Get up to 2% cashback** redeemed to your personal bank account. Chat with us.

Startups Grants In Florida - 2024

Discover the latest List Of Startups Grants In Florida and unlock funding opportunities for your innovative business ventures in the Sunshine State.

Lisa Shmulyan
Accounting & Tax
February 15, 2024

Florida is rich in grants for entrepreneurs across different fields. This includes tech and physical stores. The state has more than $31,979 million every year for small businesses. This means owners can get help without needing to pay it back1

. These funds help with running costs, research, and growing the business. It's smart to look at all the grants Florida and the U.S. offer.

Click here for more details

In Florida, 2.8 million small business owners can apply for these grants2. This shows how supportive the state is. Also, with a GDP of $1.44 trillion2, the economy is diverse. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to use these funds. They help with everything from starting up to marketing and growing.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida offers over 74 entrepreneurs and startup grants annually with diverse applications3.
  • State-specific grants like the Florida High Tech Corridor Grant and Enterprise Florida Trade Grants provide substantial funding2.
  • National grants such as the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest and America's Seed Fund are accessible to Florida small businesses3.
  • Funding amounts for local grants range from $44,243 to $750,0001.
  • Florida's economy contributes significantly to national GDP, making it a prime location for small business growth2.

Introduction to Startup Grants in Florida

Startup grants in Florida play a vital role by offering funds that don't have to be paid back. These funds help with costs and projects that boost Florida's economy. For example, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) put $10 million from the CARES Act into local small and minority businesses4.

Also, the state has seen new programs to improve internet access, thanks to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Programs like the Broadband Infrastructure Program are making the internet more accessible. This effort is key for startups today4.

Grants in Florida also support areas like advanced manufacturing and helping businesses sell abroad. Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for manufacturing can be found on grants.gov4. Moreover, groups can get help from the Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) to increase competitiveness and exports4. Such support opens new doors for local businesses.

Help for startups also covers environmental and public health projects. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has provided $300 million for such initiatives4. Across the country, over 300 tech grants are available for Florida startups5. It shows the wide range of support for entrepreneurs in the state.

Florida business owners looking for funding have many national programs to consider. Websites like Grants.gov, America's Seed Fund, and WomensNet offer different types of financial help. Taking advantage of these resources can help startups overcome early hurdles and grow.

Florida High Tech Corridor Grant

The Florida High Tech Corridor Grant offers a big chance for tech companies to grow. It helps with research and development projects by partnering with universities like the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. With these grants, the program boosts innovation and tech progress in the area.

Eligibility Criteria

To get the Florida High Tech Corridor Grant, companies need to work on a project with university researchers. The grant covers 23 counties and focuses on important tech fields like Aerospace, Agritechnology, and Gaming, among others. It supports a wide range of tech growth from Microelectronics to Sensors6.

Application Process

Companies must send in detailed project plans that match the program’s rules. Each year, over 7,000 awards are given out by 11 federal agencies through the SBIR/STTR programs. Winners might also get extra funding from Florida, including a match of up to $150,000 from the Corridor7. There's also the FAST Partnership Program grant, offering $125,000 for one year, with the chance to renew for up to five years7.

The Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP) has $4 million every year for these research partnerships7. They take applications all year, so companies can apply anytime. Winners not only get a lot of funding but also join a network of business and education groups that help each other grow6.

Prospera Small-Business Grants

Prospera Small-Business Grants are vital for helping Hispanic entrepreneurs in Florida. They provide important resources and tools. Free professional business services are tailored to each person's needs. Small businesses are a big part of Florida, making up over 99.8 percent of all businesses. These grants help the community of small business owners grow and succeed8.

Target Audience

Hispanic entrepreneurs in Florida are the main focus of Prospera Small-Business Grants. The grants help with the unique challenges Hispanic business owners face by offering professional services for free. This includes help with law and accounting, making business plans, and marketing strategies. Prospera supports a growing and sustainable environment for these entrepreneurs.

