owners face their business challenges well-prepared.
The STEP program helps businesses sell overseas. It’s made for small businesses to understand international trade better. STEP gives tailored support, helping Florida businesses grow globally.
The main goal of the Florida SBDC Network is to be Florida's best business helper. It aims to impact the Florida economy positively through its certified professionals' training and advice15. For more information on these and other topics, you can check out this useful guide on small business grants in Florida15.
WomensNet fights the financial challenges female entrepreneurs face through its Amber Grant program. This program celebrates the success and hurdles of women-led businesses. It gives out $10,000 every month and a big $25,000 award yearly to a standout business. These Amber Grants help women grow their businesses and increase diversity in business. The She’s Connected by AT&T grant stands out with a $50,000 grand prize, showing strong support for female entrepreneurs17.
These grants understand that female entrepreneurs have different needs. The SoGal Startup Grant offers $5,000 to $10,000 especially for Black women entrepreneurs18. On the smaller side, Giving Joy Grants give $250 to $500 to women over 18, supporting various business stages17. The Ignite: A WBDC Grant extends help with up to $10,000 for women-owned businesses in Connecticut, widening the reach of these opportunities19.
For those seeking more focused support and larger amounts of money, the Cartier Women's Initiative Award is significant. It awards $100,000 to the top winner, revealing a deep commitment to empower women businesses18. Meanwhile, the HerRise Microgrants give a steady but smaller help of $1,000 monthly. This can help with everyday expenses for women-owned businesses17.
WomensNet has a wide range of resources for female entrepreneurs to get essential financial support. The Amber Grants and similar initiatives underscore the need for business diversity. They offer critical funds to women from various backgrounds. With efforts like the Texas Rural Woman Grant giving $5,000 to 10 businesses, it's clear they aim for a diverse and welcoming business environment17.
In Florida, organizations like the Business and Professional Women of Florida and the Florida Women’s Business Center aid female entrepreneurs17. They provide grants, networking, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. These groups are crucial for women looking to advance their businesses.
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is here to help small business owners grow. They offer up to $4,000 through Growth Grants. This money can go to anything from marketing to improving operations. In 2023, NASE gave $28,000 to seven small businesses every quarter. This shows their deep commitment to helping small businesses thrive20.
Every three months, NASE offers grants of up to $4,000 to help small businesses. This financial boost helps recipients reach their goals. The grants focus on business needs and potential for growth. This makes them a key support for those working for themselves20. To find out more, click here.
To get a NASE Growth Grant, you must be an active member with a good business plan. This checks that the help goes to dedicated members of NASE's community. Your business plan must show how you'll grow and stay strong in your market.
The process to apply for a NASE Growth Grant is simple but thorough. Members need to log into the NASE site and fill out an application detailing their business plan. They also need to send in documents showing their business needs. With more small businesses applying each year, NASE's Growth Grants are a crucial aid20.
Florida has many funding options for startups. There are grants, small business funding, and support for tech companies, Hispanic entrepreneurs, women-owned businesses, and export firms.
This grant supports tech companies in research and development. It partners with the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. Companies can get up to $150,000 for projects.
High-tech companies in the corridor's 23 counties can apply. They must work with university researchers on a project.
Companies should plan a project with university researchers. Applications are open all year. They must show how the project will aid economic growth and innovation.
These grants help Hispanic entrepreneurs. They cover services like legal advice, business plans, and marketing strategies.
Prospera offers legal and accounting help, business and marketing plans, among other services for Hispanic business owners.
Apply through Prospera's website. Show your business vision and how you'll use the services to improve your business.
These grants help Florida's export businesses grow internationally. They can be used for marketing strategies, website updates, and trade shows.
It supports women-owned businesses with funding. Applicants need at least two years in business and revenue under $5 million.
Orlando provides a matching grant up to $20,000. It covers half the cost of city improvements for small businesses. Eligibility requires appropriate permits and city approval.
North Miami CRA Grants offer between $7,500 and $150,000. They aim to encourage businesses to contribute to community redevelopment through various programs.
The SBDC Network offers free consulting, workshops, and trade expansion help to Florida's small businesses. This support aims to help businesses grow and enter new markets.
WomensNet provides Amber Grants, offering $10,000 monthly and a $25,000 year-end grant to female-led businesses. They also offer other grants to support women in business.
NASE gives up to $4,000 to small businesses. Applicants need to be members and have a solid business plan showing their needs and growth potential.
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