Grant Benefits

The big benefit of Prospera grants is they offer professional services, not just money9. This means entrepreneurs get expert help to thrive in the competitive market. The services include:

  • Detailed business assessments
  • Legal and accounting consultations
  • Development of customized business strategies
  • Marketing plan formulation

Prospera's support is all about giving entrepreneurs the tools to tackle business challenges. The grants consider each recipient's specific needs, offering personalized help. Thanks to these benefits, Prospera grants are essential for Hispanic business owners wanting to make it in Florida9.

Enterprise Florida Trade Grants

Enterprise Florida Trade Grants help businesses grow internationally. They give aid for marketing, making websites global-friendly, and going to trade shows. This makes the program a great help for firms wanting to boost their exports10.

To get these grants, your business must be in Florida, run for more than two years, and hit certain sales and job numbers. Meeting these conditions helps your business get financial support for reaching out to global markets11.

A key part of the grants is the Florida Export Diversification and Expansion Program. It focuses on growing Florida’s economy by helping businesses export products and services10. The USDA Rural Business Development Grant also offers support for rural business needs like training and buying land10.

These grants have a big effect since small or medium businesses make up 96% of Florida's exporters. This positions Florida as a leader in starting new businesses11. There’s also over $31,979 million in grants and another $22,686 million from the government available for small firms in Florida11. These funds are a big boost for expanding in the international market.

For women running businesses, there are special grants like the WomensNet Grants. This includes the Amber Grant, Startup Grant, Business Category Grant, and Marketing Grant. They are key for growth and adding variety to businesses10. This shows Florida’s commitment to helping different parts of the business community with specific financial support.

To sum up, the Enterprise Florida Trade Grants are a strong support system for businesses aiming at the export grants in Florida. They assist in activities critical for exporting, like marketing and making websites global-ready. This support is vital for Florida firms to grow internationally and succeed worldwide10.

Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network Grants

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network helps businesses grow by providing grants. These grants are designed to help businesses reach customers around the world. The SBDC Network supports Florida's businesses, which adds to the state's large economy1213.

Available Services

SBDC consulting services offer expert business advice in many areas. They help with planning, marketing, and international trade. This is vital for businesses that want to grow worldwide. The SBDC Network also gives grants to help pay for things like export credit insurance and marketing12.

In Florida, nearly 2.5 million small businesses get help from these programs. This support lets them enter new markets and stand out from the competition. Almost all of Florida's exporters are small or medium-sized, showing how key this support is. The Florida SBDC Network provides tools and resources to help local businesses succeed internationally12.

BMO Celebrating Women Grant

The BMO Celebrating Women Grant program supports small businesses by women, especially in Florida. This year, it will help fifteen women-owned businesses across BMO's area. Each will get a grant worth $10,250, adding up to $153,750 in total14.

BMO launched this grant to help women advance financially. Businesses must be mostly owned by women and make under $5 million a year. They also need to have been running for at least two years by April 1, 202414. You can apply from April 30 to May 1414.

The goal of the grant is to overcome obstacles for women in business and boost their financial growth. It's especially good for those seeking BMO support and aid for Florida's women in business. Since 2020, it has supported 56 women-led businesses with grants totaling over $500,000. It has also celebrated over 240 women for their achievements15.

The selection reflects BMO's focus on diversity, with 40% of top jobs held by women15. For more info, check the BMO site here14.

These grants aim to empower female entrepreneurs, creating a more inclusive and successful business world. If you're seeking support for women's small businesses in Florida, the BMO Grant offers significant help.

City of Orlando Business Assistance Program

The City of Orlando has incentives for small businesses. The Business Assistance Program (BAP) offers grants to help local economy growth. The Orlando Economic Development Department backs these efforts to boost business expansion.

Small firms in Orlando can get grants for costs like fees and improvements, up to $20,00016. This aid is crucial for sustainable growth. It supports businesses just starting or expanding.

Orlando works hard to support businesses. It was ranked as the top city for starting a business in 2024 by WalletHub17. The city is also seen as a "Rising Star" for tech jobs and growth by Brookings Institute in 202217.

There are more programs through the Orlando Economic Development Department. They offer grants and encourage green building17. The area also has a lot of private investment money17.

Orlando's business support includes its education resources. Over 500,000 college students live within 100 miles17. Programs like UCF Business Incubation and StarterStudio give entrepreneurs extra help17.

Orlando gives comprehensive support to small businesses. Public and private efforts combine to help the area's economy. The Orlando Economic Development Department is key in this. Their work helps new and existing businesses grow, making the local economy stronger.

North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Grants

The North Miami CRA offers grants to improve local business areas. These funds are key for economic growth and making the community better. Business owners can get different grants for needs like making areas prettier or fixing up buildings.

Grant Programs

The North Miami CRA has several grants to help businesses. Here are the main ones:

  • Business Attraction Grant
  • Beautification and Enhancement Grant
  • Rehabilitation Grant

Grants go from $7,500 to $150,000 based on the project. High-tech projects can get up to $150,00018. Businesses must finish their projects within 180 days, but there might be a 90-day extension19. The CRA looks at applications as they come in. Businesses need to show invoices and canceled checks to get the money19.

Eligibility Requirements

To get a grant, businesses must be in North Miami’s Redevelopment Area. This area is 326.4 acres and has clear borders20. Projects should help the community and make the business area more beautiful. Applicants must also follow the Miami-Dade County ethics rules to qualify19.

The North Miami CRA gives funds to make business areas lively and pretty. It focuses on benefits for the community. For more info on these grants, visit the North Miami CRA Financial Incentive Program site19.

Conclusion

In Florida, small business owners can tap into various startup grants and aid to grow their dreams. Grants like the Florida High Tech Corridor Grant, Prospera, and Enterprise Florida Trade Grants offer crucial support. They help businesses innovate and expand.

Also, the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and Orlando's National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) are there to help. They provide consulting, training, and money help. Businesses can thrive21 with these services. They get a competitive edge and help Florida's economy grow.

Businesses can secure their future success by using these funding and resources. This support makes the journey to success smoother. It creates a strong setting for business innovation and growth in Florida.

FAQ

What types of startup funding opportunities are available in Florida?

Florida offers a variety of funding choices for startups. These include grants made for the state, nationwide grants, and loans focused on high-tech firms, Hispanic-owned businesses, and companies aiming to expand overseas.

How does the Florida High Tech Corridor Grant support businesses?

This grant aids businesses by funding their research and development efforts. It works in partnership with the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. Businesses can receive up to $150,000 in support.

Who is eligible for the Prospera Small-Business Grants?

Prospera Grants are designed for Hispanic business owners in Florida. They provide free professional services. This includes help with legal issues, accounting, creating business and marketing plans.

What are the main benefits of Enterprise Florida Trade Grants?

These grants help export companies with marketing, localizing websites, and attending trade shows. To qualify, a business must be in Florida, have been operating for more than two years, and reach certain sales and hiring numbers.

What services does the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network provide?

The SBDC Network in Florida backs export businesses with grants and offers expert business advice. This covers planning, marketing, and global trade efforts. They also reimburse costs linked to export credit insurance, marketing, trade shows, and events by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Who can apply for the BMO Celebrating Women Grant program?

Small businesses in Florida running for at least two years can apply. They should make under $5 million a year in sales. There's a chance to win $10,000 during the April 30 - May 14, 2024 application period.

What does Orlando's Business Assistance Program (BAP) offer?

Orlando's BAP supports local small businesses through matching grants. These can be used for various development fees. This includes things like transportation costs, permits, and enhancing community infrastructure. The maximum grant amount is $20,000.

What are some of the grant programs offered by the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)?

The North Miami CRA has grants like the Business Attraction, Beautification and Enhancement, and Rehabilitation Grants. These grants fund commercial projects that help the community. They offer from $7,500 to $150,000 in funding.

What general eligibility requirements must be met for North Miami CRA grants?

To qualify for a grant from the North Miami CRA, your business must be in North Miami. It also needs to meet specific criteria that show it benefits the community.

Meet Every, bookkeeping & taxes for startups and entrepreneurs

Contact our team for tailored advice & assistance

Subscribe to get founder advice delivered straight to your inbox.